20 October 2020

Dear colleagues,

We would like to hear your thoughts on proposals for greater flexibility to be given to how dental hygienists, dental therapists, biomedical scientists, clinical scientists, operating department practitioners, podiatrist independent prescribers, physiotherapist independent prescribers, and paramedics are able to access medicines for their patients. The consultation runs for 8 weeks from 15 October to 10 December 2020. Further information can be requested at england.cpomedicinesmech@nhs.net.  

Thank you for your continuing hard work in the fight against COVID-19 as we see a number of areas in England facing heightened restrictions and activity levels.

Raj and Ed

General practice 

New GP Payment and Pensions system

Practice payments are currently calculated by a system called NHAIS (the National Health Application and Infrastructure Service). This system is at the end of its working life and needs to be replaced. We commissioned Primary Care Support England (PCSE) (Capita) to build a replacement system to calculate practice payments including Global Sum (GSUM), vaccinations and immunisations payments.  

The new payments system was due to go live in October 2020 but PCSE has now put this back. The final assurance tests identified some areas for improvement and PCSE are working on these before launching the new software. We will keep you updated on the new launch date over the coming weeks. Practices do not need to take any specific action at this time – the existing payments systems and processes will continue for the time being.

A small number of practices have been approached by PCSE to undertake a reconciliation of their practice patient list. This work will continue to ensure the most accurate patient data is available when the system launches and we, therefore, ask those practices contacted to continue to engage with this exercise.

Community pharmacy

Help with primary care network Directed Enhanced Service medicine reviews: polypharmacy comparators

The NHS BSA Polypharmacy Prescribing Comparators can help primary care networks (PCNs) with the Structured Medication and Medicines Optimisation Service Specification.

Developed by a group of GPs and pharmacists in Wessex, working with Wessex AHSN and NHS BSA analysts, the award-winning comparators help practices and PCNs prioritise which of their patients may be at greatest risk of harm from problematic polypharmacy.

The comparators show practices and PCNs how many patients they have on eight or more, 10 or more, 15 or more, and 20 or more, medicines. They also identify patients taking a combination of medicines known to increase risk of harm. Find out much more and watch a short video.

Changes to the Human Medicines Regulations 

The Government response on changes to the Human Medicines Regulations to support the roll out of COVID-19 and flu vaccines has been published.

Amendments are likely to be made to the Human Medicines Regulations, which:

• strengthen existing regulations allowing for the temporary licensing of medicines and vaccines on an exceptional basis, pending grant of a full licence;
• extends immunity from civil liability to companies producing the vaccine;
• allows a wider range of trained personnel to administer these vaccines;
• enables promotion of COVID-19 vaccine and treatments as part of national campaigns and provides some short-term exemptions to the need for a wholesaler dealers license to transfer vaccines under NHS or armed services authorised arrangements.

Optometry

Focus on Life film

The College of Optometrists has commissioned a BAFTA nominated director to create a short film that is shot entirely out of focus, demonstrating the impact of living life with reduced or impaired vision.

This is a world first and will be launching via YouTube tonight at 8pm. As well as seeing the first airing of the film, you will have the chance to pose questions to the director, Mark Nunneley, and College Clinical Adviser, Daniel Hardiman-McCartney FCOptom. You must be signed into your YouTube account to take part in the Q&A.

Primary care

Last chance for care homes to apply for a free iPad

Care homes have until 23 October 2020 to apply for a free iPad (if applicable also a free 12 months data SIM) using this NHSX form. The iPads are being prioritised for eligible care homes with the greatest need. The aim is to ensure that everyone living in a care home in England can access video consultations and remote care when needed. The tablets will also allow staff to access NHSmail and other tools or systems needed to support care, as well as to connect people with their loved ones.

First Contact Practitioners and Advanced Practitioners in Primary Care: (Musculoskeletal) A Roadmap to Practice

This Primary Care Educational Roadmap was developed by Health Education England. It provides a clear educational pathway from undergraduate to advanced practice for clinicians wishing to pursue a career in primary care.

Dates for your diary

Tuesday 20 October, 8pm - 9pm. Taking a break from COVID-19: How to escape, unwind & reboot

Wednesday 21 October, 1.30pm - 2:30pm. Tackling social isolation and loneliness through social prescribing

Thursday, 22 October, 1.45pm - 3pm. Upcoming webinar: Managing hypertension in primary care

This webinar will outline public health and general practice perspectives on tackling hypertension during COVID-19, including a case study from Cheshire and Merseyside Health and Care Partnership. If you have any queries on the session, please email: england.clinicalpolicy@nhs.net.

Thursday 29 October, 4pm - 5pm. Digital Primary Care Influenza webinar 

Wednesday 11 November, 9am - 8pm. NHS Confederation: PCN Network virtual conference

NHS Volunteer Responder programme updates - new webinars

Fortnightly webinars are being held to provide regular updates on the NHS Volunteer Responder programme.

• Thursday 29 October, 10.30 - 11.30am - Join Microsoft Teams Meeting
• Thursday 12 November, 10.30 - 11.30am - Join Microsoft Teams Meeting
• Thursday 26 November, 10.30 - 11.30am - Join Microsoft Teams Meeting
• Thursday 10 December, 10.30 - 11.30am - Join Microsoft Teams Meeting

Link of the day

The impact of COVID-19 to date on older people’s mental and physical health.