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WELCOME TO OUR APRIL 2023 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.
Conference Registrations Open
Registration is now open to book your place at our forthcoming conferences. These are once again to be held at The Lion House, Boreham.
Our Essex PCNs conference will be held on Tuesday 6 June, and our Essex Practice Managers conference will be held on Tuesday 20 June.
Please visit our website for further details in the link below.
GP Contract Changes Summary
A summary of the GP contract changes for 2023/24 is now available in one of our guidance documents.
Statutory Medical Examiner System Update
Practices will be aware that Medical Examiner scrutiny for all community deaths was due to be introduced from 1st April 2023.
The LMC understands that the implementation date has been deferred and we will share further information once clarification is received from the Government as to the revised commencement date.
In the meantime, where pilots have not yet been undertaken, ICSs may use Time to Learn sessions to provide associated training to primary care staff.
Open Exeter Cytology Information
We have recently been made aware that some practices in Essex are experiencing problems logging into the Open Exeter system to see Cytology information.
We have therefore raised this issue which in turn has been raised with the Primary Care Support Service Management Team of NHS England who have issued a response which can be read on our website.
LMC Buying Group
Membership of the LMC Buying Group entitles practices to discounts on products and services provided by the Buying Group’s suppliers. Membership is free and there is no obligation on practices to use all the suppliers. However, practices can save thousands of pounds a year just by switching to Buying Group suppliers.
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.
Appointments in General Practice
Through NHS Digital, we are able to obtain data on appointments that have taken place in general practice across Essex. The data that we can extrapolate is useful for us to see how many appointments have been offered in a month, and how many patients were seen face to face for example.
We now produce appointment data flyers that can be displayed in your practice. Please see below for more information.
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.
Practice Manager Supporter Scheme
"It is a fantastic service, thank you."
"Very grateful to be seen within 24hrs of my request, it really helped me through a current difficult time."
"Really helpful and supportive for a new PM."
"Fantastic service for new managers."
“PMSS is a great scheme, well thought and very helpful to new practice managers. The PM role of is quite challenging, especially after the pandemic, but knowing that there’s always someone with experience offering help and advice in no time is an absolute godsend. Trish has been an excellent adviser for some of my challenges, she’s professional and very approachable. I hope the scheme will continue to offer much needed support the PM role. Thank you!”
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Just some of the comments above that we have received for our Practice Manager Supporter Scheme. Are you a Practice Manager or a Deputy Practice Manager and in need of support?
Essex LMCs launched the PMSS in December 2021. In the event that you may have missed details of the scheme, please click below, which tells you about the service. This is free to access and is available to all Practice Managers and Assistant/Deputy Practice Managers in Essex.
Peer to Peer Support
Support can be offered in person, virtually or on the telephone. All support requests are strictly confidential between you and your supporter. It is important to note that the supporters are not able to offer any legal advice but can signpost their colleagues towards useful resources and assistance.
Peer to Peer Appraisal
A Peer to Peer (Practice Manager to Practice Manager) appraisal scheme is now available for all. The service has been fully funded by all the Essex ICBs, so there will be no cost to you or the practice. It is a useful professional development tool, and will be an opportunity to think about what you have/want to accomplish professionally and help you to define your goals.
Essex LMCs on Social Media
Please remember to follow us on Facebook and/or Twitter, 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).
