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WELCOME TO OUR OCTOBER 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.
Online Portal Registration
Urgent Action Required: Register Now for Your Voice in Essex General Practice!
We are writing to all GPs, Practice Managers and PCN Managers across Essex with a request: Please register immediately for our new Online Portal.
This isn't just about accessing new resources - it's about securing the democratic voice of every GP in Essex for the future.
Your Eligibility for the Upcoming LMC Elections Depends on It
The LMC Elections will take place in early 2026, and all GPs must be registered on the new Online Portal to be eligible to participate. This is the only way to ensure you, and every GP in your practice and PCN can vote for and stand as a representative on the Committees that support general practice across the county.
Why Register Now?
- Secure Your Vote: Registration is the essential first step to ensure you are on the electoral roll for the upcoming LMC Elections.
- A Fully Representative Voice: We need maximum participation to elect a committee that truly reflects the diverse experiences of every working GP in Essex.
We Need Your Support: Facilitating the Essex Workforce Data
To make the elections as inclusive as possible, we require the support of Practice and PCN Managers to help facilitate the submission of accurate Essex workforce data.
This data is vital: it underpins the electoral process and helps ensure all eligible GPs are correctly identified and given the opportunity to participate in the elections. Your proactive support in this process will be invaluable in empowering your local GP workforce.
Explore the Future of Support: Watch Our Portal Video
The new Online Portal is designed to streamline communication and provide easy access to the support, news, and resources you need. We will be releasing features in phases over the coming months, but access starts with your initial registration.
We have prepared a short video that gives an overview of the new portal. Please take 2 minutes to register: here. If you experience any difficulties registering, please contact the LMC office.
Your timely action now guarantees the entire Essex GP community can participate in the early 2026 LMC Elections and shape the future of general practice representation.
GPCE Survey: Online Consultations In England
GPC England has launched a survey to ascertain the impact of the recent contract changes that came into effect on 1st October (read the e-mail from Dr David Wrigley below).
Dear colleague,
How is your practice managing with the new requirements over online consultations? We’ve opened a quick survey to find out how it’s been going during the first four to five weeks since the contractual changes came in on 1 October. We know it is a real challenge for some of you and this survey allows us to find out how practice teams are coping.
We’re aiming to develop a picture of how practices are managing these changes and colleagues overall view of the requirements the Government has brought in without adequate safeguards and support.
This is your chance to tell us how it’s going so far and if the introduction of mandatory online consultation requests has altered your view on whether this Government is truly supportive of NHS general practice?
The survey is open for just 2 weeks from today until 12pm on Wed 12 November. It will take just a few minutes to complete.
Your responses will be confidential and will give us valuable information to act on your behalf, with ICBs and with the Government. Thank you for taking the time to complete this important survey.
Dr David Wrigley
Deputy chair GPC England
The survey is open until midday on 12th November 2025 and only ONE response should be sent per practice. You will be asked for your practice ODS code (F code).
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.
Cameron Fund Christmas Appeal 2025
On behalf of the Cameron Fund Treasurer, Dr Simon Parkinson, we have received the Cameron Fund Christmas Appeal letter for 2025.
We would be very grateful if Practice Managers could distribute the letter to all GPs at the practice.
Professional Fees Committee Overview
The professional fees committee (PFC) negotiates and recommends a range of fees for doctors undertaking professional work outside their NHS contracts. The committee now seeks your valuable assistance.
PFC have reviewed member feedback indicating that the payment for completing Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) / Department for Communities (DfC, Northern Ireland) forms is inadequate; moreover it has remained unchanged since 2004. To negotiate an improved fee with DWP/DfC and highlight the value of your time, you are kindly asked for your participation in a survey.
Your responses will help demonstrate to DWP/DfC that higher fees could incentivise doctors to complete these forms. It will only take five minutes of your time to complete this survey. PFC is dedicated to working towards better fees across the UK and robust evidence from our members is essential for effective negotiations.
The survey will remain open for three weeks.
Should you have any questions or wish to raise a matter related to fees, please contact us at info.professionalfees@bma.org.uk.
AI-Enabled Ambient Scribing in Health & Care
NHS England identified benefits from technologies to record, transcribe, then summarise a consultation (which are referred to as “ambient voice technologies”).
NHS England has stated that all NHS organisations must ensure Ambient Voice Technology (AVT) solutions meet published NHS standards. Using non-compliant solutions can pose significant risks to clinical safety and data security.
GPCE Executive officers have produced advice for use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) software in General Practice which we urge all practices to read.
Updated Privacy Policy
We are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. Our updated Privacy Policy explains how Essex LMC (North & South Essex Local Medical Committees Limited) (“Essex LMC”, “we”, “us” or “our”) collects, uses, shares and safeguards personal data when you visit our website, use our services, or otherwise interact with us.
This policy is intended to meet our obligations under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018, and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR).
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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