WELCOME TO OUR MAY 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. 

Conferences Coming Up

We look forward to welcoming those of you who are attending our conferences in June that are once again to be held at The Lion House, Boreham.

Our Essex PCNs conference is 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.

Response from the BMA on the recovery plan

An update from the BMA on the GP recovery plan is now available to read and can be found on their website. This now includes some letters which practices and LMCs can utilise to support improving the primary secondary care interface.

PCSE TECHNICAL ISSUE WITH NETWORK PARTICIPATION PAYMENTS

The PCSE Payments Team has written to GP Practices to inform you that due to a technical issue with the calculation of PCN payments, your GP Practice may not receive the expected Network Participation Payment (DES Participation in the PCN) for the April contractual payment due to be paid in May 2023.
 
They are working with their technical team to understand how this impacts your GP Practice and they will be in touch soon to let you know how this will be rectified.

QOF Target Questionnaire

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 the following 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 – even if you have previously already done so - through our questionnaire.

Removal of EMIS panic button cancelled

David Wrigley, Deputy Chair, GPC England, has written to colleagues following prolonged discussions with NHS England and DHSC to announce that GPC England has stopped the removal of the EMIS panic button.

There was previously a process to follow for practices to ‘sign up’ to its continuation for their teams. More information will follow from EMIS on this.

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

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