Avon LMCs Newsletter on 15-10-25

---

The ALMC Newsletter

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

---

– LATEST NEWS –

---

We are now a few weeks into the new core contractual access requirements, and we are seeing the effects across the country. Patient demand has surged in many areas, with some practices reporting increases of up to 30% in patients seeking advice. This level of demand can feel overwhelming and, understandably, is raising concerns around patient safety.

As always, the wellbeing of our teams and the safety of our patients must come first – ahead of any contractual targets. If at any point a practice feels that safe care is at risk, it is essential to escalate these concerns promptly to the ICB and LMC.

Behind the scenes, Avon LMC, One Care, and the ICB are working closely to ensure that in BNSSG we deliver improved patient access without the unintended consequence of overwhelming urgent care. Part of this work includes One Care finalising an OPEL escalation framework that would allow practices to temporarily pause routine access routes when operating under critical pressure. It is about ensuring that patient care remains safe, sustainable, and realistic.

Last week was a busy one for the LMC with both the Annual General Meeting and a Committee meeting – key discussions and decisions from these are shared in the summary below.

On a more personal note, I found myself with two meetings in Taunton this week, one day after the other. Rather than spend those hours on the motorway, I have seized the chance to visit my eldest, who has just started university in Exeter. It seems like only yesterday he watched ‘Toy Story 3’ as a tearful nine-year-old, heartbroken at the thought of leaving home for university. Fast forward a decade, and now he is happily ensconced in student life, with barely a text message in sight.

Watching him spread his wings reminds me that letting go isn’t a loss; it’s an act of trust in what you’ve built.

Dr Shaba Nabi
Chair: Avon LMC

This essential governance meeting ratified the following:

• The updated constitution which can be found here 
• The election of the new North Somerset Board Director
• The statement of Accounts for 2024-25

This followed the AGM, and the following areas were discussed:

• The commissioning options for complex wound care
• The backfill of committee representatives when they are elected to Board (approved)
• October contractual changes

Question: Many of our patients are asking for letters to provide medical evidence for conditions in order to expedite their path on the housing ladder, and Bristol city council are not accepting a printed summary.

Answer: Thank you for your email regarding Bristol Council’s requirement for a medical letter, rather than a printout summary or a patient-provided access to their online records. Please note that their internal policy does not constitute a contractual obligation, and as this pertains to non-NHS work, GPs are under no obligation to comply. Should a GP choose to provide a letter, they are entitled to invoice for this as private work.

For reference, the attached LMC letter reflects current Avon LMC policy, and this guidance from LRR LMC may also be useful.

This can be found here

• 4th November 2025: Virtual LMC drop in, 13.00 – 14.00

 

---

– LATEST TRAINING AND EVENTS –

---

Please see the attachment for Learning Hub events here. 

For further information, please contact almclearninghub@almc.co.uk.

---

---