November 2018 premises update

This month's update includes our new premises support group and the fact we will be making contact with practices who are flagged to us as being in need of urgent assistance.

LMC support with premises Issues

NHS England/CCGs have a duty to consult with the LMC over issues that impact General Practice, including premises/estates issues. We have set up a GP Premises Liaison Group with Surrey & Sussex LMCs and Barking & Havering LMCs to meet regularly with NHS England London Region, CHP and NHSPS to discuss strategic, policy and operational issues. We are aware that there are ongoing issues where practices need individual support and we have agreed with NHS England London/CCGs, CHP and NHSPS that they should encourage you to contact GP support for confidential assistance and advice before further action is taken, including legal action. They may also confidentially highlight to GP support out of meetings where a practice may need urgent individual assistance; this may result in you receiving a call from one of our GP Support team. Please contact us if you have any concerns regarding this.  We are aware that practices are under significant stress and would like to reassure you that our GP support team is here to assist. 

Occupancy Agreement Letters

Wes are aware that NHSPS are sending practices Occupancy Agreement Letters and Occupancy Change Notices for completion and return. Please note these have not been agreed with the GPC or LMCs.  These documents should be treated with extreme caution, and professional advice sought from an appropriately qualified legal adviser with healthcare/general Practice knowledge and experience before you sign anything. You are under no obligation to sign the agreement if you do not agree to its terms.

London policy for financial assistance with service charges and premises running costs

NHS England London region and London CCGs have developed a policy with London LMCs for accessing financial support for service charges and premises running costs.  Please contact GP support on gpsupport@lmc.org.uk for more information.  Please note, there is a gateway with eligibility criteria including: full disclosure of income and expenditure on an open book and annual basis, and production of an action plan to demonstrate how you will optimise your income and reduce expenditure over the next 12 months.

Transitional funding

Such arrangements should only be entered into where you are entirely satisfied that when the transitional period ends you are not inadvertently left having to meet increased costs without the benefit of increased funding. In the view of the BMA and LLMCs, transitional arrangements should be avoided. More permanent solutions which align a practice’s funding to their costs are needed.

Service charges

Practices should only make payments to the extent that they are both satisfied as to the legal basis upon which they are payable and their accuracy, and set aside/accrue funds while you resolve your concerns. We are aware that this issue is causing practices significant stress.  You can access support through gpsupport@lmc.org.uk.  If NHSPS take action to enforce charges against you please contact gpsupport@lmc.org.uk immediately; you may also wish to contact the GPC on gpcpremises@bma.org.uk.

 

Last updated : 21 May 2019

 

Supporting Safe Care in General Practice during Covid-19 - a Londonwide LMCs Living Guide - version 24 updated 16.04.2021 (04 Dec 2020)

Click here to access Londonwide LMCs Living Guide 'Supporting Safe Care in General Practice during Covid-19'.
Read more »

Coronavirus hospital trust information (25 Nov 2020)

The coronavirus pandemic has created many challenges to the healthcare system across England and in London in particular. Coronavirus arrived in the UK in January 2020 and a national lockdown...
Read more »

Send us your picture for our latest social media campaign (25 Nov 2020)

This winter we will be running a social media campaign to highlight that general practice staff are people just like everyone else and patients should consider this before taking out...
Read more »

Send us your picture for our latest social media campaign (25 Nov 2020)

This winter we will be running a social media campaign to highlight that general practice staff are people just like everyone else and patients should consider this before taking out...
Read more »

Tips of the Month November 2020 (25 Nov 2020)

We provide weekly tips based on common queries which come through to us from London GPs and practice teams. These are shared via social media and collated for...
Read more »
Next Page »
« Previous Page