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WELCOME TO OUR JANUARY 2026 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.
Nomination and Election Process for 2026
Twelve Essex LMC constituencies are due for re-election in March 2026. The nomination and election processes will be conducted entirely via the new LMC portal. Only GPs that are registered on the portal will be eligible to stand, nominate colleagues and vote. GPs that have not already registered on the portal can do so here: GP Registration
Please make sure your registration is completed by Monday 9th February 2026, and keep an eye out for LMC communications in the coming weeks regarding the nomination and election timetable.
LMC Portal Update
Functionality of the new LMC portal is being rolled out in stages, with the next phase supporting the upcoming LMC nomination and election process. Our own AI knowledge bot LIA, (LMC Intelligent Assistant) is expected to be available in late Spring, which will provide 24/7 access. Additional information and resource features will follow.
Thank you to all who have registered so far. We currently have approximately 75% of Practice Managers and an estimated 50% of Essex GPs registered. If you have not yet registered, you will find the links below. We kindly ask that you also share these with colleagues and encourage them to register.
Practice/PCN Manager Registration
A brief overview of the portal can be found in this short video: www.Essexlmc.org.uk/online-portal
Engaging with the NHS 10-year Health Plan - Reminder
18th March 2026 - 9am to 5pm Hatfield Place, Hatfield Peverel, Chelmsford
North & South Essex Local Medical Committee (LMC) and EQUIP invite you to a crucial, interactive day exploring the implications of Neighbourhood Teams and their impact on GP practices and Primary Care Networks (PCNs).
What You Will Gain
Hear directly from representatives of the Integrated Care Board (ICB), collaborate with Community Trusts (EPUT), and participate in practical workshops focused on navigating the legal and contractual considerations. This event will help you understand the risks, responsibilities, and potential benefits of this evolving model for your organisation.
Key Speakers Confirmed Include:
- Dr Brian Balmer, CEO Essex LMC/EQUIP
- Tom Abell, CEO, Essex ICB
- Paul Scott, CEO EPUT
- Ross Clark, Hempsons (Legal and contractual implications)
Further Information & Booking
To view the full agenda and secure your place, click here
Practice Manager Supporter Scheme
Support for Practice & PCN Managers in Essex: You’re Not Alone!
The Practice Manager Supporter Scheme (PMSS)
Offering free, confidential support for:
- Practice Managers
- PCN Managers
- Deputy & Assistant Managers
What You’ll Get:
- One-to-one support from experienced managers
- Peer-to-peer Personal Development Reviews (PDRs)
- Guidance tailored to your role
- A safe, confidential space to share
- Advice from people who understand your challenges
Your Supporters
A team of 5 Practice Managers and 1 PCN Manager, actively working across Essex, ready to support you wherever you’re based.
100% Confidential | 100% Free
Everything you share stays between you and your chosen supporter. No judgement. No pressure. Just practical support and encouragement when you need it most.
BMA Update on Provision of Vaccinations by Non-Registered Healthcare Workers
Vaccination is a key public health measure aimed at preventing and reducing morbidity and mortality across the population, particularly the protection of vulnerable cohorts. Recent events such as the COVID 19 pandemic and subsequent mass vaccination programme witnessed the expansion of the workforce in the administration of vaccines with significant inclusion of non-registered healthcare care support workers (HCSWs) being involved. The annual influenza programme heavily relies on non-registered HCSWs such as healthcare assistants (HCAs) to enable coverage and uptake.
The BMA has produced a guidance document outlaying advice for the provision of vaccinations by non-registered healthcare workers.
Cameron Fund Elections 2026
The Cameron Fund is the only medical benevolent fund that solely supports general practitioners and their dependents.
The Member of the Council of Management who jointly represents Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex, will be retiring by rotation at the AGM on 7th May 2026.
To be eligible for nomination, GPs must already be registered members of the Cameron Fund and nominations should comprise a letter or email signed by the nominee indicating his/her willingness to stand for election.
The letter/email should arrive at the Registered Office no later than Monday 16 February 2026.
A Guidance for General Practice
An update by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) on 19 June 2025 (focusing on what the revised legislation means for regulated organisations) has been used to inform practices of guidance.
The DUAA updates existing laws on digital information, data protection and data use across public and private sectors. It aims to:
- promote innovation, research and digital development
- simplify data protection requirements
- maintain patient rights and confidentiality
Changes apply gradually from June 2025 to June 2026 and mainly streamline current processes.
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.
GP Practice Workforce Data
Using data from NHS Digital, we now provide monthly workforce data for Essex GP Practices, Male/Female GP Ratios, and GP Ethnicity documents.
Essex LMCs on Social Media
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