brent lmc february 2012 · 2015. 2. 14. · brent lmc february 2012 representing gps and practice...
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Brent lmc February 2012 Representing GPs and practice teams in Brent
In this month’s LMC news: Click on the links below to be taken directly to the news item of your choice
Newsflash! 1 It’s election year at Londonwide LMCs!
2 Safeguarding your premises and income
3 GP commissioning latest news – developing the Londonwide Clinical Commissioning Council (LGPCC)
Local news 4 Important Information Regarding GP Appraisals
5 Motions for Conference
General news 6 PIP breast implants – LMC advice
7 Londonwide LEAD – helping you to train your staff
8 Nurse insurance now available from MIAB, the Buying Group's approved insurance provider
9 myhealthlondon website – has your practice taken a look yet?
10 Your chance to talk with your GPC representatives and negotiators
11 Cervical cytology training update
12 Changes to the benefits system
13 Blue badge scheme
14 National review of asthma deaths – your help is needed
15 Getting set for digital TV – can you lend a ‘helping hand’ to your older or disabled patients?
16 BMA 2012 research grants
17 Leading improvement in safety and quality training from the NHS Institute
18 Recent updates and guidance from the Department of Health (DH) and other organisations
19 Dr Eric Gambrill travelling fellowships – submit your application now!
20 An alternative approach to fighting depression
21 And finally...
1 It’s election year at Londonwide LMCs!
It’s election time again!
Elections take place every two years on a rolling basis and any GP working in the area may be nominated
for election. Don’t forget that we welcome representation from all GPs including partners, salaried,
sessional and freelance GPs.
We would particularly welcome nominations from those GPs who are under-represented on current
LMCs. Serving on your LMC can be a worthwhile and rewarding task.
Watch out for further information in your LMC newsletter or visit the LMC website.
Back to index.
Londonwide LMCs is the brand name of Londonwide Local Medical Committees Limited. Registered and office address: Tavistock House North,
Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9HX. T. 020 7387 2034/7418 F. 020 7383 7442 W. www.lmc.org.uk. Registered in England No. 6391298.
Londonwide Local Medical Committees Limited is registered as a Company Limited by Guarantee.
2 Safeguarding your premises and income
PCTs will cease to exist on 31 March 2013, which means those of you in a PCT-owned premises will
have had a change in landlord by this time. This will be a particular problem for those of you who do not
have a formal signed lease in place.
Londonwide LMCs will shortly be issuing guidance, which will include a specimen lease and a specimen
schedule of service charges that you can use as a starting point in your negotiations with your current
landlord.
We have agreed to work with NHS London to avoid duplication and ensure consistency. We will be
meeting with Cluster premises leads in the near future, and will keep practices up to date with progress
and any steps you need to take.
In the meantime, you are advised as follows:
1. For practices in PCT-owned or sub-leased premises
Check that you have a tenancy or lease agreement in place that includes service and
maintenance charges and space utilisation.
If you do NOT have a clear written agreement:
Keep a clear and documented audit trail of itemised payments made to the PCT – this will
support the establishment of a ‘business tenancy’ arrangement.
Measure and define the amount of space for which you are being charged and obtain the
PCT’s written confirmation of this.
Please do not sign any paperwork sent to you by your PCT, in particular if it is a draft/model
lease, or any other agreement documentation, without seeking advice from the GP support
team at Londonwide LMCs ([email protected]) or independent legal advice.
2. Practices in premises with a third party landlord, where the PCT holds the head lease:
You may wish to seek legal advice regarding your current position and future options.
If you have any queries or concerns, please contact the Londonwide LMCs' office: Jane Betts –
[email protected] or Lesley Williams – [email protected].
Back to index.
3 GP commissioning latest news – developing the Londonwide Clinical Commissioning Council
(LGPCC)
The Council used its meeting on 17 January 2012 as a workshop to review the Council’s operation, key
functions, priorities for commissioning including opportunities for pan-London working, as well as
engagement, representation and governance issues. The workshop built on the discussions at the joint
Council/London Clinical Senate workshop on 17 November 2011, and the views and wishes expressed at
the Council meeting on 13 December 2011, to provide a sound Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) led
basis for future working.
Londonwide LMCs is the brand name of Londonwide Local Medical Committees Limited. Registered and office address: Tavistock House North,
Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9HX. T. 020 7387 2034/7418 F. 020 7383 7442 W. www.lmc.org.uk. Registered in England No. 6391298.
Londonwide Local Medical Committees Limited is registered as a Company Limited by Guarantee.
The meeting was unanimous that there was a need for a CCG led pan London forum for CCGs, and
supported the Council to continue to 2013 and beyond, with future operation subject to review. The
meeting acknowledged that the Council’s current ways of working and membership needed to change to
ensure it continued to develop and fulfil its agreed aims and functions. Therefore the current membership
would be broadened to include nursing representation. Meetings would continue to be held monthly until
April 2012, when it was provisionally agreed to move to bi monthly meetings. Further work will be done
at the next meeting this month and another review will take place in March 2013.
The workshop identified a number of important issues which we will be addressing over the coming
weeks to ensure that systems, processes and the necessary infrastructure are in place to ensure
effective working and links with key stakeholders. This work will cover purpose, governance and
accountability as well as detailed working arrangements, and will involve discussion about arrangements
for the Council to take on a direct ‘policy making’ role, with appropriate governance arrangements.
Over the coming year the Council will support two main purposes: providing safe space for learning
through sharing and mutual support, with input from experts where appropriate, and influencing policy
makers. A significant proportion of Council meeting time over the coming months will be set aside for
CCG leads to learn from each other and to identify issues and key areas where additional support is
required. Key people involved in shaping and implementing the new commissioning arrangements will
continue to be invited to attend for specific items.
We will keep you updated of progress.
CCG Development and Authorisation
We have been advised that there are no ‘Red’ rated emerging CCGs in London, therefore all emerging
CCGs will receive shadow budget allocations.
Useful links and tools for commissioners
Latest PBR updates
DH Towards Establishment guidance, including technical annex 1 conflicts of interest and 2
supporting material covering:
o How to develop the CCG’s constitution
o Why good governance is essential for CCGs
o How to develop robust arrangements for accountability, transparency and probity, including
managing conflicts of interest
o The key leadership roles of the CCG
o How to ensure effective governance where CCGs adopt collaborative commissioning
arrangements
DH draft guidance on JSNAs and joint health and wellbeing strategies
If you would like to comment, your views are needed by Friday 17 February 2012 to
Second Phase of Future Forum report recommendations
Londonwide LMCs is the brand name of Londonwide Local Medical Committees Limited. Registered and office address: Tavistock House North,
Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9HX. T. 020 7387 2034/7418 F. 020 7383 7442 W. www.lmc.org.uk. Registered in England No. 6391298.
Londonwide Local Medical Committees Limited is registered as a Company Limited by Guarantee.
Finally, a commissioning thought from Dr Laurence Buckman, Chair of the General Practitioners
Committee (GPC).
Dr Buckman has asked us to pass on his thoughts about commissioning that may be of interest. The
latest message was produced on 15 January 2012 and reads:
“The NHS reforms in England are moving at breakneck speed and in different directions depending on
where you live. The decisions being made now (about democratic processes in CCGs (Clinical
Commissioning Groups), constitutions of CCGs, appointments and plenty besides) are crucial for many
reasons, not least in determining whether in future, the local profession will be able to hold their CCG to
account. If they feel concerned about any commissioning developments in their area or need advice, then
they should get in touch with their LMC.”
If you have any commissioning related issues that you would like to raise with the LMC then please
contact Greg Cairns ([email protected]), Director of Primary Care Strategy at the LMC.
Back to index.
4 Important Information Regarding GP Appraisals
At the last quarterly North West London Appraisers Steering Group Meeting, it was clearly outlined that
all appraisals for 2011\12 should be completed by 31 March 2012 – including those GPs who may have
had their appraisal “slipped” to beyond 31 March 2011 for 2010/11.
Please be reminded that it is a GP’s responsibility to arrange an appraisal with their appraiser. Please bear
in mind that appraisers may have limited capacity, so please organise your appraisal as soon as you can to
ensure that you meet the deadline.
Finally, if you are on the Performers list for a PCT borough in North West London and have not yet
received your Appraisal documentation or booked an appraisal please contact the GP Appraisal Support
Team on: [email protected].
Back to index.
5 Motions for Conference
Brent LMC is in the process of gathering motions for conference, if you have an issue which you would
like discussed at the LMC Annual Conference 2011, please contact the Committee Liaison Executive for
the LMC Sarah Beech on [email protected].
Back to index.
6 PIP breast implants – LMC advice
The following helpful advice on PIP breast implants has been produced by Dr Nigel Watson, Chief
Executive of Wessex Local Medical Committee.
Many GPs are facing an increase in the number of female patients who have had breast implants
attending practice because they are very concerned about news reports concerning implants and the
conflicting advice being offered.
The latest advice from the NHS and plastic surgery experts is that women with PIP breast implants do
not need to have them removed unless they have symptoms such as pain and tenderness.
Londonwide LMCs is the brand name of Londonwide Local Medical Committees Limited. Registered and office address: Tavistock House North,
Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9HX. T. 020 7387 2034/7418 F. 020 7383 7442 W. www.lmc.org.uk. Registered in England No. 6391298.
Londonwide Local Medical Committees Limited is registered as a Company Limited by Guarantee.
There is no link to cancer and there is no clear evidence of an increased risk of harm compared to other
brands of breast implants.
General advice:
1. Women should check which implant they have had. If there is any doubt, the organisation which
implanted them should have a register with associated product numbers. This should be the first
place for the patient to check. NHS Trusts have indicated that they will contact patients directly.
2. Practices are reporting that women are attending and are asymptomatic but demanding a scan to
check for leakage. The advice appears to be that a scan is only indicated if leakage is suspected on
the grounds of symptoms such as pain or tenderness.
3. If the implants were performed on the NHS, women will be given the option to have the implants
removed and replaced.
4. If the patient had the implants performed privately and then wishes to have them removed on the
NHS this can be arranged by the GP referring the patient to a plastic surgeon on the NHS.
However, the NHS will not replace the implants unless clinically indicated.
5. The following organisations have said they will replace PIP implants for free if clinically necessary:
Holly House
Highgate Hospitals
Make Yourself Amazing
Ramsay Health Care
Spire Healthcare
BMI Healthcare
Nuffield Healthcare
HCA International
6. The Harley Group have indicated that they will not replace the implants and are advising patients
to see their GP.
Produced with the kind permission of Dr Nigel Watson.
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7 Londonwide LEAD – helping you to train your staff
The annual programme of training for GPs and their practice teams from Londonwide LEAD (Learning
Education and Development) continues to be very popular.
We still have spaces available on our next workshop for medical records in primary care: the
importance of good record keeping. This event, run by the Medical Protection Society, will enable
understanding of the qualities required for effective record keeping. The next workshop will take place on
Tuesday 21 February 2012 from 1.00pm to 4.30pm at the Medical Protection Society offices, 7th Floor,
London W1G 0PS. To reserve your place please email Karen Cooper ([email protected]).
We continue to run our rolling programme of workshops for practice managers. The next practice
manager workshop focuses on employment law hot topics, particularly changing terms and conditions
Londonwide LMCs is the brand name of Londonwide Local Medical Committees Limited. Registered and office address: Tavistock House North,
Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9HX. T. 020 7387 2034/7418 F. 020 7383 7442 W. www.lmc.org.uk. Registered in England No. 6391298.
Londonwide Local Medical Committees Limited is registered as a Company Limited by Guarantee.
of employment, retirement; maternity, paternity regulations and bullying and harassment. It will take
place on Thursday 23 February 2012 from 1.00pm to 5.00pm at the General Chiropractic Council, 44
Wicklow Street, London WC1X 9HL. To reserve your place please email Karen Cooper
We also continue to run our rolling programme of workshops for general practice nurses. These
workshops are led by Professor Sue Cross, Practice Nurse Adviser to Londonwide LMCs. The next
general practice nurse workshop focuses on family planning. It will give practitioners an overview and a
greater understanding of contraception. Topics covered include: quick starting contraception new
guidelines, Depo provera and young people, new methods on the market and Fraser guidelines. It will
take place on Tuesday 20 March 2012 from 1.00pm to 5.00pm at Hamilton House Meeting and
Conference Centre, Mabledon Place, London WC1H 9BD. To reserve your place please email Marie
Vassallo ([email protected]) or complete and return the booking form.
We will be releasing our Londonwide LEAD annual programme of training for April 2012 – March 2013
shortly. Please keep a check on your inbox and our website for further information on existing LEAD
events in 2011-12.
We always welcome your feedback on events particularly training needs of your practice and practice
staff for future events. Please contact Helen Musson ([email protected]) with your comments and
ideas.
Back to index.
8 Nurse insurance now available from MIAB, the Buying Group's approved insurance provider
As we have previously informed you, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) changed its indemnity scheme
from 1 January 2012. This means that nurses who are employed in a practice are no longer covered by
the RCN scheme in relation to any work undertaken in the practice.
MIAB (Medical Insurance Advisory Bureau), the approved supplier of surgery and locum insurance to the
LMC Buying Group, has introduced nurse indemnity cover to its list of products available for Buying
Group members. The prices for this cover start from £250 a year for a practice nurse and increase based
on the individual nursing roles within the practice.
If you are interested in this service from MIAB then please complete the application form and send it to
01438 318683 (fax), [email protected] (scan and email) or post it back to MIAB, Walkern
Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 3QD.
You can also call Andrew North at MIAB on 01438 730210 if you would like any further information.
Back to index.
9 myhealthlondon website – has your practice taken a look yet?
The myhealthlondon website developed by NHS London and the Greater London Authority was launched
in December 2011. It offers London practices an opportunity to promote their successes, provide
information to patients and support groups and provide a link to their own practice website. And it’s free.
As members of the public and patients can leave comments about your practice on the website, we’ve
produced some handy guidance for managing your reputation online.
To view the myhealthlondon website visit www.myhealth.london.nhs.uk.
Londonwide LMCs is the brand name of Londonwide Local Medical Committees Limited. Registered and office address: Tavistock House North,
Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9HX. T. 020 7387 2034/7418 F. 020 7383 7442 W. www.lmc.org.uk. Registered in England No. 6391298.
Londonwide Local Medical Committees Limited is registered as a Company Limited by Guarantee.
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10 Your chance to talk with your GPC representatives and negotiators
There will be a meeting on Wednesday 14 March 2012 for GPs to attend to hear the latest news on the
annual contract negotiations and to seek advice from GPC representatives and negotiators concerning
London. Dr Richard Vautrey, GPC negotiator, will start the event with a presentation followed by a
questions and answers session. The meeting will take place from 2.00pm in BMA House, Tavistock
Square, London WC1H 9JP.
If you would like to attend please contact Jonathan Ashby at the LMC on 020 7387 2034 ext 228 or
The closing date for registration is Friday 9 March 2012.
Back to index.
11 Cervical cytology training update
We are aware that some PCTs have tried to insist that all GPs working in their areas undertake either a
half day or a full day's update training in taking cervical smears. The General Practitioners Committee
(GPC) and the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) have been working jointly to address this
issue. As a result the Department of Health (DH) wrote to all PCTs on 15 December 2011 confirming that
there is no contractual requirement for GPs to have cervical cytology update training.
The DH has now confirmed the GPC’s view that this letter also applies to practice nurses. The GPC’s
interpretation that the letter is about the principles which apply to services provided as part of the
contract, whether these services are provided by GPs or others employed by practices such as practice
nurses has also been confirmed by the DH.
Back to index.
12 Changes to the benefits system
Further to our item in the December 2011 newsletters, by 2014, Incapacity Benefit, Income Support and
Severe Disablement Allowance will have been phased out. They will be replaced by Jobseeker’s
Allowance (JSA – a taxable benefit paid to unemployed people who are fit, available and actively looking
for work) and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA – to help patients move into work, where
possible).
ESA starts with a 13 week assessment phase and, if further information is needed, the GP may be asked
to complete a form DS1500 under special rules (if the patient is terminally ill) or a factual ESA113 report
or be phoned by a healthcare professional from Atos Healthcare. Please note that additional consent from
the patient is not needed and during the assessment phase, GPs should provide a Med3 (either ‘not fit’
and ‘may be fit’) only if the patient’s health condition impacts on their fitness for work.
When the assessment is complete, a decision is made as follows:
1. Assessed as fit for work: the patient may claim Jobseeker’s Allowance if they can’t immediately
return to work or find employment.
Londonwide LMCs is the brand name of Londonwide Local Medical Committees Limited. Registered and office address: Tavistock House North,
Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9HX. T. 020 7387 2034/7418 F. 020 7383 7442 W. www.lmc.org.uk. Registered in England No. 6391298.
Londonwide Local Medical Committees Limited is registered as a Company Limited by Guarantee.
2. Assessed as unfit for work: the patient will continue to get ESA and be placed in one of two
groups:
a) the ‘Work-related activity group’, which includes work-focused interviews and support
to help them prepare for suitable work, or
b) the ‘Support group’ for those who are not fit to work or regularly attend a Jobcentre,
but who can still volunteer to attend work-focused interviews with a personal adviser.
If your patients are assessed as ‘fit for work’ and complain to you or ask for a further Med3, ask them to
request and show you their “Work Capacity Assessment Personalised Statement”. This will tell you why
they were assessed as fit and if they appeal and are unsuccessful, only issue further Med3s if their
condition worsens significantly or they have a new medical condition.
Help for GPs
Guidance for GPs on Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) forms and processes is available on
the DWP website.
Free professional occupational health support for individual patient cases is available from the
Occupational Health Advice Service on 0800 022 42 33.
Atos Healthcare can also give telephone advice to GPs on medical matters relating to certification
and disability benefits on 0113 230 9175.
Healthy Working UK is an online resource for GPs with lots of information on fit notes and other
health and work issues.
Back to index.
13 Blue badge scheme
As part of the changes to the Blue Badge Scheme, the Department for Transport (DfT) has now issued a
Local Authority circular which provides information and guidance for local authorities on administering and
enforcing the scheme.
The guidance makes it quite clear that from 1 April 2012 medical assessments of applicants will be made
by an assessor who has had no involvement with the applicant’s ongoing care and treatment. Therefore,
from April, the only occasions when an applicant’s GP will be contacted will be to obtain factual
information.
Back to index.
14 National review of asthma deaths – your help is needed
The Royal College of Physicians is undertaking the National Review of Asthma Deaths (NRAD) to look into
the circumstances surrounding deaths from asthma. The study takes place from this month until 31
January 2013.
The aim of the project is to understand why people of all ages die from asthma so that recommendations
can be made to prevent deaths from asthma in the future.
Please could you notify the NRAD team of any deaths from asthma occurring between 1 February 2012
and 31 January 2013 as soon as possible after death.
Londonwide LMCs is the brand name of Londonwide Local Medical Committees Limited. Registered and office address: Tavistock House North,
Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9HX. T. 020 7387 2034/7418 F. 020 7383 7442 W. www.lmc.org.uk. Registered in England No. 6391298.
Londonwide Local Medical Committees Limited is registered as a Company Limited by Guarantee.
In particular, NRAD would like you to notify if any of the following take place:
Death certified as being due to asthma (ICD-10 J45-J46) in part 1 or 2 of the medical death
certificate
Post-mortem diagnosis of asthma as cause of death
a) Clinician diagnosis of asthma as the cause of death
b) Clinician diagnosis of asthma as the probable cause of death
c) Death classified as being due to anaphylaxis
Please notify NRAD by one of the following methods:
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Phone: 020 3075 1500 or 0203 075 1522
Web: www.rcplondon.ac.uk/nrad
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15 Getting set for digital TV – can you lend a ‘helping hand’ to your older or disabled patients?
Digital TV switchover is the biggest change in television since the introduction of
colour. In April 2012 analogue television will be switched off across the London TV
region. If you don’t have digital TV by the time of switchover, you will lose your TV
channels.
Most people are ready for switchover, but you may know older or disabled
patients who need help to make the switch.
The Switchover Help Scheme has launched a ‘Helping Hand’ campaign calling on
everyone to try to make sure every older and disabled person in the area knows
about the help they can get.
The campaign offers people aged 75 and over and eligible disabled people equipment, installation and
free aftercare to convert one of their TV sets to digital. It costs £40, or is free to eligible people who are
also on income related benefits.
Please inform your patients about this scheme. Booklets, pens and posters for your practice are available
free of charge by calling 0800 40 85 900 or by visiting the help scheme website. Textphone users can call
0800 40 85 936.
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16 BMA 2012 research grants
The BMA was among the first of the professional bodies to award grants and prizes to encourage and
further medical research. Today, around ten research grants are administered under the auspices of the
Board of Science, all funded by legacies left to the BMA. Grants totalling approximately £500,000 are
awarded annually. Applications are invited from medical practitioners and/or research scientists and are
for either research in progress or prospective research.
The 2012 research grants are now available to apply for online on the BMA website. The application
deadline is 5.00pm on Friday 16 March 2012.
Londonwide LMCs is the brand name of Londonwide Local Medical Committees Limited. Registered and office address: Tavistock House North,
Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9HX. T. 020 7387 2034/7418 F. 020 7383 7442 W. www.lmc.org.uk. Registered in England No. 6391298.
Londonwide Local Medical Committees Limited is registered as a Company Limited by Guarantee.
Subject specifications for each grant vary. For example, in 2012, research areas range from rheumatism
and arthritis, cardiovascular disease and cancer to the uptake of preventative measures and the use of
information and communication technologies in medicine. For more information on the grants on offer in
2012 and details of how to apply, please visit the research grants section on the BMA website.
If you have any questions about the BMA research grants, or would like to receive alerts about them,
please contact Chris Wood at [email protected] or telephone 020 7383 6755.
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17 Leading improvement in safety and quality training from the NHS Institute
The NHS Institute’s latest Leading Improvement in Safety and Quality (LISQ) programme helps general
practices obtain a true picture of quality and patient safety in their surgery and take a fresh look at
opportunities to improve. It is aimed at GPs, practice managers, lead practice nurses and local quality
improvement leads.
Further information can be found on the NHS Institute’s website or by emailing
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18 Recent updates and guidance from the Department of Health (DH) and other organisations
General Practitioners Committee (GPC) news
Each month the GPC produces a newsletter which provides a summary of the main items that are
discussed at the full committee meeting as well as providing useful updates on a range of
subjects that affect GPs and their practice teams.
The latest newsletter includes information on ambulatory care pathways, extending GP training,
how to set up and develop a sessional GP group, injury benefits review, patient access to medical
records and much more!
Visit our website to download the latest issue.
DH GP Bulletin
The latest edition of the DH's GP and practice team bulletin is now available. The GP bulletin is
now a total online production. To ensure that you receive an email notification from the DH when
a bulletin is published, please send your name, practice address and email address to:
Online version of ‘The Lancet’ is now available free for NHS staff in England
The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) now funds subscription to the online version of
‘The Lancet’ to provide access at a local level to all NHS staff, GPs and those working in public
health via the NHS Athens service.
Visit: http://www.hilo.nhs.uk/athens.html for details on how to obtain an NHS Athens account.
Londonwide LMCs is the brand name of Londonwide Local Medical Committees Limited. Registered and office address: Tavistock House North,
Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9HX. T. 020 7387 2034/7418 F. 020 7383 7442 W. www.lmc.org.uk. Registered in England No. 6391298.
Londonwide Local Medical Committees Limited is registered as a Company Limited by Guarantee.
Error in v21 quality and outcomes framework (QOF) read code
Version 21 of the Read code spreadsheet incorrectly included exception codes 9NiT, 9O8S and
ZV6G8 for cervical cytology.
These codes are no longer in the QOF and therefore do not apply.
Improving the quality of medical training
The GMC (General Medical Council) is consulting on proposed new arrangements for the
recognition and approval of medical trainers.
The GMC states that the new proposals are designed to improve the quality and consistency of
medical training across the UK.
Travel immunisations – ‘focus on’ guidance from the General Practitioners Committee
(GPC)
The GPC released revised Focus on travel immunisations guidance in December 2011.
GP patient survey results
The results of the latest GP patient survey, which assesses patients' experiences of local NHS
services, are now available. Ipsos MORI invited a sample of registered patients in England to take
part during July to September 2011.
National Diabetes Audit : mortality report
The National Diabetes Audit has released its first report on mortality rates in people with diabetes
utilising data from 2007-2008 audit. The report includes key findings and recommendations.
Data protection notification with the Information Commissioner
It is a legal requirement to be registered under the Data Protection Act. The cost of registration is
currently £35 per annum and more information can be obtained from the Information
Commissioner’s website.
Information governance (IG) toolkits
Practices should submit their IG toolkits against version 9 of the IG toolkit. Evidence upload to
support your assessment against the toolkit is not mandated, but is recommended. The cut off
date for submission of the toolkit is 31 March 2012.
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19 Dr Eric Gambrill travelling fellowships – submit your application now!
The Dr Eric Gambrill Memorial Fund was established in 1998 in memory of Dr Eric Gambrill, a GP who
practised in Crawley, West Sussex and who had a significant interest in general practice, education and
travel. Each year the Fund invites applications for up to two Travelling Fellowships, each worth £3,000.
Londonwide LMCs is the brand name of Londonwide Local Medical Committees Limited. Registered and office address: Tavistock House North,
Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9HX. T. 020 7387 2034/7418 F. 020 7383 7442 W. www.lmc.org.uk. Registered in England No. 6391298.
Londonwide Local Medical Committees Limited is registered as a Company Limited by Guarantee.
Those eligible for the award will need to be fully trained and practising UK GPs and will be expected to
undertake a study or project as part of his/her professional career development.
Further information is available on the Dr Eric Gambrill Memorial Fund website. The closing date for the
receipt of applications is Saturday 31 March 2012.
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20 An alternative approach to fighting depression
Life Clubs weekly 90 minute self development workshops have been inspiring life changes since 2004.
Ideal for anyone who has lost their sense of direction, it's a chance for like minded people to come
together, talk and work through the stressful times they are going through using practical and structured
exercises. It is a non judgemental place to kick around ideas, perfect in the current economic downturn.
Life Clubs is a nationwide initiative (used in corporates and the NHS as well) that costs around £20 a
workshop (£10 concessions).
Visit the Life Clubs website or contact 020 7222 2199 or [email protected] for further information.
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21 And finally...
The following courses may be of interest to GPs and their practice teams:
Commissioning Support London Masters in Healthcare Commissioning (MSc) 2011/12, University
of Birmingham
Supporting Carers in General Practice, free training for GPs and primary healthcare staff, 16
February 2012, Royal College of General Practitioners
Depression - Mental Health Masterclass, 16 February 2012, Royal College of General Practitioners
Supporting Carers in General Practice, 16 February 2012, Royal College of General Practitioners
Psychosexual Medicine in Practice, 22 February 2012, Imperial College London
Practical dermatology for primary care, skin cancer pigmented lesions, 23 February 2012, King’s
College London
Fresh Start Course: Prescribing, Practice Management Skills and Personal Effectiveness, 23
February 2012, London Deanery
A Practical Introduction to Oncology, 10 March 2012, Imperial College London
Improving Neurology Services, addressing the needs of people with long term neurological
conditions, 15 March 2012, Primary Care Neurology Society in association with the Acquired Brain
Injury Forum for London and London Neurological Alliance
Child Health Promotion and Surveillance, 19 March 2012, Imperial College London
Londonwide LMCs is the brand name of Londonwide Local Medical Committees Limited. Registered and office address: Tavistock House North,
Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9HX. T. 020 7387 2034/7418 F. 020 7383 7442 W. www.lmc.org.uk. Registered in England No. 6391298.
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Practical tips to improve practice in the area of obesity, 20 March 2012, Royal College of General
Practitioners
Fresh Start Course: Consulting, Keeping Records and Communicating, 22-23 March 2012, London
Deanery
Practical dermatology for primary care, skin infections, 29 March 2012, King’s College London
GP refresher course, 9-11 May 2012, Imperial College London
Safeguarding Children and Young People, 22 May 2012, Imperial College London
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Don’t forget to use the exciting annual programme of training for GPs and their
practice teams from Londonwide LEAD