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WELCOME TO OUR APRIL 2024 NEWSLETTER
This publication is sent to all Essex GP Practices via their Practice Managers. However, we encourage anyone who would like to receive this communication directly, to subscribe below.
QOF Target Questionnaire
The LMC continues to be aware of the difficulties that some practices experience in achieving the Childhood Vaccinations and Immunisations QOF targets because of not being able to exception report for parental refusals or missing the schedule deadline due to new registrations.
For a third successive year, we continue to be keen to understand the extent of the problem in Essex and, if you are a practice affected by this, we would be grateful if you could complete the following short questionnaire in order for us to collate such information that will be shared with GPC to further inform ongoing discussions with NHS England.
We ask for all affected practices, where possible, to supply this information to us - through our questionnaire.
Conference Registration Opening Soon
Registration links will soon be sent out inviting Practice Managers to our Conference on Tuesday 25 June. Please keep an eye out for our invitation and we look forward to seeing as many of you as possible once again.
Support Around MP Request For Elections
Practices may be contacted by their local MPs as they look to get a handle on the current crisis in general practice.
We are hearing more that MP's are keen to hear first-hand about the pressures in general practice locally, and how those feed into the wider picture.
The LMC is on hand to provide advice and support should you be contacted by your local MP who might want to visit your practice.
Please feel free to get in touch with our office, should you find yourself in this situation using our contact form below.
Managing Inappropriate Workload
GPs and practices are under exceptional pressure. GPs are being overwhelmed by rising workload, particularly from a growing patient need. At the same time, there is an emerging workforce crisis with shortages of GPs leaving many practices unable to recruit doctors and evidence that some experienced GPs are considering leaving general practice altogether.
We now have a dedicated page on our website for managing inappropriate workload, including links to BMA advice and template letters for you to use.
There is also a link that will take you to a form that you can complete and send to the LMC should you wish to make us aware of such requests. We can then collate this information and share in our discussions with ICBs
LMC Condemns Hester Comments
At their recent monthly meeting, members of South Essex LMC referred to the GPC voting in favour of an emergency motion urging Frank Hester to stand down from TPP following his remarks about Diane Abbott.
Members strongly condemned Mr Hester’s remarks and agreed that the LMC should support the GPC stance. Going forward, practices should consider Mr Hester’s comments before entering any further contracts with TPP.
LMC Buying Group Membership Reminder
The LMC Buying Group helps GP practices save money on products and services they regularly buy. The Buying Group have negotiated excellent discounts on a wide range of products and services from their approved suppliers.
Buying Group membership is completely free and there is no compulsion to use all the suppliers. They do the hard work associated with finding the most competitive suppliers in cost and customer service, so they save you time as well as money on your purchasing!
Although the Buying Group was originally set up to help GP practices save money on the products and services they regularly buy, membership is now also open to GP Federations and Primary Care Networks.
Why use the Buying Group?
· No membership fees
· Excellent negotiated discounts from a range of suppliers
· Quality products and services
· Free cost analysis for members
· No need to ‘shop around’ anymore – we’ve done the hard work already!
· Access to a recruitment platform to advertise your clinical and non-clinical roles for free and a premium ‘Featured Job’ package for a small fee.
· Access to a community resource hub
If you’re not sure whether you’re a member and/or have access to the Buying Group website (this is where you can view the pricing/discounts and get quotes) then contact the Buying Group team on 0115 979 6910 or info@lmcbuyinggroups.co.uk. They can also help you with any questions you might have about your membership or the suppliers.
April 2024 Bulletin
The Essex Safeguarding Adults Board have issued their bulletin for April 2024 which contains the following information:
New Resources for Professionals
Southend, Essex and Thurrock (SET) have produced three new resources to be used by professionals and agencies working with or for adults in the SET areas.
These tools have been developed to aid communication, knowledge and highlight who to notify. Available on the Essex Safeguarding Adults Board (ESAB) website here:
Assault & Sexual Violence
SET Guidance and Referral Pathway
Modern Slavery
Firearms - Advice for Practitioners
This advice has been developed as a direct result of a joint Domestic Homicide Review (DHR) and Safeguarding Adults Review (SAR) which highlighted the risk around the lawful possession of firearms and sharing of information. Available on their website here.
Learning & Development
ESAB provide online face to face training and e-Learning for professionals working with adults in Essex, the full course calendar can be found here.
There are two Safeguarding Adults Basic Awareness training courses on the 18th July and 9th September.
This online face to face course is highly rated by delegates as it allows them to interact; asking questions and developing understanding through conversation, with support and guidance from an expert trainer. The comprehensive course is designed to help professionals to effectively recognise different types of abuse, respond to concerns and report them with confidence. Secure your place today.
Safeguarding Adults Basic Awareness (£15)
10am - 12.30pm
18 July 2024
9 September 2024
Updating GP contact details with the LMC via PCSE Performer List
Many of you will be aware that GPs can, via PCSE’s portal, opt in to having their contact details passed to their local LMC, which they can select themselves. Automated monthly e-mails are sent from PCSE to LMCs with a list of those who have opted in, along with contact details.
In order for LMC communications and election processes to be as inclusive as possible, it is important that we have up to date contact details for GPs working in the county. The LMC does not routinely receive this information via other routes and therefore we would encourage GPs to use the PCSE portal.
Consent is the legal basis being used to pass on these details and if a GP does not consent, no details will flow. Consent can be revoked at any time.
Practice Manager Supporter Scheme
The Practice Manager Supporter Scheme (PMSS) offers a dedicated support and advice service to Practice Managers/PCN Managers, recognising the unique challenges they face and helping safeguard their well-being. The Practice Manager Supporters will be there to lend a helping hand, ensuring that Practice/PCN Managers have the resources and guidance they need to navigate the demands of their roles.
Initially set up to support Practice Managers, the scheme has been extended to offer the same support to PCN Managers. Advice, support, and peer to peer Personal Development Reviews are available for new, experienced and assistant/ deputy practice managers and PCN Managers in Essex. All interactions are treated with the utmost confidentiality. The information you share with your chosen supporter remains strictly between you and them.
There are six Practice Managers and one PCN Manager Supporter, who are actively working across different regions of the county. Practice/PCN Managers can benefit from this scheme without any associated costs. Our website provides further information and guidance on how to contact a Supporter.
GP Practice Workforce Data
Using data from NHS Digital, we now provide workforce data for Essex GP Practices, and male/female GP ratio documents, both commencing from November 2022.
Do you need help with PCSE cases?
Have you waited for more than 40 days for a response from PCSE for a case raised with them? Are you experiencing financial hardship as a result? Or, is there a risk to patient safety? If you have answered yes to any of these questions, then the LMC can help you.
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