WELCOME TO OUR MARCH 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. 

Essex Practice Manager Conference 2024

The date for our 2024 Practice Manager Conference has been set for Tuesday, June 25, 2024 and will once again be staged at The Lion Inn, Boreham.

Please save the date in your diary, and we look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at this event.  

Managing Inappropriate Workload

GPs and practices are under exceptional pressure. GPs are being overwhelmed by rising workload, particularly from a growing patient need. At the same time, there is an emerging workforce crisis with shortages of GPs leaving many practices unable to recruit doctors and evidence that some experienced GPs are considering leaving general practice altogether.

We now have a dedicated page on our website for managing inappropriate workload, including links to BMA advice and template letters for you to use.

There is also a link that will take you to a form that you can complete and send to the LMC should you wish to make us aware of such requests. We can then collate this information and share in our discussions with ICBs

Updating GP contact details with the LMC via PCSE Performer List

Many of you will be aware that GPs can, via PCSE’s portal, opt in to having their contact details passed to their local LMC, which they can select themselves. Automated monthly e-mails are sent from PCSE to LMCs with a list of those who have opted in, along with contact details.

In order for LMC communications and election processes to be as inclusive as possible, it is important that we have up to date contact details for GPs working in the county. The LMC does not routinely receive this information via other routes and therefore we would encourage GPs to use the PCSE portal.

Consent is the legal basis being used to pass on these details and if a GP does not consent, no details will flow. Consent can be revoked at any time.

Cameron Fund Spring 2024 Newsletter and Annual Review for 2023

The Cameron Fund Spring 2024 newsletter and their Annual Review for 2023 are now both available to read via our website.

Succession/retirement planning webinar: What to do with your premises?

BW Healthcare Surveyors will be delivering a webinar on behalf of Essex LMCs at 1:00pm on Tuesday 16th April 2024.  The webinar is free to attend and there will be an opportunity for Q&As following the presentation.  To register please follow this link.

Details from BW Healthcare Surveyors:

Have you ever considered whether a sale and leaseback transaction would resolve your succession planning issues? Or if putting a lease in place between the retired GP’s and the existing partnership would be a better option?

This webinar will be performed by an expert speaker in the field of primary care who is involved with supporting practices with all their premises related issues nationwide.

They will explore the main premises options to consider when beginning GP practice succession and retirement planning; how to avoid common costly pitfalls and how a robust succession plan can even help alleviate partnership recruitment problems.

When you consider a significant proportion of GP Partners are within five years of the average retirement age of 58, putting a succession plan in place has never been so important.

Cessation of receipt of cheques/paper locum forms by PCSE

From 1 April 2024, PCSE will no longer accept cheques for Locum contributions or paper Locum A & B forms by post.

Making payment to NHS England

All pension contribution payments must be made by BACS to NHS England (NHSE).

To make a BACS payment, you will need:

1. The NHS England bank account number and sort code
2. Your BACS reference     

PCSE are unable to publish NHSE bank details for security reasons - please call their Customer Support Centre on 0333 014 2884 for this information. Find out more here.  Please note: when you are using PCSE Online, you may still see references to cheques. These will be removed later this year.

Submitting Locum A & B forms

Please use PCSE Online to submit your Locum A & B forms. You can find guidance here. Alternatively, you can submit via the Contact Us form.

2022/23 End of Year Pensions Process 

NHS Pensions will shortly be publishing the 2022/23 Type 1 Annual Assessment of Pensionable Profit and Type 2 Medical Practitioner Self- Assessment forms, along with guidance notes here.

New submission deadline

NHS Pensions have extended the deadline for Pension Scheme Members to submit their 2022/23 end of year pension forms. The new deadline for submission of the 2022/23 Type 1 and Type 2 certificates is now 31 March 2024.

Our website has been updated with details of webinars that you can attend for guidance as to how to complete your 2022/23 certificates.

Adult Social Care Safeguarding portal now live

Essex County Council have announced that their new Adult Social Care (ASC) Safeguarding Portal is live. The portal will improve and streamline the way safeguarding referrals are managed for Essex citizens and professionals.

All safeguarding referrals should be made online via the new portal which can be accessed through the Essex ASC webpages and the Essex Safeguarding Adults Board website.

Practice Manager Supporter Scheme

The Practice Manage 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 Practice Manager 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.

Essex LMCs on Social Media

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