WELCOME TO OUR OCTOBER 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. 

Accelerated Access To Records

In advance of the planned roll out of accelerated citizen access to records on 31 October 2023, GPCE has published guidance for practices about what their options are.

Our website has more information including a link to the BMA website that has eight further links to assist practices.

Digitisation of Lloyd George Medical Records

As more patient medical records are digitised and transferred between practices via the GP2GP function, the LMC receives an increasing number of queries about how the process works, and what practices should do in certain situations. We now have some guidance on our website which will be continuously updated. 

Forthcoming Finance Webinars For GPs

On Wednesday, November 15, 2023, Chase de Vere (part of BMA Services) will be delivering the second of five webinars between October 2023 and May 2024 on behalf of Essex LMCs in regards to Pensions, Achieving Financial Goals, Getting Financially Fit for 2024, Pre-Tax Year Considerations, and Financial Considerations for GP Transitions.

All GPs working in Essex are welcome to attend these webinars.  A summary from Chase de Vere of what will be covered is included on our website.

Cameron Fund Christmas Appeal Letter 2023

On behalf of the Cameron Fund Treasurer, Dr Ian Winterton, we have received the Cameron Fund Christmas Appeal letter for 2023. We would be very grateful if Practice Managers could distribute the letter to all GPs at the practice.

SNEE Niche GP Initiative

Suffolk & North East Essex ICB (SNEE) are excited to launch the NICHE GP INITIATIVE – Dr Sarah Hughes explains more….

“The Niche GP Initiative is a great way for GP colleagues to find additional or new work that interests them and for Practices & PCNs to be supported in exploring how different GP roles might work for their patients."

Genomics Training

The above programme consists of a series of 3 x 1 hour modules with time included for Q&As. There will be suggested pre-reading which will support the interaction and learning on the day. Participants are asked to take any cases/scenarios to the day which can be worked through with the faculty, and participants will also be asked to complete a pre and post-event self assessment.

There is also an event on Thursday, 16 November 2023, 12:30 – 2:00pm, with more information available on our website.

Practice Manager Supporter Scheme

The LMC is seeking applications for Practice/PCN Manager Supporters for the Essex LMC Practice Manager Supporter Scheme.  We are looking to recruit three supporters from the following areas:-

• 1 x South Essex
• 1 x North East Essex
• 1 x West Essex

Supporters are available to offer all managers support and signposting to advice. They provide ad-hoc advice and support to their manager colleagues and offer learning opportunities to support their Continuous Professional Development.  Supporters will support peers, and offer coaching and mentoring to new and experienced managers, in person, virtually, via email or on the telephone.

QOF Target Questionnaire Reminder

The LMC continues to be aware of the difficulties that some practices experience in achieving the Childhood Vaccinations and Immunisations QOF targets because of not being able to exception report for parental refusals or missing the schedule deadline due to new registrations.

We continue to be keen to understand the extent of the problem in Essex and, if you are a practice affected by this, we would be grateful if you could complete our short questionnaire in order for us to collate such information that will be shared with GPC to further inform ongoing discussions with NHS England.

We ask for all affected practices, where possible, to supply this information to us through our questionnaire.

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.

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