First Annual South Yorkshire Primary Care Conference
If you’d like to attend, simply click the following link to book your place
Click here to book your place
If you believe this aligns with your interests and wish to sponsor the event, please email pts.clientcontact@gmail.com for further details.
Testing of possible Measles cases
Following a small number of confirmed measles cases in Doncaster in recent weeks the capacity for DBTH to forward swabs to Sheffield has been increased. If a clinician at the practice wishes to send a swab to test for measles to virology outside of your normal sample collection time please contact virology on 01302 642840.
Please use a green viral swab as pictured below. These can be ordered from supplies department at DRI contact number 01302 642827. Please note these may have a short expiry date (currently September 2024).
Links to latest guidance below
Infection Control Guidance can be found at the following links
Doncaster Indicative Budget Scheme 2024/25
8th April 2024
Dear Colleagues
Re: Doncaster Indicative Budget Scheme 2024/25
I am writing to inform you about the launch of the 2024/25 Doncaster Indicative Budget Scheme (DIBS) and details of the prescribing budgets for 2024/25 on which aspects of the scheme is based/monitored against.
The primary aim of the DIBS is to encourage prescribers to consider the cost and quality of prescribing choices and, where appropriate, to reduce waste to decrease their overall practice expenditure where cheaper alternatives are available / medicines use can be optimised. This in turn will make best use of NHS resources and support the greener prescribing agenda.
Because of practice feedback, we wish to make some adjustments to the 24/25 model. It is envisaged that these changes will enable those practices that have actively participated in driving change to continue to be rewarded, whilst still encouraging those with savings to make to reduce their expenditure.
Effective utilisation of the Optimise Rx system in practice will greatly support DIBS achievement, in addition to enhancing the safety and quality of prescribing. It is for this reason that we will be asking all participating practices to ensure that the system always remains active, and recommendations are accepted where appropriate.
The details of the scheme have been discussed with and are supported by the Prescribing Lead and Prescribing Advisor for the Medicines Optimisation Team. The details of the scheme are set out in the appendices overleaf.
Practices wishing to participate in the scheme must also be signed up to DIBS via the consent process led by the Locality Lead Pharmacist (MOT) for your PCN by the 17th of May.
I hope this information is useful for you, please get in touch with your Locality Lead Pharmacist (MOT) in the first instance should you have any questions.
Yours sincerely
Charlotte McMurray (Chief Pharmacist) on behalf of the Medicines Optimisation Doncaster Place, SY ICB
Annual flu letter
The tripartite annual flu letter for 2024/25 has now been published: National flu immunisation programme 2024 to 2025 letter – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
The letter sets out for providers the details of which cohorts are eligible for a flu vaccine in 2024/25and which vaccines will be reimbursable. There are no changes to the cohorts for next year’s programme, but based on JCVI advice, there are changes to the timing of the adult programme.
NHSE will aim to publish the flu service specifications shortly.
Updated LIPid management guidance
Annual flu letter
The tripartite annual flu letter for 2024/25 has now been published: National flu immunisation programme 2024 to 2025 letter – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
The letter sets out for providers the details of which cohorts are eligible for a flu vaccine in 2024/25and which vaccines will be reimbursable. There are no changes to the cohorts for next year’s programme, but based on JCVI advice, there are changes to the timing of the adult programme.
NHSE will aim to publish the flu service specifications shortly.
Updated LIPid management guidance
Sent on behalf of Dr Yasmin Khan Responsible Officer, NHS England North Yorks and the Humber
Dear Colleague
As we have just entered the 2024/25 appraisal year, I thought it would be timely to write to you with an update on the appraisal processes to help you plan your appraisal for this coming year.
Appraisal toolkits
In August 2023 we shared with you the national advice that the MAG form is to be discontinued; NHS England » ROAN Information Sheet 49. MAG form discontinuation.
The reason for this is because there is no longer the required IT support for the MAG form, and there have been numerous examples of difficulties for both appraisers and appraisees in opening and using the form. In addition, the recent GMC publication Good Medical Practice revision has changed the naming of the 4 domains and added to the attributes within each of these domains which will have to be in place by 1/4/25.
Based on this advice, Responsible Officers across the 7 NHS England regions advised all prescribed connections that the move to an on-line appraisal toolkit provider is required from 1 April 2024.
To support the planning of your future appraisal, please access the guidance relating to the several alternative resources. Online providers have adapted their models to reflect the focus on professional development and wellbeing.
Appraisal preparation and inputs
Supporting information; Please remember that there is no requirement to supply any additional written supporting information with your appraisal portfolio, beyond completion of the questions within the toolkit of your choice, with the exception of formal patient and colleague feedback ahead of your revalidation.
Toolkits do provide the option of completing a CPD log or templates for SEAs and case reviews, but these should only be completed if they are beneficial for you. I would, however, encourage you to hold a reflective discussion regarding your CPD, SEAs and case reviews during the appraisal meeting.
Format of appraisal:
- The appraisal meeting can be held face to face or remotely using a video platform. If you wish to have a face-to-face appraisal and your appraiser is not able facilitate this due to geography, please contact the team at england.neymedicalappraisal@nhs.net and an alternative appraiser can be sourced.
- To help your appraiser prepare for your appraisal discussion, it is important that you submit your portfolio of evidence to your appraiser a minimum of two weeks before your appraisal date. This will give your appraiser time to read through your documentation and, where appropriate, provide you with advice and feedback in advance of your appraisal. This permits the ‘mechanical’ aspects of your appraisal to be dealt with prior to the meeting, freeing up valuable time in the appraisal for discussion.
- Your appraisal discussion will usually take around two – three hours. This should be seen as protected time and on-call cover will need to be in place to ensure you are not disturbed during the discussion.
- If you feel that you have exceptional circumstances which may warrant a postponement to your appraisal (e.g. maternity leave, extended sick leave or a sabbatical), please contact england.neymedicalappraisal@nhs.net as soon as possible.
Support
If you have any queries relating to your appraisal or revalidation, please do not hesitate to contact the team at england.neymedicalappraisal@nhs.net. I am also available should you wish to discuss directly with me as your Responsible Officer.
Guidance on conditions for which over-the-counter items should not routinely be prescribed
NHS England has published new guidance on conditions for which over the counter items should not be routinely prescribed in primary care: NHS England » Policy guidance: conditions for which over the counter items should not be routinely prescribed in primary care
HRT Guidance Updates
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has published updated Guidance on HRT PPC and new FP10 – FINAL February 2024.pdf (nhsbsa.nhs.uk) guidance. This reflects changes to the definition of products in scope of the HRT PPC, following the launch of new products onto the market, and an agreed process for managing discontinuations.
Survive & Thrive: Wellbeing
The SY Workforce & Training Hub recognise the importance of promoting the wellbeing of all healthcare workers and so we have arranged a series of evening webinars designed to do just that.
The webinars are for any clinical professional working in general practice at any stage of career post early years (i.e. not on GP new to practice fellowship, nurse VTS, PA preceptorship or following FCP roadmap)
The webinars are provided by Resilient Practice
Karen and Chrissie are practising healthcare professionals who provide wellbeing and resilience training for a host of NHS organisations. The webinars include a practical element and share tools and techniques that can be used throughout the clinical day ensuring we all stay afloat whatever the weather.
See details of all the webinars below with links to register.
You can also view the full collection on Eventbrite.
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Mythbusters
CQC National Clinical Advisors and Policy Team issue guidance (GP mythbusters – Care Quality Commission (cqc.org.uk) to clear up some common myths about CQC inspections, as well as sharing guidance on best practice, which practices may wish to be aware of.
The following mythbusters have been updated in recent weeks:
Online access to new GP health record entries
Eight in 10 GP practices now provide online prospective record access for their patients. Remaining practices are reminded that all patients should have access unless it would not be provided under GDPR, or the patient has informed the practice that they do not, or no longer, wish to have access. ICBs have been asked to liaise with practices that are not compliant to understand their plans for enabling patient access.
Preparing for the Spring 2024 COVID-19 vaccination campaign
Preparations are underway for the Spring 2024 COVID-19 vaccination campaign, following the achievements of the 2023 Autumn campaigns. The NHS is focusing on delivering a seasonal COVID-19 vaccine dose, aligning with government recommendations. Eligible cohorts include adults aged 75 and over, care home residents, and immunosuppressed individuals. Efforts are being made to ensure equity in access and address variations in uptake. Funding and contract arrangements are extended to support vaccination activities, with plans for supply and delivery to be finalised soon. The commitment of healthcare professionals is crucial for the campaign’s success. Read more here NHS England » Preparing for a successful spring 2024 COVID-19 vaccination campaign .
The Cameron Fund Spring Newsletter
The Cameron Fund provides help and support solely to GPs, including those who are retired, and their dependants. It aims to meet needs that vary considerably, from the elderly in nursing homes to young, chronically sick doctors and their families, and those suffering from unexpected and unpredictable problems such as relationship breakdown or financial difficulties following the actions of professional regulatory bodies. Careful consideration is given to the help most needed, which could be advice, a grant or a loan.
The Fund’s Spring 2024 newsletter covers a number of topics such as:
- News from the Chair • Pension advice
- International Practitioner Health Summit 2024 • Fundraising
If you know of colleagues who may need help from the Cameron Fund please encourage them to contact the Fund.
More information on how to contact the Cameron Fund, the support they can offer and how to donate can be found here The Cameron Fund | The GPs’ Own Charity .
LMC Buying Group
Doncaster LMC is been a member of the LMC Buying Groups Federation. This means that practices can access the discounts the Buying Group has negotiated on a wide range of products and services. If you’re not sure what the Buying Group is all about then this short video explains what they do: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FekMwFI5ILg.
By registering with the Buying Group: www.lmcbuyinggroups.co.uk/members/, you can view all the suppliers’ pricing, contact details and request quotes. The Buying Group also offers any member practice a free cost analysis which demonstrates how much money your practice could save just by swapping to buying group suppliers. Tel: 0115 979 6910 Email: info@lmcbuyinggroups.co.uk Website: www.lmcbuyinggroups.co.uk
