North & South Essex Local Medical Committees 

Welcome to the November 2022 edition of our e-newsletter. This publication is sent to all Essex GP Practices via their Practice Managers.  However, we encourage anyone who would like to receive this email directly, to subscribe below. 

Conference of England LMCs 2022

On Thursday 24th and Friday 25th November, LMC representatives and observers attended the 2022 Conference of England LMCs at Friends House, London. On day one, a number of motions were presented and carried forward for GPC to negotiate with NHS England in future contracts. One such motion was regarding proposed changes for Childhood Vaccinations and Immunisations to include the ability to exception report, and for a lower threshold to be reached for a maximum payment.    

Patient Access to Records - Mass Roll-Out Halted

On Tuesday 29 November, the BMA issued an update on the Patient access to medical records. Please find an urgent message from Dr David Wrigley, Deputy Chair, GPC England, regarding the roll-out of prospective access to GP Records, including FAQs on our website via the link below.

Primary Care Careers Launch New Website

Primary Care Careers has been supporting practices and PCNs across Essex with recruitment to all roles in primary care for a while now.  This week marks the launch of the new Primary Care Careers website which brings together all the recruitment support available to you.  Whether you are looking to recruit to a permanent or fixed-term role, looking for temporary cover, or looking for a new role yourself, all the information is now in one place.  

Business Skills Workshops

In conjunction with Pfizer, we have arranged a series of workshops aimed at all PCN staff.

The content of these workshops has been fully funded and developed by Pfizer to support NHS organisations to improve services and enhance patient care.

There are two workshops remaining - both on 7th December - for more information and to book your place on one of these workshops for just £30.00 (anyone who booked a conference bundle ticket for our recent PCN conference gets free access to all of the workshops), please see below.

Cameron Fund Christmas Appeal 2022

On behalf of the Cameron Fund Treasurer, Dr Ian Winterton, we would like to share with you the Cameron Fund Christmas Appeal 2022 letter. We would be very grateful if you could also share this with your members and ask them to consider making a donation. The letter is available on our website.

Appointments in General Practice

Through NHS Digital, we are able to obtain data on appointments that have taken place in general practice across Essex. The data that we can extrapolate is useful for us to see how many appointments have been offered in a month, and how many patients were seen face to face for example.

We now produce appointment data flyers that can be displayed in your practice. Please see below for more information.

Veteran Friendly GP Practice Scheme

The Veteran Friendly practice scheme is accredited and endorsed by the Royal College of General Practitioners.

The scheme’s purpose is to make sure people who are currently, or have ever served in the armed forces, and their families, are not disadvantaged when it comes to getting the healthcare and support they need. This commitment to the Armed Forces Community is primary care implementing the UK national Armed Forces Covenant.

In Essex and Hertfordshire, a challenge has been set for one practice in every Primary Care Network to become accredited as a Veteran Friendly practice by April 2023.

To find out more, please click on the below link.

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.

Practice Manager Supporter Scheme

"It is a fantastic service, thank you."

"Very grateful to be seen within 24hrs of my request, it really helped me through a current difficult time."

"Really helpful and supportive for a new PM."

"Fantastic service for new managers."

“PMSS is a great scheme, well thought and very helpful to new practice managers. The PM role of is quite challenging, especially after the pandemic, but knowing that there’s always someone with experience offering help and advice in no time is an absolute godsend. Trish has been an excellent adviser for some of my challenges, she’s professional and very approachable. I hope the scheme will continue to offer much needed support the PM role. Thank you!”

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Just some of the comments above that we have received for our Practice Manager Supporter Scheme. Are you a Practice Manager or a Deputy Practice Manager and in need of support?

Essex LMCs launched the PMSS in December 2021.  In the event that you may have missed details of the scheme, please click below, which tells you about the service. This is free to access and is available to all Practice Managers and Assistant/Deputy Practice Managers in Essex. 

Peer to Peer Support

Support can be offered in person, virtually or on the telephone. All support requests are strictly confidential between you and your supporter. It is important to note that the supporters are not able to offer any legal advice but can signpost their colleagues towards useful resources and assistance.

Peer to Peer Appraisal

A Peer to Peer (Practice Manager to Practice Manager) appraisal scheme is currently undergoing live testing (Beta testing) and we hope to be able to have this available to all very soon. The service has been fully funded by all the Essex ICBs so there will be no cost to you or the practice. It is a useful professional development tool, and  will be an opportunity to think about what you have/want to accomplish professionally and help you to define your goals.  If you would like to be included in the beta testing phase, please contact Sarah Bell

Essex LMCs on Social Media

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Please click on any of the icons below to connect with us on your preferred platform(s).