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Bassetlaw Edition
The e-newsletter from Nottinghamshire Local Medical Committee (Ltd)
Boundary pilot guidance sets out practice list reforms
GP practices will be allowed to close their lists and continue to provide additional and enhanced services under changes proposed by the DoH. 

Guidance published ahead of the rollout of pilots to trial GP practice boundary reforms sets out a series of proposed changes to rules governing practice lists.

Pilots in Nottingham, London and Manchester will allow patients to register as ‘out-of-area’ patients at practices close to their place of work.

They will also allow patients to remain registered at a practice near their home but have consultations with one of the practices in the pilots as a ‘day patient’.

The guidance sets out information for PCT clusters on how the pilots should operate, the type of information patients will need and how to set inner and outer practice boundaries for GPs taking part. It also sets out plans to reform practice list regulations, increasing flexibility for practices over list closure.

The changes aim to strip away incentives under current rules for practices to declare themselves ‘open but full’ to avoid the penalties attached to having a closed list.
 
Issue 25 - February 2012
 
 
Advertising in LMC newsletters
GP practices can advertise vacancies in this newsletter and the LMC website for free.

Practices are also welcome to submit adverts to highlight any private clinics they may run but there is a fee involved for this (costs on application).

Adverts can be submitted to Helen Shuker. Vacancy adverts should contain a closing date for applications.
 
CCGs to get £100m to improve local services
The DoH has announced that CCGs will be given £100 million in additional funding to improve local services and reduce pressures on the NHS during the colder months.

This is the first time that the Department has specifically identified funding for PCTs to delegate to prospective CCGs for patient care.

CCGs will have the £2 per head of population made available to them via their PCT cluster to spend this financial year.
 
Health Bill amendments unveiled
Ministers have revealed details of a series of amendments to the Health and Social Care Bill designed to placate the raft of concerns raised by the House of Lords.

The changes include a clearer directive to both clinical commissioning groups and the health secretary to promote a ‘comprehensive health service', following fears that CCGs could initiate controversial rationing of some services. 

The Government has also attempted to beef up safeguards against conflicts of interest in CCGs, and inserted clauses that will require the new GP-led bodies to give clearer evidence on how they are tackling health inequalities and promoting education and training.

On CCGs and the secretary of state's duties, the Government said: ‘Our amendments…link the CCG duty to the commissioning board's concurrent duty to promote the comprehensive health service…and ensure the link applies to all NHS services which CCGs commission.'

On health inequalities, amendments have been tabled to require the NHS Commissioning Board and CCGs ‘to include an assessment in their annual reports of what they have done to fulfil their health inequalities duties'.

The Government has also widened the scope for CCGs to examine potential conflicts of interest, by requiring them to consider not just the interests of board members, but of ‘all members of committees or sub-committees of either the group or its governing body.'

And on education, it admitted: ‘We agree that the bill could say more…and have tabled amendments to place a duty on the NHS Commissioning Board and CCGs to have regard to the need to promote education and training.'
 
Nottinghamshire LMC starts Tweeting!
As part of our ongoing commitment to keep constituents informed about the latest news and events, Nottinghamshire LMC Ltd has joined Twitter.

We will still continue to produce our two newsletters - GP Practice News and Between the Lines and update the news pages of the LMC website but we thought it was time to start using social networking sites as well.

If you're already using Twitter you can follow us by visiting our page or if not you can sign up to start using Twitter by filling in the form on our page.
 
CQC denies that 10% of GP practices face inspection
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rowed back on a warning from one of its senior officials that up to 10% of GP practices could present a 'risk to patients'.

The watchdog is to write to MPs to clarify its position after its director of operations Amanda Sherlock told the House of Commons’ public accounts committee that one in 10 practices could pose a risk and face inspections.

Asked what percentage of GPs the CQC expects to investigate for non-compliance after GP registration starts, Ms Sherlock told MPs: ‘We are anticipating there will be 10% at significant risk of non-compliance.’ Ms Sherlock was then asked: ‘So 10% of GPs currently you think are a considerable risk to patients?’ She replied: ‘Yes.’

But CQC GP registration lead Professor David Haslam told GP that non-compliance did not necessarily mean patients would be put at risk, despite Ms Sherlock’s comments.

‘One committee member’s interpretation of this was that 10% of GPs posed a significant risk to patients. What we didn’t explain clearly enough at the time was that non-compliance with the essential standards can translate into poor care, but does not automatically equate to poor care.’

Not all practices that declare non-compliance would need to be inspected, he said. ‘In some cases, GPs will have declared non-compliance, but will have told us what mitigating actions they will take. In these cases, we won’t necessarily inspect. We will, however, always ins­pect where we have evidence of poor care – but we don’t yet know for what percentage of this 10% this will be the case.’

CQC chief executive Cynthia Bower told the committee that GPs in pilots had not sought to hide non-compliance. ‘We’ve piloted this activity and GPs are very open about declaring non-compliance if they think it’s there,’ she said.
 
SAVE THE DATE: Salaried and Sessional GP Conference
Nottinghamshire LMC Ltd will be holding its annual educational conference for salaried and sessional GPs on 20 April at Nottingham Racecourse.

The conference, which includes lunch, will feature talks and workshops on key issues affecting salaried and sessional GPs. The event is free to all GPs represented by the LMC so book early by calling 0115 955 5440 or email Charly Prior. Tickets for GPs not represented by Nottinghamshire LMC cost £45.
 
NUH named Major Trauma Centre for East Midlands
NUH is to become one of the first Major Trauma Centres outside of London from 1 April 2012.

Based at the QMC, the Major Trauma Centre will form the hub of a new trauma system for the whole region which will treat people with very serious, multiple injuries.

They will get 24/7 access to specialist teams of clinicians, intensive care and brain surgery for trauma incidents, like those you would associate with car accidents, serious gun and knife wounds or falling off a horse.

It will be supported by a number of trauma units which are being set up at other hospitals around the region that will stabilise patients who need to be transferred on to the major trauma centre.
 
Vaccinate teenagers against meningitis, say DoH advisers
Millions of teenagers may be set to routinely receive a 'booster' dose of the meningitis C vaccine following recommendations from government advisers.

A dose of the meningococcal C conjugate (MenC) vaccine currently given to infants should be withdrawn and an extra dose given to adolescents to boost immunity into early adulthood instead, the joint committee on vaccination and immunisation (JCVI) advised.

If approved by ministers, the switch would be the most significant change to the routine vaccination programme since it began in the UK in 1999. Since 2002, the vaccine has been offered to everyone under 25 years old in the UK who have not yet received the vaccine. Students entering a full-time undergraduate university course that have not been immunised are asked to get the MenC vaccine from their GP beforehand. However, this announcement is the first time the JCVI has recommended adolescents are added to the routine programme.
 
GPs blocked from quitting NHS pension
GPs have been temporarily barred from transferring out of the NHS pension scheme and will be unable to do so for the foreseeable future, due to an IT upgrade.
 
The NHS Business Services Authority, the body that manages the NHS pensions scheme, said applications from GPs to quit the NHS Pensions Scheme had been placed on hold, and it was ‘not able' to provide Cash Equivalent Transfer Values (CETVs) until ‘system functionality is available'.

The IT overhaul, announced on 12 January, is needed to allow systems to process changes to the Cash Equivalent Transfer Value (CETV) rates brought in by the Government last October. But a spokesperson admitted the NHS BSA was ‘unable to confirm' when the work will be completed.

NHS Pensions said system updates began in December ahead of its January announcement after the new factors were signed off by the Government Actuary's Department. Any GP whose application to quit the NHS pensions scheme was received within three months of 26 October will receive the better CETV rate, NHS Pensions said.
 
Revalidation
The DoH steering group on remediation has published its report and is available online. The report sets out the following recommendations:

  • performance problems, including clinical competence and capability issues, should normally be managed locally wherever possible;
  • local processes need to be strengthened to avoid performance problems whenever possible, and to reduce their severity at the point of identification;
  • the capacity of staff within organisations to deal with performance concerns needs to be increased with access to necessary external expertise as required;
  • a single organisation is required to advise and, when necessary, to co-ordinate the remediation process and case management so as to improve consistency across the service;
  • the medical royal colleges should produce guidance and also provide assessment and specialist input into remediation programmes;
  • postgraduate deaneries and all those involved in training and assessment need to assure their assessment processes so that any problems arising during training are fully addressed.

Although the issue of funding fell outwith the remit of the group, a range of options were developed on the assumption that there was unlikely to be any additional money in the system:

  • doctor meets all or part of the costs of their own remediation
  • employer funds remediation
  • doctor joins an insurance scheme/extension of indemnity provided by a medical defence organisation
  • linking remediation to clinical negligence schemes
  • mutuals or subscription clubs.

The BMA’s view is that remediation must be fully funded to ensure equality across the different branches of practice, and they will continue to lobby the Department of Health for this to occur.

 
National Dementia and Antipsychotic Prescribing Audit

The National Dementia and Antipsychotic Prescribing Audit is currently looking for GP practice volunteers to assist with the testing process.

The development of the automated data extract for the extraction of data for the National Dementia and Antipsychotic Prescribing Audit is underway and is currently going through vigorous testing. They now urgently require GP practice volunteers using the iSoft Premier or iSoft Synergy clinical systems to assist with this testing process.

The testing process will require minimal (if any) help from the practice staff and will result in early and direct feedback of the practices data quality. If the test is successful then it can be accepted as the final submission and no further extracts will be required i.e. early submission.

If you are able to assist with this then contact Eleanor Bunn at the National Dementia and Antipsychotic Prescribing Audit on 0845 300 6016.

 
New and Updated Guidance
 
Eric Gambrill Travelling Fellowships

The Eric Gambrill Memorial Fund is seeking applications for up to two Travelling Fellowships, to be awarded in Spring 2012. The value of each Award is £3,000.

Those eligible for the Award will be fully trained and practising UK general medical practitioners.

In recognition of Dr. Eric Gambrill’s interest in general practice, education and travel, the successful applicants will be expected to undertake a study or project as part of his/her professional career development. For more information, see the Fund’s website.

 
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 16 March 2012 at 5pm .

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. Click on the highlighted link for more information on the grants on offer in 2012 and details of how to apply.
 
Message from the Med-Chi Society
We are all very keen at the Med-Chi to welcome doctors and their guests to our programme of evening talks and social events. It is the only vehicle whereby doctors from primary and secondary care have the opportunity to meet. You can click on the highlighted link to access the full programme.

You can find out more about the society from our website. The Society is a charity and we raise money through our social events to pay for travel fellowships, student bursaries and many other awards. We are particularly keen to encourage younger GPs and consultants to join in order to maintain the membership numbers and thriving nature of the society.

John Lemberger, President, Med-Chi Society

Click on the highlighted link to find out more about a £300 research grant which is available through the Med-Chi Society.
 
NHS launches 'vital' CKD toolkit for GPs
Toolkits to help GPs diagnose and manage chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the community have been launched by NHS Kidney Care.

The resource packs contain summaries of NICE guidance and wall charts setting out simple tests that can be done to diagnose CKD.

An online version of the pack can be downloaded from the NHS Kidney Care website.
 
Allied health professionals to help GPs sign patients off sick
A range of allied health professionals including physiotherapists, occupational therapists and podiatrists will begin making independent assessments of patients' fitness for work from next month, under a new scheme developed in conjunction with ministers which could significantly cut GP workload.

The scheme – which could eventually see drama therapists and art therapists issuing assessment certificates directly to employers and patients - has been developed by the Allied Health Professionals Federation, in consultation with the Department of Health and the Department of Work and Pensions, and has received the backing of the CBI.

The independent assessments will not replace the Med3, which GPs will still be required to issue in order for patients to claim state benefits.

But as with the Med3, the assessment form will require allied health professionals to state if patients are ‘not fit for work' or ‘may be fit for work' if certain advice is followed. The form can be used by employees as evidence for sick pay, and patients will be able to present it to their GP as supporting evidence when applying for a Med3.
 
Employment Law Courses for GPs 2012
The BMA are offering three courses for GP Partners and their practice managers on key areas of employment law. 'Managing the Employment Contract' deals with recruitment, changes within the workplace and contractual issues. 'Managing Absence and Performance' will help you as an employer to handle performance and work-related problems appropriately and fairly, including practical advice and strategies to manage and turn around performance problems. 'Managing Disciplinary and Dismissal' will help you to deal with the most difficult part of your role as an employer effectively: ensuring that you are able to use the stages of the disciplinary procedure effectively and are able to avoid legal claims.

Taking place throughout the year, these courses are suitable for partners or practice managers and discounted rates are available for BMA members. Please visit the BMA website for more information and to book your place online. If you have any questions or need more information, please contact BMA Conferences on 020 7383 6137.
 
VACANCY: Salaried GP
Salaried GP required at Harwood Close Surgery, Sutton-in-Ashfield

Due to impending retirement we are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated team player to join us from April 2012 as a Salaried GP for ¾ sessions per week.

We are a long-established PMS practice with consistently high QOF performance. 

  • Current list size 4,500 
  • Fully computerised (SystmOne) 
  • Excellent nursing team
Please apply in writing with CV to Mrs Louise New, Practice Manager, Harwood Close Surgery, Skegby Road, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 4PD or email Louise New.
Tel: 01623 551015

Closing date: Friday 24 February 2012

NB – Those completing the VTS in August please apply – we will wait for the right applicant!
 
VACANCY: Maternity Locum

Maternity Locum required at The Fairfields Practice, Hyson Green

Full-time (9 sessions) or two part-time locums (4 - 5 sessions) for 6 months from 14 May 2012 (with a view to partnership from December 2012).

  • Established 4 partner (3 WTE) GMS inner city practice committed to delivering high quality patient care.
  • Training Practice
  • Foundation Doctors
  • 3 nurses (2 nurse prescribers)
  • Modern, purpose built LIFT premises, with attached staff on site
  • EMIS LV paperlight
  • Well organised with high QOF achievement
  • Friendly supportive working environment with strong ethos of learning and development
  • Research active practice (PCRN)

To apply please send a CV and hand written covering letter to Helen Davies, Practice Manager, The Fairfields Practice, Mary Potter Centre, Gregory Boulevard, Nottingham, NG7 5HY or email Helen Davies. For further information, practice profile, or to visit the practice please contact Helen Davies on 0115 9424352 or view our website. 

 
VACANCY: GP Retainer
GP retainer required to join us at St. George's Medical Practice, West Bridgford, Nottingham

Our previous retainer has left and we would like someone to join us 3-4 sessions a week; all day Monday, Wednesday afternoon and the option of a session on Tuesdays. 

  • We are an established teaching and training practice serving 9000 patients 
  • Good working atmosphere, young(ish) team of 5 doctors plus 2 registrars. 
  • Well organised, and consistently high QOF achievement. 
  • Potentially flexible daily start and finish times. 
  • Start date negotiable, preferably soon.
Informal visits are welcome. For more information, contact Dr Matthew Jelpke or Dr Debbie Hapgood at the surgery on 0115 9143200, or by email. Application by covering letter and CV.
 

VACANCY: Salaried GP

    Salaried GP required at Highcroft Surgery in Arnold, Nottingham

    We are seeking a Salaried GP for 6-8 clinical sessions per week (two part-time GPs would be considered).

    • Well organised and forward thinking training practice 
    • Practice population of 11,700 patients 
    • Paperlight, TPP SystmOne practice. 
    • New building planned for 2012 
    • Fully involved with PBC and ongoing changes within NHS 
    • Full range of GMS and enhanced services offered. 
    • Training practice plus undergraduate teaching to first, second and fifth years 
    • Nurse led triage and minor illness clinics 
    • An interest in family planning/IUCD fitting certificate desirable 
    • BMA salaried contract offered and income commensurate with experience

    To obtain more details, speak to one of the partners or arrange an informal visit please contact: Mrs Paula Watts, Practice Manager, Highcroft Surgery, Arnold Health Centre, High Street, Arnold, Nottingham, NG5 7BQ. Tel: 0115 8832330 or email Paula Watts.
     
    Closing date for applications: 17 February 2012

     
    VACANCY: GP Partner

    GP Partner required at The Family Medical Centre in Nottingham

    Due to retirement, we have a vacancy for a full time (8 sessions) GP Partner committed to becoming a GP Trainer. An excellent opportunity for a motivated, enthusiastic GP to work in a friendly, innovative practice, committed to education and professional development. 

    • 6 partners (5 FTE)
    • 7,600 patients, GMS
    • High QOF achievement
    • Wide range of services including substance misuse and homeless services
    • Strong team working ethos and supportive practice
    • GP Registrars, F2 and UGMS – long established training practice
    • Actively engaged in GP commissioning
    • To commence in May but willing to wait for the right candidate.

    Informal enquiries/visits are welcome and more information is available on our practice's website. Applications with CV and covering letter to: Liz Pain, Practice Manager, The Family Medical Centre, 171 Carlton Road, Nottingham, NG3 2FW. Email Liz Pain or call 0115 9504068.

    Closing date for applications: Friday 24 February.

     
    VACANCY: Salaried GP

    Salaried GP required at the Woodlands Medical Practice in Sutton-in-Ashfield

    Due to impending retirement we are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated team-player to join us from April 2012 as a Salaried GP (with Partnership opportunity for the right candidate) for 6-8 clinical sessions a week.

    • We are a long-established PMS practice caring for 9k patients (3.5 WTE partners)
    • We enjoy a strong local reputation for our friendly, team-orientated approach and high quality of patient care with consistently high QoF performance
    • We are situated in pleasant PFI premises within a modern housing development, approx 3 miles from J28 of the M1 on the Nottinghamshire/Derbyshire Border
    • We are an established F2 training practice using SystmOne computerisation
    • We are a well-organised practice with excellent management and support structure, achieving the ADVANCE Quality Accreditation Scheme Award in 2011

    Informal enquiries and visits welcome. Practice profile available on request. More information is available on our practice's website.

    Contact Trish Brown, Practice Manager, Woodlands Medical Practice, Bluebell Wood Way, Sutton-In-Ashfield, NG17 1JW. Tel: 01623 528748 or email Trish Brown.

    Closing date for applications: Friday 10 February (interviews TBA at mutual convenience). Those completing the VTS in August 2012 please apply – we will wait for the right person.

     
    Email Us: Practice Liaison Officers

    Barry Girling - Practice Liaison Officer for North Nottinghamshire 

     

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