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WELCOME TO OUR FEBRUARY 2025 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.
LMC Facilitated GP/Practice Manager Meetings
Further to discussion at recent LMC meetings, I am pleased to confirm that registration is now open for the LMC facilitated GP/Practice Manager meetings.
The events will provide an opportunity to raise key issues, share insights, and explore ways to improve the interface between primary and secondary care and help shape better collaboration for patient care. Local hospital consultant representatives will also be in attendance.
It will be useful for constituents to meet their LMC representatives and to learn more about the support provided by the LMC. With this in mind, LMC members that attend one of the events will be reimbursed for their time in accordance with usual LMC attendance rates.
A hot buffet supper will be available from 6:15pm. There is no charge to attend, however, you are required to register in advance for the purpose of catering arrangements.
Registration is via the following links:-
Wednesday 02/04/2025 - 7:15pm Stockbrook Manor Golf & Country Club, Billericay Book your free place here
Thursday 01/05/2025 - 7:15pm Lion House, Boreham Book your free place here
We look forward to seeing you at one of the events, but please do not hesitate to contact the office if you have any questions
Estimated Increase in NI Costs 2025
On December 12, 2024, within the GPC England update bulletin, we were informed that ongoing representation was being made to the government about the impact on GP practices of the proposed increase in NI contributions.
Essex LMCs approached constituents in January 2025 in order to ascertain as much information as possible around the estimated NI costs and asked for a short survey to be completed in this regard. As a result of our findings, we are making representations to the GPC and ICBs, using predicted figures to enable us to quote ranges.
Our report is now available on our website.
Recognising Professionals As Victims Of Domestic Abuse - A Good Practice Guide
More professionals than ever before are being referred to Domestic Abuse services by third parties, rather than coming forward themselves. In some cases, when a professional discloses Domestic Abuse to their manager, appropriate action is not always taken.
A small working group has been formed to provide guidance and raise awareness of pathways for professionals accessing Domestic Abuse services.
National Flu Immunisation Programme
Guidance has now been released for the 2025 to 2026 National Flu Immunisation programme. It includes the next steps for regions and providers to take, including which flu vaccines to order.
Full confirmation of this document can be found in our guidance document which confirms that there are no changes to the eligible cohorts.
GP Collective Action
GPC England is inviting GP partners/contractors to take at least one of nine actions with effect from 1st August 2024. Further information and the list of actions can be found at: GP partners collective action: 9 actions you can take GPC England has advised that none of the proposed actions will place GP partners/contractors in breach of their contract.
Specific guidance for Salaried and Locum GPs can be found: here
A suite of campaign materials are available from the BMA website and include a patient-facing animation that can be used on waiting room screens: GPs on your side animation
GPC England is gathering data on any actions that practices across England are taking in order to measure the impact of collective action. This “Local Action Tracker Survey” has now moved to a monthly, rather than weekly submission. No identifiable data will be gathered as part of the surveys.
Questionnaire reminder
Earlier this year we sent out a survey seeking information on requests received by practices which constituted inappropriate transfer of work. We would like to remind you of our survey which can be found on the following link: https://forms.office.com/e/F2rMS9MLgS
We have now added a further seven questions to enable us to capture more information around the inappropriate requests that you are receiving. The LMC will use your responses in our continued discussions with ICBs as well as sharing data anonymously with other outlets, including the media.
Further information on managing inappropriate workload requests can be found on our website here: Managing Inappropriate Workload - Essex LMC
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 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.
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 workforce data for Essex GP Practices, and male/female GP ratio documents, both commencing from November 2022.
Essex LMCs on Social Media
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