Trusts asking practices to identify overseas patients when referring
We are aware some practices are receiving messages from hospital trusts asking for assistance in identifying overseas patients at the point of referral.
We would like to remind practices that there is no contractual obligation for GP practices to provide this information and it is up to the trust to determine eligibility to secondary care services. It is important that GPs make referrals based on clinical judgement and need, rather than perceived eligibility.
According to NHS regulations, everyone is entitled to free access to primary care services including general practice. The regulations around access to NHS secondary care services for overseas visitors are more complicated, with different rules regarding urgent and necessary care compared to routine care.
Further information about eligibility is available on the migrant.health toolkit, including additional information for practices on supporting and treating patients from abroad.
We have already raised our concerns about the letter with the GPC. If you are aware of any such requests locally, please share them with us via comms@lmc.org.uk or our Beam2LMC app.
Last updated : 18 Sep 2019Releasing capacity in general practice: invitation to free roadshow (19 Jan 2016)
London GPs are invited to a free workshop co-hosted by NHS England and the BMA. The event is intended to improve understanding of the evidence about workload, provide insights into...Taking the next steps in encouraging the use of online services for patients (19 Jan 2016)
As the NHS develops its strategy for encouraging patients to make use of online services, the uptake within primary care has been patchy. As part of the process for ensuring...NHS England GP engagement survey (19 Jan 2016)
South East CSU is developing an outline business case for an improved system of urgent and emergency services on behalf of NHS England, and would like GPs to help by answering...Mandatory reporting requirements for GMC and NHSE Performers’ List (19 Jan 2016)
There have been a number of recent cases of GPs not being aware of the extent of the requirements for reporting an untoward occurrence to the GMC and/or NHSE under...It's election year at Londonwide LMCs! (19 Jan 2016)
It’s LMC election time again at Londonwide LMCs! Elections take place every two years on a rolling basis and any GP working in one of the 27 London boroughs we...Parental leave arrangements (19 Jan 2016)
Parental leave arrangements Since 1 April 2015, all practices have been entitled to reimbursement of the cost of GP cover for parental leave – that is maternity/paternity/adoption leave. This is...Speakers’ Corner - NHS England’s (London) Kenny Gibson on why the flu vaccine is important. (19 Jan 2016)
This month Kenny Gibson explains the importance of the flu vaccination programme. Kenny is Head of Public Health Commissioning for...Apprenticeship programme for General Practice in North West London (18 Jan 2016)
Londonwide LMCs and Health Education NWL are working in partnership with training providers to deliver apprenticeships in Business and Administration and Clinical Healthcare. We are currently running a successful pilot...Registration now open - Dr Phil Hammond to chair Londonwide LMCs’ annual conference on 20 April 2016 (14 Jan 2016)
Winter planning resilience guide to help practices (04 Jan 2016)
Our Winter Planning resilience guide will help GPs and their practices create and maintain a business continuity plan. The guide can be downloaded from our...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...
