Digital first and APMS contracts
During summer 2020 there have been discussions about the possibility of creating new APMS contracts in areas deemed to be ‘under-doctored’ by NHS England and local commissioners. This follows on from a process started in 2018 in which NHS England began looking at the the role of digital first providers in general practice, which was then developed and discussed through two consultations and a board paper. As the representative body for London general practice we have taken a keen interest in representing the views of grassroots GPs and their practice teams throughout this process.
The NHS England presentation, shared with some CCGs to explain some of the ideas being considered, can be viewed here.
We are regularly asked to comment on issues affecting London general practice, here is our statement on the current issues:
NHS England consultations:
- NHS England consultation on digital first from July 2018.
- Londonwide LMCs’ response summary to the 2018 consultation (including a link to our full response).
- NHS England consultation on digital first from June 2019 (focussing more on APMS and procurement).
- Londonwide LMCs’ response summary to the 2019 consultation (including a link to our full response).
In the 2019 consultation response we said:
“We are concerned that APMS contracts are notoriously unstable and poor vehicles for the provision of the continuous and effective health care relationships beneficial to patients and staff. Considering the benefits of stable and continuous patient care and a sustainable and stable workforce, we believe that commissioners would see improved patient outcomes through increased investment and support for GMS contracts which are nationally negotiated, and provide long term stability for patients and staff."
NHS England Board paper regarding the findings of the digital first consultations discussed and adopted in September 2019:
Last updated : 24 Sep 2020Londonwide Enterprise update (17 Aug 2016)
Practice managers conference and events Speakers have been confirmed for the Practice Manager Conference to be held at Woburn House on Thursday 22 September 2016. ‘Leadership through Change: making the...Patient engagement survey (17 Aug 2016)
We are asking for practices to share their experience of successfully developing their patient engagement work, including top tips, by completing our patient engagement surveys. These will help shape the...London Improvement Grant Fund 2017-18 (17 Aug 2016)
The London Improvement Grant Fund application process is now open. Practices need to submit their applications by 17:00 on Friday 30 September 2016 by emailing them to: England.LondonIGfund@nhs.net. Practices should...NHS England Update on Estates and Technology Transformation Fund (ETTF) (17 Aug 2016)
Unfortunately, information regarding submission dates for reimbursement claims for NHS England’s Estates and Technology Transformation Fund (ETTF) has caused some confusion. Please note that the submission date change is not related...New GPSoE Resources - Posters (16 Aug 2016)
We have produced two posters to help practices explain to patients and staff why we are in a state of emergency. One is for your waiting room and outlines the...Capita list cleanse plan (16 Aug 2016)
At the end of July it was reported that part of the new Primary Care Support Services contract between NHS England and Capita would include a list cleanse programme, designed...New requirements for hospitals re work with general practice (16 Aug 2016)
Londonwide LMCs’ CEO Dr Michelle Drage has written to Trust and Foundation Trust CEOs across London asking how they plan to implement the new requirements outlined in the 2016/17 NHS...General Practice Resilience Programme funding (16 Aug 2016)
£2.65m of resilience funding is available to London practices this financial year, as the Capital’s share of a £16m national pot, promised as part of the GP Forward View. This...TPP QRISK2 error – responsibility for practices (16 Aug 2016)
NHS England is concerned that only around half of practices affected by the TPP QRISK2 error have accessed the lists of affected patients provided to them. Dr Andrew Green,...Feedback on Capita Primary Care Support England services (16 Aug 2016)
Following concerns expressed about the current Capita/Primary Care Support England (PCSE) records and supplies services, the BMA recently sought feedback on practices’ experience of Capita’s service. Dan Hodgson in the...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.
follow us on...
