GPs, GP appraisers and primary care organisations can gain free access to the ePortfolio tool when it is launched later this year.

GPs who are not college members will be able to access the tool until April 2012, after which there will be a charge for use. College members will continue to access the tool for free.

RCGP chairman Professor Steve Field said: ‘We’re really pleased to be able to offer our ePortfolio free to appraisers and GPs. The college is committed to helping GPs with practical solutions designed to make their lives simpler. The ePortfolio demonstrates this philosophy put into practice.’

Initially, GPs will be able to use the tool to manage their annual appraisals. Eventually, revalidation tools will be added to the software suite.

It comes as the DoH announced it would end central funding for the NHS Appraisal Toolkit from 31 October.

Healthcare Republic has launched an improved version of its Storage Folder facility called a CPD organiser.   ACCESS YOUR FREE CPD ORGANISER AT  www.healthcarerepublic.com/CPD