Important LMC Briefing on the London PMS Review

In the knowledge that PMS contract reviews must take place before April 2016 (see NHSE letters of February 2014 and September 2014), Londonwide LMCs have sought to engage with NHSE London on their approach and ability to complete the reviews across London within this time frame. This briefing is our understanding of the current position and the action we believe PMS practices should be taking.

Practices can be assured that when Londonwide LMCs have any further information this will be shared as soon as possible.

1. Current position:

NHSE London are still developing “The London approach to PMS contract reviews”, with a further version expected next week.
A national PMS contract for essential and additional services will be offered across London.
Premium funding released from existing PMS contracts must be re-invested in general practice, however the mechanism and the decision making process is yet unclear.
The timeframe for completion is 1 April 2016 and appears to be non-negotiable.
NHSE London have recognised that some practices may need transitional funding, but again, the criteria and process is unclear.
NHSE London are currently in discussion with CCGs to explore a finally agreed approach.

2. Current concerns and risks:

The timeframe of 1 April 2016 is extremely challenging.
To date, there is little evidence that appropriate consultation with Londonwide LMCs has been undertaken.
A full risk assessment can only be undertaken once the final approach has been issued.

3. LMC/Practice action:

Ongoing discussions with David Sturgeon, Director of Primary Care Commissioning to clarify issues and concerns.
Provide sector based communications to ensure all practices have access to appropriate current information and local support.
Provide communication and media support to practices in engaging with patients, public, local media and leading local politicians.
Practices should assess the minimum income necessary to remain viable under a new PMS contract and be able to quantify existing 'premium funded services'. Please see our note about the submission of information.

4. Contract facts:

The ability for PMS contract holders to revert to GMS contracts is still available, however practices would need to notify NHSEL in writing by 1 January 2016.
NHS Health Body Status - Practices need to opt out of NHS Health Body Status by notifying NHSEL as soon as possible - before the review begins. Further details on what practices should do can be found here.
An Act of Parliament in 2010 allows NHSE to terminate any PMS contract, giving six months' notice, without cause. Termination of contract notices would need to be issued by 1 October 2015 if they were to be implemented for non-compliant practices by 1 April 2016.

Last updated : 03 Aug 2015

Data sharing agreement checklist and guidance for practices (21 Aug 2019)

Londonwide LMCS is aware of the increasing complexity and number of information and data sharing agreements (DSAs) and documents which practices are receiving to review and sign. To support practices,...

New CQC guidance section for practices (20 Aug 2019)

In the past 12 months CQC have visited nearly 400 practices in London and found that: 3 were considered outstanding, 300 were considered ‘good’, 57 required improvement, and 23...

Bowel screening update – August 2019 (20 Aug 2019)

NHS England have provided an information sheet to explain the introduction of the faecal immunochemical test (FIT). This replaced the guaiac faecal occult blood test (gFOBt) at the start of...

Tackling social isolation and loneliness to improve health (20 Aug 2019)

Colin Brown, UK Director for Independent Living & Crisis Response at British Red Cross looks at how their expertise will be of use to social prescribing link workers, as they...

Primary care buddying system (20 Aug 2019)

The NHS London Leadership Academy is working with primary care providers to support development in the sector, and to facilitate wider working across the health and social care system. They...

Vaccination update August 2019 (20 Aug 2019)

Hepatitis B in at risk babies Babies born to mothers infected with hepatitis B require a course of hep B vaccination. The first dose is given within 24 hours in...

Londonwide LMCs’ support for Primary Care Network Clinical Directors (20 Aug 2019)

The introduction of the PCN DES means significant changes in the way practices deliver some existing services, and the rolling out of a new range of services. Londonwide LMCs is...

Safeguarding payments and collaborative arrangements (15 Aug 2019)

On 11 July 2019 Dr David Geddes, NHSE/I Director of Primary Care Commissioning, wrote to CCGs and STPs advising that payment for safeguarding activity is not covered by core NHS...

Tips of the month August 2019 (15 Aug 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...