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WELCOME TO OUR JULY 2025 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.
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.
Save The Date - 2025 PCN Conference
We are pleased to confirm that this year’s PCN Conference will be held on Tuesday 21st October 2025 at The Lion House, Boreham.
We hope that you will be able to join us for what should be a very informative day and will also offer an opportunity to network with PCN colleagues from across Essex and beyond.
The full programme is currently being finalised but speakers will include Lizzie Lloyd/Louise Dean from Larking Gowen Accountants, and Dr Andy Cope (Art of Brilliance). We will also be showcasing local PCN initiatives through our “Share Your Success Stories” campaign.
Tickets for this event are priced at £69.00 and registration is now open at the following link: Essex PCN Conference 21st October 2025
The event is open to all PCN Clinical Directors/Managers, GPs, Practice/Business Managers, and any other staff involved in the management/administration of PCNs.
2025 Report
We continue to be aware of the difficulties that some practices have experienced in achieving higher thresholds for Childhood Vaccinations and Immunisations QOF targets as a consequence of not being able to exception report because of parental refusal or missing the schedule deadline due to new registrations etc.
We recently sent a survey out to practices and thank you to 72 of you who responded with your figures for this QOF domain. We have now concluded our exercise in this regard and have prepared a report for GPC England to use in future negotiations with NHS England.
Online Portal Coming Soon...
Phase One:
All Essex GPs will be asked to register on the portal in order to access LMC resources and be eligible to stand and/or vote in all future LMC elections. Next scheduled elections will take place in March 2026.
Phase Two:
Practice and PCN Managers will be asked to register on the portal and confirm practice/PCN information.
As our portal continues to develop, we are currently conducting a soft launch for LMC members only. It is expected that this will be opened up to all GPs during August.
Further Guidance on Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)
The LMC office is aware that practices are receiving numerous enquiries regarding prescribing of Mounjaro.
We have now produced a poster (one for each ICB area) for practices to use which we hope will be helpful in informing patients of the current position.
GP Practice Premises - What you need to know
BW Healthcare Surveyors will be delivering a webinar on behalf of Essex LMCs at 1:00pm on Thursday 18th September 2025. The webinar is free to attend and there will be an opportunity for Q&As following the presentation. To register please follow this link.
The following topics will be covered:-
· What practices can claim for in their reimbursement
· The process for when a lease is up for renewal or you are due a rent review
· The difference between notional rent and actual rent
· Understanding the process when you make a challenge against your notional rent or actual rent
Online Consultation Support Webinar
On Wednesday, 6th August 2025, (12pm to 1pm), join the NHS Confederation and NHS England for the first in a new joint webinar series, where there will be exploration into practical support, case studies, and expert guidance to help implement online consultation tools — aligned with the 2025/26 contractual requirement to have them switched on throughout core hours from 1 October 2025.
FOI Guidance From ICO
Advice for GPs and practice staff on the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and responding to requests for information has been issued by the Information Commissioner's Office.
Please visit the link below for full information in this matter.
Summer 2025 Newsletter
The Cameron Fund have now issued their summer newsletter with all the latest news about the work that they do.
This can now be found on our website.
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
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.
GP Practice Workforce Data
Using data from NHS Digital, we now provide monthly workforce data for Essex GP Practices, Male/Female GP Ratios, and GP Ethnicity documents.
Essex LMCs on Social Media
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