Since October 2020, the GP contract regulations have included a mandatory requirement for GPs to offer a dedicated 6-8 week postnatal check for mothers, in addition to the routine baby check. This applies to all mothers following both live and stillbirths, ensuring that maternal health and wellbeing are given appropriate...

Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is a tax levied on the purchase or transfer of property or land in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. For General Practices in England, SDLT is relevant when a GP practice buys, leases, or transfers property. These transactions are common in the healthcare sector, making...

There are several statues in place that afford patients the right of access to information held about them by General Practices.These are;Access to Health Records Act (UK) 1990UK law1.  To establish the right of access to health records by the individuals to whom they relate and other persons2.  To provide...

The National Health Service (NHS) in England provides healthcare to both residents and overseas visitors. However, there are specific rules regarding who is eligible for free NHS care and what charges may apply. This guide explains how overseas visitors can access NHS services, what they are entitled to, and the...

Care co-ordinator Care coordinators provide extra time, capacity, and expertise to support patients in preparing for clinical conversations or in…

General practices can choose to provide or opt out of certain additional services. These services were traditionally included in the General Medical Services (GMS) contract, with practices losing a percentage of their global sum if they opted out. However, recent changes have updated these provisions.

Bariatric surgery, including procedures such as gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric banding, is a highly specialised intervention requiring lifelong monitoring and support. Despite the growing number of patients undergoing these procedures, there is currently no commissioned NHS service for the routine aftercare of patients who have had bariatric surgery,...

COVID-19 has led to unprecedented changes in our professional and home lives alongside, in some cases, personal or family illness…

The Blue Badge scheme offers parking concessions for individuals with disabilities, enabling them to park in spaces designated for disabled parking. When applying for a Blue Badge, the local authority currently requests that patients provide "evidence of a diagnosed medical condition or disability, along with supporting documentation from a medical...

At Doncaster LMC, we are unable to set indicative charges for services, as doing so would be considered price fixing. However, we are happy to guide you through the process of calculating the cost of delivering a service, allowing you to better understand how much you might need to charge.

CQRS stands for Calculating Quality Reporting Service. It is an essential tool for GP practices to track, monitor, and declare achievement for key NHS payment schemes, including: The Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) Direct Enhanced Services (DES) Vaccination and Immunisation (V&I) Programmes By ensuring accurate data capture, CQRS helps GP...

General Practitioners are required to deliver care in accordance with their primary care contracts, which include the General Medical Services (GMS), Personal Medical Services (PMS), and Alternative Provider Medical Services (APMS) contracts. However, the way in which services are provided is determined by each individual practice.

Child health surveillance became a core part of the General Medical Services (GMS) contract in April 2020 and is similarly reflected in Personal Medical Services (PMS) contracts. This essential service focuses on the monitoring and promotion of child health and development, often commonly referred to as the 6-8 week baby...

As part of their professional responsibility, General Practitioners (GPs) are required to complete safeguarding training to level 3, ensuring they have the necessary skills to recognise and respond to child safeguarding concerns. To maintain up-to-date knowledge, GPs must also complete annual updates provided during local TARGET sessions. These updates ensure...

Collaborative services are those commissioned by local authorities in the fields of education, social services, and public health. These services often involve requests from local authorities for GPs to provide support in areas such as child protection, mental health assessments, fostering and adoption reports, and more.

This guide is designed to support NHS GP practices in their professional responsibilities when interacting with private healthcare providers. It clarifies the legal and ethical framework—particularly as defined by the General Medical Council (GMC)—and provides clear, practical steps for safely sharing information and working collaboratively in the best interests of...

General Practice core hours are defined as: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM (Excluding Bank Holidays) Practices have the flexibility to determine how services are provided within these hours in consultation with their patients and Patient Participation Group (PPG).

Under The Coroners Allowances, Fees and Expenses Regulations 2013, which came into force on 25th July 2013, GPs cannot charge for providing a Coroner’s Report.

Book an appointment Click here to book a Covid vaccination appointment downloads Covid-19 – Enhanced Service Spec – 16th September…

From September 2024, Form Cremation 4 is no longer required for cremation certification in England and Wales. The confirmatory medical certificate (Form Cremation 5) was already removed, and now Form Cremation 4 has also been made obsolete as part of changes to simplify the process.

The process of death certification in England requires a registered medical practitioner to certify the cause of death to the best of their knowledge and belief. Alternatively, if the circumstances require further investigation, the death must be reported to the coroner, who will then provide the appropriate certification.

The Debt and Mental Health Evidence Form (DMHEF) is used to provide creditors with information about how a person’s mental health condition impacts their ability to manage debt. It allows health and social care professionals to support patients facing financial difficulties by verifying their health-related circumstances.

As healthcare professionals, it is our duty to always act within the limits of our competence to ensure the safety and well-being of our patients. The General Medical Council’s (GMC) guidance on Good Medical Practice (2013) clearly states that doctors must recognize and respect the boundaries of their professional knowledge...

The Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) are an important amendment to the Mental Capacity Act 2005, aimed at protecting individuals who lack the capacity to consent to their care or treatment arrangements, ensuring their rights and welfare are safeguarded. The following details are key to understanding the responsibilities and roles...

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is the organisation responsible for processing criminal record checks in England and Wales. It was formed through the merger of the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA). DBS checks help employers make safer recruitment decisions, particularly in roles involving vulnerable...

Enhanced access One of the key aspects of primary care service provision is ensuring patients have access to appointments outside…

PCN DES 2022/23 PCN Adjusted Populations PCN DES Frequently asked questions 2022 PCN DES guidance 2022 PCN Contract specification 2022…

Since 2020, the General Medical Services (GMS) contract has mandated that all GP practices maintain an official website. This is part of an effort to ensure better transparency and accessibility of information for patients.

Patients often assume that their GP can “chase” or accelerate hospital appointments, but in reality hospitals schedule care according to clinical priority, not administrative pressure. General practice should only contact a hospital when there is a clear change in clinical status, new information that materially alters risk, or when the...

In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the government has advised the use of face coverings as a measure to help reduce the spread of infection. A face covering is any material that securely covers both the nose and mouth, providing a barrier to respiratory droplets that may contain the...

In April 2016, a new information-sharing process between GPs and police was introduced to help mitigate the risk of individuals who are medically unfit being granted a firearm or shotgun certificate. This process was further refined in November 2021 with updated statutory guidance outlining the roles and responsibilities of GPs...

A professionally drafted Free from Infection certificate template for international repatriation, outlining required clinical details, infection clearance statements, and official formatting to meet overseas consulate and undertaker requirements.

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 provides public access to information held by public authorities, and obliges public authorities to publish information about their activities, and entitles members of the public to request information from public authoritiesWhilst the FOI Act applies to health providers including General Practice, it does not...

Speaking up is crucial when anything stands in the way of providing the best possible care. Whether it’s a concern about safety, quality, or the working environment, raising these issues is essential to ensure that lessons are learned, improvements are made, and potential harm is prevented. Speaking up is not...

The General Data Protection Regulation or GDPR is a European law that applies to industries who supply services to European…

local contracts QoF Private contracts training and education PCN Core contract

In the healthcare system, GP premises reimbursement plays a crucial role in ensuring that GP practices are financially supported in relation to the costs of owning, leasing, or borrowing premises. This section outlines the various reimbursement schemes available to GP practices based on the ownership or rental status of their...

The 2016 NHS trainee doctors contract introduced the new role of the guardian of safe working hours.  The guardian is responsible for overseeing compliance and safeguards outlined in the 2016 contract.The role is applicable to all organisations that employ or host NHS training doctors using the 2016 junior doctor contract....

GP practices have the contractual right to refuse to register new patients under specific circumstances without the need for formal processes or approval from commissioners. This is often referred to as an "informal list closure."

Sick and fit notes (Med3) are essential tools in general practice for certifying a patient’s fitness for work. This guide outlines the key responsibilities of GPs, the process for issuing notes, and common queries related to their use.

The NHS Pension Scheme is a key employment benefit for NHS staff, including general practitioners and practice staff. This guide outlines how the scheme works, the different sections of the scheme, how it applies to GPs, key contributions, retirement options, and considerations for practices.

When a registered patient dies and they are de-registered from a Practice. Primary Care Contractors are no longer at liberty to access and amend the medical record unless compelled by legitimate  legal reason. The electronic health record remains stored in the cloud.  The last registered practice remain data controllers for...

NHS body status limits a contact holder to using NHS dispute resolution regulations should a contract dispute occur.

GPs frequently receive requests for hepatitis B immunisation, which generally fall into three broad categories: Travel-related immunisation Occupational health requirements Medical or lifestyle risk factors

GPs are often requested to give hepatitis B immunisation covering three broad areas:for travelfor occupational health.for medical reasons (e.g. IV drug use for renal disease.) TravelHepatitis B immunisation for travel is not remunerated by the NHS as part of additional services.Schedule 5 of The NHS (General Medical Services Contracts) Regulations 2004...

Home visits are an integral part of the General Medical Services (GMS) contract and are acknowledged as necessary for certain patients under specific circumstances. However, it's important to understand that home visits are not an automatic entitlement for every patient. The decision to provide a home visit is based on...

Homely remedies, such as PRN (as-needed) paracetamol, can be an important part of symptom management in care homes. However, there is often confusion about whether a GP must authorise their use. This guidance aims to clarify the responsibilities of care home staff and GPs in the administration of non-prescription medications...

CCGs have the responsibility for buying and maintaining GP clinical computer systems.CCGs must pay for systems that have met RFA standards (NHS general practice computerisation Requirements for Accreditation).Practices are guaranteed choice from a number of accredited systems, although this choice may not necessarily include all systems available in the GP...

Access my PCN IIF Network Dashboard The Investment and Impact Fund (IIF) rewards PCNs for delivering objectives set out in…

GP practices have the legal right to charge interest on overdue payments from clients or third parties. This right is outlined in the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 (LPCA), which establishes clear guidelines for handling late payments.

Doncaster LMC joined the LMC Buying Group in 2012 to deliver savings to practices without creating any additional work or…

Complaints are a common aspect of medical practice, and at some point in your career, you are likely to receive one. This guide is designed to help you understand the complaints process and provide support in navigating it effectively.

The increased use of social media has made it easier for patients to share their experiences—both positive and negative—about healthcare services. While much of this feedback can be constructive, sometimes it serves as an outlet for dissatisfaction. To help you manage these situations effectively, we’ve compiled a set of best...

When patients request GPs to complete forms, it’s important to distinguish between those that are mandatory and those that are not. Below is a list of mandatory forms that GPs are generally required to complete, as well as non-mandatory forms where GPs are not obligated to provide support.

All employees have a legal entitlement to a total of 52 weeks of maternity leave, comprising 26 weeks of ordinary maternity leave and an additional 26 weeks of leave, regardless of their length of service with the employer.

The decision regarding which medication to prescribe ultimately lies with the prescribing clinician. It is essential to recognise that, in line with best practice standards, this decision should be made collaboratively with the patient, ensuring that their preferences, values, and concerns are considered throughout the process. This partnership approach fosters...

GP Practices must be compliant with the national patient data opt out scheme by March 2020.From 11 October 2018 patients are no longer able to register a type 2 objection via a GP practice. This means that type 2 codes added to a patient’s record after this date will no...

Negotiation is a structured discussion between two or more parties aimed at reaching a mutually beneficial agreement on issues where conflict or differing interests exist. It is a dynamic process that requires compromise, strategic thinking, and effective communication. Successful negotiation fosters long-term relationships, resolves disputes, and ensures fair outcomes for...

The New to Partnership Payment Scheme (N2PP) was introduced to encourage more clinicians to take on partnership roles in general practice, helping to stabilise and strengthen the partnership model. By increasing the number of partners—and those with equivalent status—the scheme aimed to ensure that primary care remained resilient, well-staffed, and...

Under NHS regulations, a General Medical Services (GMS) contract holder has the option to be classified as an NHS Body. However, this status has significant implications, particularly concerning dispute resolution.

In England, certain infectious diseases are legally classified as notifiable. This means that when a medical practitioner suspects or diagnoses one of these diseases, they are required to report it to the appropriate public health authorities. In South Yorkshire, this responsibility primarily falls on general practitioners, who play a crucial...

Online access to medical records The right of patients to seek access to their medical records is governed by data…

Since 5 January 2015, GP practices in England have had the option to register new patients who live outside their designated practice area without the obligation to provide home visits or urgent care services when the patient is unable to attend their registered practice. This policy was introduced to increase...

Under the General Medical Services (GMS) contract, GP practices have the option to opt out of providing 24-hour care for their patients. When a practice chooses to opt out, the responsibility for out-of-hours (OOH) care is transferred to an alternative provider, which is commissioned by the local Primary Care Commissioner...

All employees have a legal entitlement to a total of 52 weeks of maternity leave, comprising 26 weeks of ordinary maternity leave and an additional 26 weeks of leave, regardless of their length of service with the employer.

Patient Group Directions (PGDs) provide a legal framework that allows some registered health professionals to supply and/or administer specified medicines to a pre-defined group of patients, without them having to see a prescriber (such as a doctor or nurse prescriber).

A Patient Specific Direction (PSD) is a formal written instruction provided by a prescriber, detailing the medicines to be supplied and/or administered to a specific patient. This instruction is issued only after the prescriber has conducted an individual assessment of the patient, ensuring that the prescribed treatment is appropriate based...

A practice leaflet serves as an important document for patients and provides essential information about the healthcare services available under a specific contract.

As part of the healthcare system, General Practitioners (GPs) are often asked to provide medical certificates for various purposes. Some of these certificates are prescribed under specific legislation or regulations, while others are issued at the discretion of the GP. This guidance aims to clarify which certificates GPs are legally...

In the United Kingdom, one of the fundamental principles of the National Health Service (NHS) is that patients have the right to receive medical treatment free of charge at the point of delivery. This right is enshrined in the General Medical Services (GMS) contract, which governs the relationship between NHS...

Primary Care Contracts in Doncaster Doncaster LMC supports GP practices with clear guidance on GMS, PMS, and APMS primary care contracts. We help clinicians understand obligations, manage enhanced services, and protect patient care while ensuring compliance with NHS frameworks.

Primary care networks build on the core of current primary care services and enable the greater provision of proactive, personalised,…

Private practice for General Medical Services (GMS) and Personal Medical Services (PMS) contractors is tightly regulated, particularly when it comes to charging NHS-registered patients for care. Under Part 5, Regulation 24 of the National Health Service (General Medical Services Contracts) Regulations 2015, as well as corresponding clauses in PMS contracts,...

Private practice for contractors working under General Medical Services (GMS) and Personal Medical Services (PMS) contracts is subject to strict regulations when it comes to NHS-registered patients. As outlined in Part 5, Regulation 24 of the National Health Service (General Medical Services Contracts) Regulations 2015, which also applies to PMS...

When applying for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), claimants are only required to submit medical evidence that they already possess, such as copies of clinic letters or other relevant documents. They are not instructed to contact their GP or another healthcare professional to obtain new evidence specifically for their claim. Additionally,...

Patients who self-administer injectable medications, such as those managing diabetes, require a safe and effective method for disposing of used sharps. Where no healthcare worker is involved in administering the medication, the patient's GP or another healthcare professional should prescribe a sharps bin appropriate to the type and volume of...

The Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) is a key component of the NHS contract for general practitioners (GPs) in the UK, designed to incentivise and reward high-quality care for patients. Introduced in 2004 as part of the new GMS contract, QOF aimed to improve the quality of healthcare by linking...

Ensuring that transgender patients receive respectful, appropriate, and legally compliant care is an essential responsibility for primary care providers. The way medical records are managed plays a crucial role in safeguarding patient confidentiality while also ensuring that individuals receive the correct healthcare interventions. This guidance aims to help general practitioners...

In Doncaster's primary care setting, medications are categorised using a Traffic Light System (TLS) to delineate prescribing responsibilities and ensure optimal patient care. This system aids healthcare professionals in understanding their roles concerning various medications, promoting safe and effective prescribing practices.

All areas of the NHS are under great pressure.  In dealing with such intense demand it is important that we all work as effectively as possible to ensure that scarce resources are used efficiently.

Disagreements and conflicts can arise in any professional environment, including general practice. Workplace tensions, contractual disagreements, or partnership disputes can create challenges that impact both individuals and teams. When conflicts arise, Doncaster LMC provides a confidential and impartial mediation service to help all parties navigate their differences and reach a...

The Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment (ReSPECT) form is an important document that records personalised recommendations for a patient’s care in an emergency when they may not have the capacity to express their wishes. It is designed to support shared decision-making between patients, their families, and healthcare...

In 2012, Doncaster LMC and the Doncaster Local Authority came to an agreement that a letter from a GP would not be classed as medical evidence to validate absence from school.

Top TipsUse an NHS email account.Ensure the email address that you are sending the files to is correct.Do not email the encrypted document and password together in the same email.Strong passwords tend to include letters, numbers and symbols.

Seniority payments were a part of the remuneration system for General Practitioners (GPs) in the UK. These payments were introduced to reward experience, acknowledging the years of service and the evolving expertise GPs acquired over their careers. For many years, seniority payments were a key feature of the NHS pensionable...

Protocols ADHD Amiodarone Anti Psychotic Ciclosporin Colistin / Tobramycin Dalteparin Dementia Growth Hormone Lithium Melatonin NAC Parkinsons disease Inflammatory Arthritis…

There is no single definition of a significant event.   Practices should record any incident or situation sufficiently out of…

From March 2025, all GP practices in England must comply with new national recycling requirements. This includes separate collections for paper and card, plastic, metal, glass, and food waste. The policy standardises recycling across England and applies to all non-domestic premises, including primary care. Micro-firms (fewer than 10 FTE staff)...

The Special Allocation Scheme (SAS) provides a secure way for patients who have displayed violent or aggressive behaviour to continue receiving essential GP care while ensuring the safety of practice staff and other patients. This guide explains when the scheme applies, the steps for immediate removal, and how services are...

The NHS Standard Contract is mandated by NHS England for use by commissioners for all contracts for healthcare services other…

The Carr-Hill formula is the method used to calculate Global Sum payments for essential and certain additional services within primary care. It replaced the previous Jarman Index, providing a more accurate and comprehensive system for distributing funding to practices. This formula ensures that payments are made based on the actual...

The Founding of NHS General Practice General Practitioners have been self-employed providers of care to the British public since the early 19th century, being recognised and remunerated by the British Government after the introduction of the 1911 National Insurance Act.  With no organisation in place to readily employ doctors who...

A partnership agreement is a crucial document that sets out how a business partnership will operate on a day-to-day basis and provides a framework for resolving disputes between partners. While not legally required, having a formal agreement in place helps ensure stability, fairness, and clarity in business operations, particularly during...

The Retained Doctor Scheme is an essential initiative that helps experienced doctors re-enter or remain in the workforce in a flexible capacity. Whether you are looking to reduce your hours, return after a career break, or ease into retirement, the scheme offers an opportunity to continue providing care to patients...

Trading Standards, a department within the Local Authority, is one of the many regulatory bodies with the authority to inspect General Practice settings. Their role extends beyond consumer protection and fair trading; they also have a duty to ensure compliance with legislation that directly impacts healthcare providers.

The Traffic Light System (TLS) is a colour-coded framework designed to provide clear guidance on prescribing responsibilities and commissioning intentions for a range of selected products. It aims to clarify the division of clinical and prescribing responsibilities between specialists and primary care practitioners when a product is prescribed. This system...

Training Gold Guide v8 – March 2020 AOME Professional Standards – 2014 Approving GP trainers Under the medical act, the…

NHS England is responsible for commissioning and funding translation and interpretation services to ensure patients with limited English proficiency, hearing impairments, or other communication needs can access healthcare services effectively.

Welcome to our guide on the different types of business structures available for self-employed individuals and entrepreneurs. Whether you're considering starting a sole trader business, forming a limited company, or entering into a partnership, understanding your options is key to making the right decision for your needs. Each structure offers...

Electrical safety is a crucial aspect of maintaining any commercial, office, retail, or educational property. The 5-year electrical testing rule ensures that fixed electrical installations are inspected and tested to safeguard occupants and comply with legal requirements.

The Tier 2 visa is a UK work visa designed for skilled workers from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. This visa category is employer-led, meaning that individuals can only apply if they have been offered a role by a registered sponsor employer. Employers who wish to recruit...

When a person has an expected or predictable death, this can be confirmed by a registered medical practitioner, or other appropriately trained and qualified individual.There is no requirement, either legally or under NHS Terms of Service, for a general practitioner to confirm the fact of death.However, there is common law...