No images? Click here
WELCOME TO OUR MARCH 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
A reminder that we are pleased to confirm that registration is now open for our 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. 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
Practice Manager Conference 2025
We are pleased to confirm that registration is now open for this year’s Essex Practice Manager Conference which will take place on Tuesday 20th May 2025 at The Lion House, Boreham.
Bookings are via Eventbrite where you will find further details and the link to register is here:- Essex Practice Manager Conference 2025
The Conference is open to Practice Managers, Deputy/Assistant Practice Managers and any other practice staff that you think will benefit from attending.
Ticket rates are as follows:-
Advance Purchase Tickets are available until 30th April 2025
First delegate £75.00
Second & subsequent delegates £65.00
Bookings made from 1st May 2025
Standard rate (all delegates) £99.00
Numbers are limited and therefore please book early to secure your place.
If you have any questions regarding the event please do not hesitate to contact Annette Finer or Sarah Bell at the LMC office via events@essexlmc.org.uk
We look forward to welcoming you back in May.
LMC Vacancies
There are currently a number of vacancies for LMC representatives on both North and South Essex Local Medical Committees.
North Essex South Essex
Epping Basildon
Harlow Billericay, Brentwood & Wickford
Maldon Castle Point & Rochford
Uttlesford Thurrock
Witham, Braintree & Halstead
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 in our LMC Reps FAQ document on our website.
If you have any questions regarding LMC membership please contact annette@essexlmc.org.uk
Work Begins Towards a new GP contract
On 18 March 2025, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, released a statement reaffirming the government’s commitment to working with GPC England to secure a new substantive GP contract.
2025/26 GP Contract Changes
On 7 March 2025, NHSE wrote to general practice teams to outline the GP Contract changes for 2025/26. We have produced a guidance document to summarise the changes.
GP Contract Webinars 2025
The GPC England Officer team are providing updates on the new 2025/26 GP contract changes. There will be an opportunity for Q&A. Please see dates and times with registration links below:
· Wednesday 9 April 19:00-21:00 Register here
· Thursday 10 April 12:00- 14:00 Register here
· Wednesday 23 April 19:00-21:00 Register here
· Thursday 24 April 12:30- 14:30 Register here
NIHR funding to establish Primary Care Commercial Research Delivery Centres
The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is launching a new £10m initiative to establish Primary Care Commercial Research Delivery Centres (PC-CRDCs). These centres will focus on increasing commercial research capacity and capability, and improve patient access within primary care.
NHS primary care organisations, such as GP practices and primary care networks are eligible to submit an application.
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
Please remember to follow us on Facebook and/or 'X', and connect with us on LinkedIn to keep up-to-date with our latest news.
Please click on any of the icons below to connect with us on your preferred platform(s).
