Avon LMCs Newsletter on 16-04-25

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The ALMC Newsletter

Welcome to our weekly newsletter, sharing the latest news and topics of interest for practices.

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– LATEST NEWS –

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This week we received the report from the Special LMC England conference which we attended in March.  This conference was initially held ‘in camera’ so delegates were asked to not report debates and vote outcomes. The outcomes are still confidential, as the GPC looks ahead to negotiating a new contract, but once they are available for public viewing we will let members know.

A number of people have asked whether the proposed new contract negotiations mean that ‘collective action is over’. It is not. Avon LMC’s position is that nothing within the collective action that has been in place since Autumn 2024 is a breach of any GP contract, rather reflects unfunded work in primary care, and so we support practices continuing their endeavours. Our recent virtual members event, looking at how we go forward, was very well attended and this ambition to continue was reflected in the discussions. 

With the easter break coming, all at the LMC wish you festive greetings and thank those colleagues who will be working over the bank holiday. 

Dr Mike Jenkins
North Somerset Board Director

Question: What is GPDF and why do we need it?

Answer: The GP Defence Fund (GPDF) is an organisation that uses its income to support GPs and fund representation nationally to advocate for General Practice. GPC England and the LMC conferences, which take place throughout the year, are funded by GPDF. GPC continues to represent General Practice in contract negotiations, and the funding from GPDF allows this work to continue and the voice of General Practice to be heard.

We have compiled an FAQ document (click here) that contains some other questions we have been asked. The GPDF website FAQs are also available here. 

• 3rd June 2025: Virtual LMC drop in, 13.00 – 14.00 (instead of 6th May as previously circulated)
• 1st July 2025: Virtual LMC drop in, 13.00 – 14.00
• 9th September 2025: Virtual LMC drop in, 13.00 – 14.00
• 4th November 2025: Virtual LMC drop in, 13.00 – 14.00

• Tuesday 15 April  General practice bulletin
• Thursday 10 April General practice bulletin

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– LATEST TRAINING AND EVENTS –

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The next BRIG meeting will be held on the 24^th of April at 1pm (joining link in the poster) and this time the meeting we will be having a guest speaker: Samantha from the South West Severe Asthma Network. She will be explaining what they do, how they work, who can refer and will take any questions that there might be. This is a very good service that is available for respiratory clinicians so please come along if you want to know more! 

Please see the attached poster for more details.

• BCYP EduForum: Milk related problems in children
  22^nd April from 13.00-13.30
  Signup here

Please see here for full event details.
For further information please contact Bnssg.training.hub@nhs.net

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