Being an effective LMC
Over the coming weeks the newly elected and re-elected members of all of our LMCs will complete the process of choosing Chairs and Vice Chairs. This month two LMC chairs provide examples of the role of LMCs in representing local GPs and arriving at constructive outcomes.
Prof Gabriel Ivbijaro MBE, Chair of Waltham Forest LMC
Waltham Forest LMC became aware of GP appointments being used by patients asking for copies of reports and letters to support blue badge applications to the local authority, which is not part of the work covered by the GP contract. We contacted Waltham Forest Council to see if there was a way for them to get the necessary information to provide blue badges, without sending patients to their GP.
The Council agreed to update their guidance to ask applicants not to make a GP appointment solely to get reports and letters, but instead to share the copies of relevant correspondence which they had already been sent by their GP. Those patients who had not retained these documents are asked to speak to their practice reception to obtain copies, rather than book a GP appointment.
This is an example of an LMC working collaboratively with another organisation to reduce inappropriate GP appointments without any detriment to the support provided to patients. We have also been able to share Waltham Forest Council’s guidance with other LMCs in case they encounter a similar issue.
Dr Adam Jenkins, Chair of Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow LMC
In November 2017, NHS England published national guidance to primary care commissioners regarding the definition for how practices meet the “reasonable needs of patients” in providing or arranging access to essential and additional services delivered under their contract.
NHS England London wrote to all practices in Ealing and Hammersmith & Fulham who had declared in their 2017/18 Annual GP practice self-declaration that they were closed for one afternoon per week, asking them to complete an assurance questionnaire on what sub-contracting arrangements they had made to provide cover for their patients when the practice was closed.
Twenty six practices were identified as closing for one afternoon per week in the two boroughs. Most practices offered cover via a sub-contract with either Care UK or London Central & West Unscheduled Care Collaborative, depending on the borough. A minority of practices offered cover via a duty doctor at the practice.
Both Ealing and Hammersmith and Fulham CCGs were asked to consider whether to approve the sub-contracting arrangements or to raise a notice of objection on the grounds that the sub-contractor would be unable to meet the contractor’s obligations under their contract, which could lead to eventual breach of contract. Both CCGs were persuaded by the LMC’s argument that there was a less combative way forward by asking the practices to describe how they could adapt their services where necessary to comply with the new guidance.
Local LMC representatives continue to work collaboratively with Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow CCGs to find a mutually acceptable solution to NHS England guidance on unchanged GMS/PMS contractual regulations.
Last updated : 17 Oct 2018Discriminatory language and behaviour in the workplace (19 Nov 2019)
At the end of October an ITV news interview provoked a lot of debate, after a surgeon of South Asian heritage revealed a patient had asked for a white...Pre-election period 2019 (19 Nov 2019)
What is “Purdah”? ‘Purdah’ or ‘the pre-election period’ refers to the weeks preceding a general election when specific restrictions apply principally around the activity of those working in central and...Hospitals discharging patients after missed appointments (19 Nov 2019)
Recent media reports have revealed large numbers of patients being discharged form hospital after a missed appointment, contrary to the NHS Standard Contract. We all know that general practice...CNSGP – What is in, what is out and who do I approach for help? (19 Nov 2019)
The Clinical Negligence Scheme for General Practice (CNSGP) was introduced on 1 April 2019 and provides comprehensive indemnity for clinical negligence liabilities arising in NHS general practice in relation...Conference of England LMCs - 22 November 2019 (15 Nov 2019)
The Conference of England LMCs is on Friday 22 November. A full list of motions to be debated can be read here. Three motions are being proposed by LMCs...Registering for Central Alerting System (CAS) alerts (31 Oct 2019)
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) Central Alerting System (CAS) is the national system for issuing patient safety alerts, important public health messages and other safety critical...Brexit update - October 2019 (23 Oct 2019)
On 8 October Matt Hancock, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, released a statement on his department’s preparations for a ‘no-deal’ exit from the European Union....Physician – look after yourself (23 Oct 2019)
Following World Mental Health day earlier this month, Dr Richard Stacey from our GP support team looks at how clinicians can take better care of their own mental health. 10...Debt and Mental Health Evidence Form (DMHEF) (23 Oct 2019)
It will now be a contractual requirement for GPs to complete a Debt and Mental Health Evidence Form (DMHEF), for patients who have a mental health condition. GPs in England...Guidance
We provide expert guidance for practices in our guidance section, as well as an archive of other materials you may find useful.
GP Support
Contact our GP Support team if you need help or advice.
The team provide professional and pastoral support to GPs and practice teams on a broad range of issues.