Dear Colleague
At a recent meeting of the Doncaster LMC, the committee revisited the issue of the LMC levy, which, as you are aware, has remained unchanged at 45 pence per patient since 2011. This decision was a deliberate one, allowing us to responsibly reduce the reserves held by the LMC while continuing to support practices through more than a decade of increasing pressure.
However, it is now clear that maintaining this rate is no longer sustainable. Last year’s total expenditure by the LMC was approximately £170,000, which means the existing levy no longer covers the cost of delivering our support to Doncaster practices.
Following careful consideration and discussion, the committee voted to increase the levy from 45p to 51p per patient, effective from July 2025. The increase ensures that the LMC remains financially viable and able to continue delivering high-quality, trusted support.
We are mindful of the financial constraints practices face and do not take this decision lightly. However, we believe this small increase offers exceptional value given the scale and impact of our work.
What Doncaster LMC Delivers for You
Doncaster LMC is your independent voice, run by GPs, for GPs and their teams. The levy enables us to provide a broad range of support that directly benefits your practice. This includes:
We are proud that we have not increased the levy for over 13 years, despite rising costs and an increasingly complex primary care landscape. We hope you agree that this record demonstrates both fiscal responsibility and a strong commitment to value.
Thank you for your continued support.
If you have any questions about this change or the work of Doncaster LMC, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Kindest regards,
Dr Kevin Lee
Treaurer
We wanted to make you aware of an NHS-supported contraception service that we expect will help reduce demand on GP appointments while improving access to care for women in your practice.
This service caught our attention because of its innovative approach. It incorporates Tuune, a digital platform that enables women to explore their contraceptive needs in the round, not just by selecting a method of contraception but by considering what is best for their body based on their unique symptoms, health profile, and potential side effects.
The novel online assessment allows women to explore contraception options tailored to their individual health and wellbeing, helping to reduce trial-and-error style approaches and improve satisfaction with their chosen method. Following this, women have a consultation with a community pharmacist, who can supply oral contraception in line with a PGD under the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service if appropriate. Tuune’s MHRA-registered algorithm uses current research to suggest contraception based on a patient’s symptoms and hormonal profile. The assessment takes about 10 minutes to complete and under 2 minutes to review.
This approach is safe, evidence-based, and supported by robust clinical pathways. Importantly, it is free for practices and patients to use.
What this means for your practice:
We have met with Tuune and believe that there is merit in helping to make this service more widely accessible within the NHS. This includes exploring future integration with the NHS App and compatibility with electronic health record systems.
The aim for us is to support general practice capacity by offering a safe and convenient alternative route to care.
Further details can be found here:
www.weldricks.co.uk/services/online-contraceptive-assessment
We have recently been made aware that some practices based in NHS-owned or leased premises are receiving Letters of Claim from solicitors acting on behalf of Community Health Partnerships Limited (CHP) regarding alleged unpaid bills, often relating to service charges.
If you receive such a letter:
Do not ignore it – there is usually a strict deadline to respond.
Acknowledge receipt – let the solicitors know you have received their letter, but do not admit liability.
Request full disclosure of evidence before considering payment.
You should specifically request:
Copies of all invoices in chronological order for the period claimed.
Full, itemised breakdowns of each charge, linked to the relevant clauses in your lease, licence, or occupation agreement.
Annual service charge reconciliation statements with proof of actual expenditure.
Details of how charges have been calculated and apportioned between tenants.
A copy of the occupation agreement relied upon for the claim.
Key points to raise in your reply:
Inaccurate or missing invoices – highlight that charges cannot be verified without proper documentation.
Lack of transparency – insist on seeing calculations and contractual justification.
Potential overcharging – challenge any charges that appear outside the scope of your agreement or NHS Premises Directions.
Limitation period – under the Limitation Act 1980, claims over six years old may be statute-barred and unenforceable.
Suggested next steps:
State that you are willing to discuss any genuine liabilities once evidence is provided.
Ask for the claim to be put on hold until full documentation is supplied.
Suggest using Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to avoid unnecessary legal costs and protect NHS resources.
Bottom line:
Do not rush to pay without clear evidence. Make the landlord prove both the basis and accuracy of the charges before engaging in settlement discussions.
NHS England has published amendments to the GMS Statement of Financial Entitlements (SFE) and the Network Contract DES, implementing several important changes affecting practice funding, staffing reimbursements, and contractual entitlements.
1. Global Sum Increase – Backdated to 1 April
The updated SFE delivers a rise in Global Sum payments in line with the DDRB recommendations, applied in full and backdated to 1 April. This increase in practice funding is designed to support:
A 4% pay uplift for salaried and contractor GPs, with the backdated element to be passed on.
Pay uplifts for other practice staff, in proportion to the uplift in funding received.
NHS England has made it clear that it expects GP contractors to implement pay rises for non-GP practice staff to reflect the funding increase, however, this is not obligatory.
2. New Reimbursement Provisions
The amendments also introduce new funding entitlements:
Neonatal Care Leave – Practices can now be reimbursed for GP locum cover where a GP is absent due to neonatal care leave.
ARRS Staff Pay Uplift – Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme staff will receive a 3.6% pay uplift, also backdated to 1 April.
Reimbursement for Absent ARRS GPs – Practices and PCNs can now claim reimbursement when an ARRS GP is absent, helping to reduce the financial burden on the practice/PCN.
3. Next Steps for ICBs and Practices
Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) have been provided with guidance on the financial implications and necessary actions to ensure timely implementation of these changes. Practices should review the updated SFE and DES provisions to ensure:
All eligible staff receive their backdated pay uplifts.
Claims for neonatal care leave and absent ARRS GPs are processed promptly.
Payroll systems are updated to reflect the new pay rates.
Further Information
Detailed guidance for ICBs, including financial modelling and reimbursement processes, is available here.
In response to the recent measles outbreaks, NHS England has introduced a time-limited measure allowing GP practices to vaccinate their own eligible staff against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) — even if those staff are registered with a different GP practice.
Key Points of the Arrangement:
Who is eligible?
Practice staff who meet the clinical eligibility criteria for MMR vaccination but are registered elsewhere.
Legal basis:
Vaccination is to be given under the Immediately Necessary Treatment (INT) provisions.
Timeframe:
This arrangement runs from 1 August 2025 to 31 March 2026 only.
Course completion:
Where two doses are required, the second must be given at the correct interval as per the Green Book guidance, and all doses must be completed by 31 March 2026.
Funding and Indemnity:
No item of service fee can be claimed for MMR vaccines given to staff registered with another practice.
Indemnity cover will be provided through the Clinical Negligence Scheme for General Practice (CNSGP).
Practices can use centrally supplied MMR vaccine stock for this purpose.
Record-keeping and Communication:
Staff should be strongly encouraged to inform their registered practice once they have received an MMR vaccination, so it can be recorded in their GP-held medical record.
Action for Practices:
Identify staff who are not fully immunised against MMR.
Offer vaccination in line with the Green Book eligibility and dosing schedule.
Keep clear records of vaccinations given and ensure staff understand their responsibility to notify their registered GP.
Clinical Refresher (Green Book Guidance)
Eligibility:
Adults who have not received two doses of MMR vaccine, or
Adults without clear, documented evidence of immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella.
Those with uncertain vaccination history should be considered unvaccinated and offered two doses.
Dosing schedule:
Two doses are required for full protection.
Minimum interval between doses: 4 weeks.
Contraindications:
Severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or vaccine component (e.g., neomycin, gelatin).
Immunosuppressed individuals (seek specialist advice).
Pregnancy – defer until after delivery.
From 1 September 2025, the eligibility criteria for the NHS shingles vaccination programme will be widened. Under the new rules, all severely immunosuppressed individuals aged 18 years and over will be entitled to receive the shingles vaccine.
Key Changes
Current position: Shingles vaccination is mainly offered to older adults within specific age cohorts, and certain clinically vulnerable groups.
From 1 September 2025:
Any person aged 18 years or older who is severely immunosuppressed will become eligible, regardless of age cohort.
This includes individuals whose immune systems are significantly weakened due to medical conditions or treatments (e.g., chemotherapy, advanced HIV infection, bone marrow transplant, immunosuppressive medication).
Rationale for Change
Evidence shows that severely immunosuppressed people are at higher risk of shingles and complications such as post-herpetic neuralgia and disseminated disease.
Extending eligibility is intended to improve protection and reduce the burden on primary and secondary care services.
Vaccine Type and Scheduling
Shingrix® (non-live, recombinant vaccine) will be used for immunosuppressed adults, as it is safe for use in this population.
Standard course: Two doses, given at least 8 weeks apart (may be extended if clinically necessary).
Action for Practices
Identify eligible patients from 1 September using searches based on clinical codes for severe immunosuppression.
Ensure that vaccination teams and call/recall systems are updated to reflect the new criteria.
Provide clear information to eligible patients about the benefits and safety of the vaccine.
Continue to follow the Green Book guidance for timing in relation to immunosuppressive treatments.
Further Information
NHS England has issued a detailed letter with annexes setting out the changes, including definitions of severe immunosuppression and updated clinical guidance. Practices should review this ahead of the September rollout.
To streamline the Shared Care process, the Medicines Optimisation Team have set-up a pilot with DBTH Rheumatology trialling the sending and replying of Shared Care Proforma’s electronically via AccuMail. This is “in place of” physical proforma copies being posted out by DBTH and requiring Practices to complete reply by hand and sign.
Electronic Shared Care Proforma requests will arrive in the practices AccuMail inbox (like other Accurx incoming mail messages e.g. Out-of-Stocks from Community Pharmacy) and a notification will appear on the desktop toolbar (as per image below).
Please find below a screenshot of a AccuMail conversation showing DBTH Rheumatology request and Practice reply to a electronic Shared Care Proforma request.
The pilot, which is supported by Doncaster LMC, will last throughout Summer 2025. Should positive feedback be received, we hope to expand across other specialities and Trusts.
If you have any questions or would like to give feedback, please contact Raz at the Medicines Optimisation Team via razwan.saleem@nhs.net
NHS Property Services is carrying out a national insight project to better understand the experiences, needs, and priorities of GPs at every stage of their career, from newly qualified through to senior partners.
The aim is to ensure NHSPS can better align its services, support, and communication with the realities of general practice today. By speaking directly with GPs, they hope to build a clearer picture of how career stages, practice models, and property needs are evolving.
NHSPS are inviting GPs to take part in a short, confidential 45-minute conversation to share their reflections. Your input will help inform how NHSPS works with practices in the future and shape improvements that reflect the diversity of GP experiences.
If you’re happy to be involved, please contact monique.pace@property.nhs.uk to arrange a convenient time.
Lilac Tree Clinic has recently launched a psychiatrist-led, evidence-based day care service in Sheffield, specialising in the treatment of adults with eating disorders.
They offer:
Their aim is to provide early intervention and improve clinical outcomes through structured, multidisciplinary treatment in a supportive environment.
They accept referrals from the NHS as well as privately insured or self-funding patients.
Attached is a brief introduction to the clinic and a recent social media post.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/11eSCIG2qvU7T8y6f3o0QITnHAkprUv4PDWqNAU9osDw/edit?usp=sharing
If you or your colleagues would like to find out more about our service or discuss a referral, please get in touch:
Phone 0114 204 1540
www.lilactreeclinic.co.uk
We are pleased to announce the addition of a dedicated ECHO session focused on “Writing a ReSPECT Plan”, designed to support healthcare professionals who are involved in creating or completing ReSPECT (Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment) plans.
This interactive session, scheduled for November 2025, will provide practical guidance, explore best practices, and help clinicians develop confidence and clarity when initiating and documenting ReSPECT discussions with patients and their families.
This opportunity is open to all healthcare professionals who are responsible for completing ReSPECT plans, including GPs, nurses, paramedics, and allied health professionals.
Please share this invitation with colleagues and any members of your team who may find this session valuable.
Doncaster LMC is been a member of the LMC Buying Groups Federation.
Buying Group membership entitles practices to discounts on products and services provided by the Buying Group’s suppliers.
Membership is free and there is no obligation on practices to use all the suppliers. However, practices can save thousands of pounds a year just by switching to Buying Group suppliers. To view the pricing and discounts on offer you need to register for access to the Buying Group’s online portal: https://buying.plexusportal.co.uk/Register.
What is the purpose of the Buying Group and how does it work?
The sole purpose of the Buying Group is to save its member practices money by negotiating discounts on goods and services which practices regularly purchase. The Buying Group team negotiate with suppliers, after which they identify ‘approved’ suppliers, who guarantee to give you significant discounts over what you would otherwise pay for their services, in return for the Buying Group’s endorsement and help in making you aware of what they offer.
Does it cost us anything to be part of the group?
No, membership is free and members are free to use as many discounts as they wish.
Is there any obligation to take up the deals offered?
No. Each practice is free to take up or decline any of the deals the Buying Group have negotiated. If you wish to take advantage of any of the offers in question, you will be given contact details, and all communications take place between you and the individual supplier*.
*The Buying Group accepts no liability for any contract willingly entered into by a practice with an approved supplier. Practices are advised to check that the terms of any contract with suppliers are consistent with those the Buying Group have negotiated and are advised to inform the Buying Group team of any discrepancy. The Buying Group do not, however, accept any responsibility for any member practices’ failure to check the terms of the relevant contract and the principle of caveat emptor (buyer beware) applies in all cases. Your rights as a consumer under the Consumer Protection Act are unaffected. With respect to any services to which the provisions of the Financial Services Act 2000 might apply practices are advised to seek independent financial advice as may be appropriate.
What happens to my details?
When a practice signs up for Buying Group membership, they will keep your basic contact details (practice address) on a secure system. On the membership application form, they also ask you how they can use your personal data (i.e. your email address) but even if you do sign up to receive their emails you can stop them at any time by clicking the unsubscribe button.
What if I am not happy with the quality of goods and services supplied?
Always let the Buying Group know if you encounter any problems getting what you want, and they will endeavour to sort it out.
Contact the Buying Group
The Buying Group is managed by Plexus Support Services Ltd:
Tel: 0115 979 6910
Email: info@plexussupport.co.uk
Website: https://www.plexussupport.co.uk
