North & South Essex Local Medical Committees 

Welcome to the February 2023 edition of our e-newsletter. This publication is sent to all Essex GP Practices via their Practice Managers.  However, we encourage anyone who would like to receive this email directly, to subscribe below. 

2023/24 GP contract update webinars

GPC England are organising five webinars to ensure that every GP has an opportunity to hear about this year’s contract changes, ask questions, and share their feedback, at no cost. GPCE officers will deliver the same presentation at each webinar, meaning that attendees need only attend the event most convenient to them.

Further details and registration will be available via the BMA’s Events page in due course, and GPCE will include the registration links in their next bulletin/update. To see the planned dates and times of the webinars, please visit our website in the link below.

New GP Evidence Website Launched

A new website designed by and for GPs has been launched called 'GP Evidence'.

It gives easy-to-understand summaries of the evidence behind NICE recommended treatments for long-term conditions. The idea is that it will be a go-to tool for GPs (and other HCPs) to use when needed to support shared-decision making and the management of multimorbidity and polypharmacy. 

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 currently undergoing live testing (Beta testing) and we hope to be able to have this available to all very soon. 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.  If you would like to be included in the beta testing phase, please contact Sarah Bell

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).