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WELCOME TO OUR OCTOBER 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.
GPC England: BMA GP Opinion Survey 2024
The BMA’s annual GP Opinion Survey gathers GPs' views on current issues and opportunities facing General Practice. These views will inform this year’s contract negotiations and the longer-term strategy as they work for better pay and conditions for GPs in England.
The BMA would like to hear from as many GPs and GP Registrars as possible. The more responses they receive, the stronger GPC England’s position will be as they enter negotiations for the next GP contract.
This survey is open to all fully qualified GPs and GP Registrars ST3 and above in England, including non-BMA members.
Your GMC number is asked for so that the BMA can corroborate responses as coming from qualified GPs based in England, but all responses will be anonymised.
The survey will close on Monday, 11 November at 9am.
GP Collective Action
GPC England is inviting GP partners/contractors to take at least one of ten actions with effect from 1st August 2024. Further information and the list of actions can be found at: GP contract 2024/25 changes (bma.org.uk) 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
LMC Vacancies
There are currently a number of vacancies for LMC representatives on both North and South Essex Local Medical Committees. Representative places are open to GP Partners, Salaried and Locum GPs.
The committees meet monthly with the majority of meetings held via Teams, although several face-to-face meetings are held each year - North Essex in Boreham, South Essex in Rayleigh. Further details on being an LMC member can be found here.
If you have any questions regarding LMC membership, or to find out if there is a vacancy in your area, please contact annette@essexlmc.org.uk
Cameron Fund Christmas Appeal 2024
On behalf of the Cameron Fund Treasurer, Dr Simon Parkinson, we have received the Cameron Fund Christmas Appeal letter for 2024. We would be very grateful if Practice Managers could distribute the letter to all GPs at the practice.
Make savings on products and services by utilising the Buying Group approved suppliers
The LMC Buying Group has an impressive list of suppliers that cover a variety of products and services, from stationery and office equipment to medical consumables and confidential information shredding.
Savings are regularly identified as being between 20% and 45% made on office items from their supplier, Whittaker Workplace Solutions. They can supply your practice with everything it needs to run smoothly, including stationery and office products, catering and cleaning supplies and printer cartridges. To order from them, you can phone, email, fax or order online at all times.
If you are looking for a company that can provide confidential information protection and secure document shredding, hard-drive destruction and associated recycling services, the Buying Group have the perfect supplier for you. Through Shred-it’s partnership with the Buying Group, all members can access 50% off standard rates. Shred-it supplies their services to organisations of all sizes in the private, public and third sectors.
To access the discounts, you would have to sign up with the Buying Group. Membership is completely free for practices. For those of you who are already members, accessing these discounts is incredibly simple, all you have to do is visit the Buying Group’s website here: https://www.lmcbuyinggroups.co.uk/suppliers/ and click onto the supplier page you are interested in.
PCC To Update Applicant Tracking System
Primary Care Careers (PCC) aim to provide the best possible service to hiring managers and job seekers and with this in mind, they have just commenced a total overhaul of their applicant tracking system.
Can you help them get the most from their Applicant Tracking System?
PCC would like you to share your experience of using their system and work with them to ensure that they can deliver the best possible service.
If you would like to get involved, please get in touch with PCC on 01206 918670 or enquiries@eoeprimarycarecareers.nhs.uk.
They look forward to hearing from you and to launching their updated recruitment system early next year.
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.
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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