Avon LMCs Newsletter on 03-01-24

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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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Following the terrible attack on Eastrees Health centre before Christmas, ALMC provided support to the staff for this incident and wanted to raise awareness that there is support available.
 
ALMC has access to resources that are available to support Practices day to day but also if incident support is required.
 
Please contact info@almc.co.uk should you need support.

I am absolutely delighted to serve as your new Chair for Avon LMC as it feels like I’ve landed my dream job. Ever since my practice became financially unviable and handed back its contract, I’ve been passionate about sustaining general practice and protecting the wellbeing of its staff.

By way of background, I have worked all roles within general practice ranging from locum to Partner, and I am now a salaried Lead GP in Charlotte Keel Medical Practice in Bristol. I have a portfolio career which include GP Training Programme Director, Appraiser and Mentoring roles. I have recently stepped down as Chair of England LMC Conference following the end of my three-year term but continue to be a member of the GP Committee of the BMA.

Most of my spare time is spent as a taxi driver for my three teenage children, but for “me” time I enjoy theatre and dancing to 90s club music.

Strategic priorities for Avon LMC

With the help of our wonderful, multi-disciplinary team, here are a few of the strategic priorities for this year:

• Improved engagement with the membership through:
  • Improved on-line presence and website
  • Membership surveys
  • Interactive forums
• Creating a governance structure within the LMC
• Strengthening the axis between Committee Representatives and their PCNs
• Financial scrutiny:
  • LMC estates
  • Sourcing best value options for suppliers/IT etc
• System collaboration:
  • Collaboration with One Care to avoid duplication of representative role.
  • Collaboration with Southwest regional LMCs share resources.
• Operational priorities:
  • Development of funded commissioning pathways for the huge area of work lying within the interface between primary and secondary care
  • Wellbeing support for GPs

NICE has finalised guidance endorsing the use of hybrid closed loop (HCL) systems, wearable technology offering automatic insulin delivery based on continuous glucose measurements. The phased five-year rollout in the NHS in England and Wales prioritises children, young people, pregnant individuals, and existing insulin pump users transitioning to the closed-loop system.

Key Points:

1. Criteria for Use: Adults with HbA1c of 58 mmol/mol (7.5%) or higher and those experiencing disabling hypoglycemia qualify. HCL is also recommended for children and young people.
2. Implementation Challenges: NHS England is working on a cost-effective procurement framework. Access to HCL requires support from trained multidisciplinary teams.
3. Patient Impact: Around 270,000 in England and 16,000 in Wales have type 1 diabetes. HCL systems significantly reduce the mental burden of continuous glucose management, supported by clinical evidence.

This development follows NICE’s previous endorsement of ‘flash’ glucose monitors, highlighting a commitment to advancing technologies improving patient care and quality of life.

Please see the attached for National Institute for Health and Care Excellence – Final Appraisal Document

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– LATEST TRAINING AND EVENTS –

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The roadshow is a series of in-person, interactive events which bring together LMCs and GPs in each region of the UK.

They aim to:

• Build a sense of unity within the profession through establishing stronger working relationships and better communication between LMCs and chosen GPs.
• Support GPs and LMCs to take a more direct role in advocating for the future of the profession.
• Allow Rebuild GP to identify and support GP advocates to take action.

Somerset LMC is partnering with Rebuild General Practice to host an event in the Southwest. We are keen to establish a sense of unity and community between LMCs in the region and look forward to bringing together LMC staff and GPs to learn from each other, and from communications experts at BB Partners (the advisory working with GPDF to deliver Rebuild GP), about driving change from the grassroots and taking a more active role in defending the profession.

Session agenda

The event will cover:

• Rebuild General Practice – overview & impact
• Building stronger relationships – why this is necessary for change-making
• Be a part of making the case – lobbying local politicians and speaking to local media 

Event details

• Thursday 11^th January 2024
• 12:30 lunch & arrival, 1:30-4:30pm main session
• Taunton Racecourse (Orchard Portman, Taunton, Somerset TA3 7BL)

If you would like to attend, we have limited spaces allocated to ALMC. This is not a reimbursable event.

Please email Rebecca (rebecca@almc.co.uk) by COP by Friday 5^th January 2024 if you wish to attend.

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