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

 

Tips of the month January 2020 (20 Jan 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 »

Workforce survey autumn 2019 initial findings (20 Jan 2020)

388 people working across 328 GP practices responded to the survey, representing 28% of the practices in the Londonwide LMCs’ area. Half of responding practices have vacancies for any role,...
Read more »

GPC regional representative elections 2020 (20 Jan 2020)

Nominations are open for the election of GPC regional representatives for 2020-2023 for two of the London GPC regional constituencies.  Constituency: Brent, Harrow, Hillingdon, Ealing, Hammersmith & Hounslow. Dr Michelle...
Read more »

PCSE online accound for the Performers List - important information for individual GPs and practices (13 Jan 2020)

The new Primary Care Support England (PCSE) online service for submitting Performer List (PL) applications and changes is now live and replaces the old paper forms. The BMA’s General Practitioners...
Read more »

London general election 2019 update (18 Dec 2019)

Following the 12 December General Election, London has thirteen new MPs – many of whom have strong local government connections and experience.  Dr Michelle Drage, Londonwide LMCs’ Chief Executive, will...
Read more »

Tips of the month December 2019 (17 Dec 2019)

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 »

BMA pension records survey (16 Dec 2019)

The BMA are in the process of creating a Pensions Modeller for GPs. Tony Goldstone, who is building the modeller, has set up a five-minute survey to help determine how...
Read more »
Next Page »
« Previous Page