Avon LMCs Newsletter on 01-05-24

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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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Happy 1^st day of May!

Two bank holiday Mondays this month presents general practice with mixed feelings – some of us will be glad to have longer weekends, but this bonus doesn’t come without the inevitable additional workload we face for the rest of the week.

Last week I travelled to Taunton to meet with LMC Leads across the Southwest area. I learnt about initiatives to tackle problems with interface workload, which I am planning to explore further for local rollout. We were also joined (virtually) by Dr Katie Bramall-Stainer, the Chair of GPC England, who discussed next steps after the GP Referendum, which include national GPCE roadshows. Watch this space for further information on this and confirmation of a date.

Dr Shaba Nabi
Chair Avon LMC

This was held yesterday, and it was great to connect with everyone to discuss LMC Strategy. Some areas for future work include:

• A brief and relevant (no BS!) strategy document that summarises where we want to be
• Improved website usability and interaction
• ALMC workforce review
• ALMC building maintenance.

Question: What is the LMC going to do about the daily multiple requests from specialist trusts, asking GPs to carry out tasks for them?

Answer: Avon LMC is aware of the extent of the current workload transfer, which can include anything from fit note and prescription requests to intensive monitoring of a patient following an episode of care.
Interface work can be broadly divided into three main areas:

1. Trust non-contractual compliance such as not providing a suitable fit note or follow-up of hospital investigations. This can be managed in one or more of the following ways:
   • Writing back to the trust using a BMA Template Letter.
   • Completing a datix
   • Declining the request
2. Workload associated with pre- and post-referral pathways. This is being addressed by both the LMC and the GPCB planned care group
3. Requests for non-core activities to be carried out in general practice. Avon LMC is collating a list of these activities so please send any recurring themes to your LMC PCN representative or area Board Director. The LMC plans to manage this workload in one or more of the following ways:
   • Negotiation with ICB/NHSE for a funded, commissioned pathway within general practice
   • Facilitating funding shifts from secondary to primary care
   • Empower practices to decline this work through system template letters and position statements 

• Tuesday 1 May  General practice bulletin (mailchi.mp)

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– LATEST TRAINING AND EVENTS –

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When: Thursday 9th May 2024
Time: 13:00 – 14:00
Where: Virtually on Microsoft Teams

This is a webinar on Lynch Syndrome and Aspirin for Medicines Optimisation & PCN pharmacists and primary care clinicians on aspirin prescribing for Lynch Syndrome people.

Speakers include Frank McDermott (South West Deputy Clinical Director, GMS)

This session is especially relevant for GPs and Practice/PCN Pharmacists

Please find the flyer here.

BNSSG Training Hub

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