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WELCOME TO OUR FEBRUARY 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.
Register Now to Secure your Vote
Nominations are now open for seats in twelve Essex LMC constituencies and will close at midday on 27 February 2026. To submit a nomination, please Login - Essex LMC to the Essex LMC portal and navigate to the “My Nominations” tab.
To ensure that the nomination and election processes are as inclusive and democratic as possible, it is essential that all GPs register on the new LMC portal. If you have not yet registered, you can do so here: GP Registration
At present, the number of locum GPs registered on the portal remains relatively low. Five of the twelve constituencies due for re‑election this year are ring‑fenced for locum GPs, and therefore we would encourage this cohort to complete their registration on the portal now to secure their vote.
Further information, including the areas due for re-election, is available on the LMC website: Elections - 2026 - Essex LMC
If you have any questions regarding LMC membership, the nomination/election process, or registering on the portal, please contact events@essexlmc.org.uk
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
University of Essex - PTSD Fishing Study
Dr Guyan Sloane from the University of Essex has contacted the LMC regarding the Casting Away Trauma (previously Angling for Good) project being run by the University and iCARP CIC.
The project is funded by NIHR (NHS Research) and its aim is to investigate a nature-based, social activity (angling) as a means of helping military veterans, blue light service personnel and bus/train drivers deal with PTSD symptoms and other after-effects of trauma exposure. They are currently recruiting for this project and would like your help promoting their study within your practice.
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.
Primary Care Collaboration Club
Primary Eyecare Services contracts with NHS commissioners and trusts to allow NHS funded enhanced eye care services closer to home for patients from local optometry practices, utilising smaller independent practices to larger national chains, Asda, Specsavers and Boots.
Primary Eyecare Services’ services access and eligibility vary depending on the region and area, to see the bespoke local information for your patients, please see their Service Eligibility tool here.
Service Posters and Flyers
A selection of posters and flyers to promote services can be downloaded, printed and used by practices.
GP Accountant Access in PCSE On-line
There is a new GP Accountant role in PCSE On-line that, once linked to a GP Pension Scheme Member they are providing services for, allows users with the role to:
- access the Employee Contribution Statement of Pension Scheme Members
- create a Type 1 or Type 2 form for them if required
New Functionality
- New permissions in PCSE On-line to support GP Accountants
- Enables access to Employee Contribution Statements
- Allows accountants to complete Type 1 and Type 2 certificates
Managing Access
- Practice user Administrator manages links on behalf of GP Pension Scheme members
- Can add an accountant or authorised contact
- Can remove access when no longer required
Benefits
- Ensure secure, controlled access to pension information
- Supports accurate and timely completion of end-of-year pension forms
- Users only view information for members they are linked to
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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