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WELCOME TO OUR NOVEMBER 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.
Launch of BMA NI Calculator And Web Page Resources
The BMA has launched a NI calculator along with other resources that can be used to lobby for financial solutions to the rise in NI and national living/minimum wage from April 25. The calculator is available to BMA members (login required) and the figures collected will inform BMA discussions with politicians and the media.
GP Collective Action
GPC England is inviting GP partners/contractors to take at least one of ten actions with effect from 1st August 2024. Further information and the list of actions can be found at: GP contract 2024/25 changes (bma.org.uk) GPC England has advised that none of the proposed actions will place GP partners/contractors in breach of their contract.
Specific guidance for Salaried and Locum GPs can be found: here
A suite of campaign materials are available from the BMA website and include a patient-facing animation that can be used on waiting room screens: GPs on your side animation
GPC England is gathering data on any actions that practices across England are taking in order to measure the impact of collective action. This “Local Action Tracker Survey” has now moved to a monthly, rather than weekly submission. No identifiable data will be gathered as part of the surveys.
ADHD Pathways
Adults
The topic of adult ADHD pathways has been discussed at length at recent meetings of both North and South Essex LMCs.
ADHD is not within core GMS and this is a rapidly growing issue with multiple providers offering opinions and diagnoses of variable credibility to vulnerable patients. The associated workload is significant and LMC members recommend that this care be provided by properly commissioned specialist services.
The LMC has now issued advice to practices in Mid and South Essex and North East Essex to cease provision of this service to adult patients by giving three months’ notice and to no longer accept new patients in respect of monitoring and prescribing for ADHD. The LMC has produced template letters which can be adapted and used when informing the ICB, secondary care/private providers and patients. These can be found on our website: Managing Inappropriate Workload - Essex LMC
Children
Discussions are ongoing with regard to children’s ADHD pathways and further advice will be issued to practices in due course.
Cameron Fund Christmas Appeal and Winter Newsletter 2024
On behalf of the Cameron Fund Treasurer, Dr Simon Parkinson, we have received the Cameron Fund Christmas Appeal letter for 2024. We would be very grateful if Practice Managers could distribute the letter to all GPs at the practice.
We have also received the Cameron Fund's winter newsletter.
Attraction, Recruitment and Retention
At Primary Care Careers, they pride themselves on providing a dedicated and tailored service, making primary care a career destination.
They focus on:
- Attraction - getting the right people interested in working for you.
- Recruitment - the process of hiring candidates for a specific position or job.
- Retention - the extent to which an employer keeps their people working within their organisation.
If you’d like to see how they can help you with attraction, recruitment and retention please do get in touch on 01206 918760 or enquiries@eoeprimarycarecareers.nhs.uk or visit their website for further information.
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.
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.
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