GPDF crisis
Some of you may have heard of the current crisis within the GPDF. I will try to summerise it here.
GPDF (General Practitioner Defence Fund) is a private Ltd company consisting of members who are nominated from LMCs.
GPDF has its roots in the early 20th century when its predecessor organisation, initially called The Insurance Defence Fund was founded in 1911. The purpose of the GDPF is to support the best interest of publicly funded general practitioners.
Until 2018, GPDF was very closely linked to the General Practitioners Committee (GPC) of the BMA. This is no longer the case and the GPDF currently operates independent of the BMA. However, the GPDF still contribute funding to the running of some joint BMA / GDPF functions such as the GPC executive team salaries, remuneration for representatives for attence at meetings, the Conference of LMCs, and the email Listserver.
The GPDF is funded on a ‘per patient’ basis, collected by the LMC, and then contributed to GPDF. Essentially, the majority of primary medical service contract holders fund the GPDF.
Controversy arose recently when an anonymous paper was published questioning whether GDPF is value for money, resulting in the resignation of several directors.
GPDF responded with suggestions of reformation and an emergency general meeting (eGM).
Further controversy has arisen with three LMCs trying to force ajournement of the eGM and reformation of the board with members appointed by them.
South Yorkshire LMCs will meet on Monday 21st November to discuss our urgent next steps.
Requests for a letter from a GP when traveling with medication
It has been brought to the attention of the General Practitioners Committee (GPC) that some airlines are advising that travellers bringing medication in their luggage should bring a letter from their medical practitioner confirming the type of medication and what it is for. This issue has been raised with the airline, who advised that if a passenger packs their medication in their hold luggage, they do not require any medical information. However, if a passenger seeks to carry their essential medication in their cabin luggage, and the form of the medication contravenes aviation regulations, eg the use of sharps, liquids more than 100 ml or oxygen cylinders, they require the passenger to produce confirmation from their healthcare practitioner that the medication is necessary to be carried as it may be required on board. As the advice on their website is not clear on this point (as it advises passengers to take their medication in their hand luggage, and it does not specify which sort of medication requires a letter), the GPC has written to the airline again asking for their webpage to be updated on this point.
Practices may choose to do this private work but are not obliged to do so.
Practices should advise patients that they can print off their medical record from the NHS app or practices are able to charge for travel-related requests for information.
The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism
The Health and Care Act 2022 introduces a requirement that providers registered with the CQC must ensure that each person working for the purpose of regulated activities carried on by them receives training on learning disability and autism which is appropriate to the person’s role. Please follow this link for further information FAQs: The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism
DOTTIE Courses
We have been informed that there are no DOTTIE courses running for new type 2 DM patients. These were the type 2 diabetes structured education programme run by RDaSH (although it was not an accredited programme). Doncaster ICB are working with RDaSH to get structured education reinstated. In the meantime they are piloting Second Nature which practices are welcome to refer into.
Exclusion Pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding, past or planned bariatric surgery |
NHS approved structured education for type 2 diabetes covering sleep, stress management, exercise, nutrition and positive psychology
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Currently referral by GP practice but expanding to other referrers
Referral by GP counts towards QOF targets for referral to structured education
Referral form to be sent to secondnature.referrals@nhs.net
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NHS Property Services settlement letters
Many NHSPS practices across England have recently received ‘invitation to settle’ letters, ostensibly from credit controllers seeking to encourage NHSPS practices to settle disputed historical debt with respect to non-reimbursable service charges. Understandably, some partners may read these letters with alarm, especially as they involve a common pressure tactic of requiring a response within a tight timeframe. The British Medical Association (BMA) has advised that practices engaging with NHSPS on this issue should do their own due diligence. BMA guidance for practices in dispute with NHSPS is available here ; NHS Property Services.
Doncaster LMC emailed practices earlier this year to offer support to help resolve property payment resolve. We remain available to assist you. Contact office@doncasterlmc.co.uk
Information regarding IAPT Provider -IESO
IESO is a 1:1 CBT type offer that sits at IAPT level to increase capacity to IAPT services. Trained therapists offer the CBT therapy for common mental health conditions such as depression, general anxiety, PTSD, phobias etc. They have evening and weekend access. Doncaster has 2000 places commissioned and it is currently underutilised. It is accessed through self-referral, with more information available at https://www.iesohealth.com/areas/doncaster
IESO has put three 30-minute training sessions on for GPs (at different times to try and cover people’s availability) and they have also shared this with Rotherham colleagues. Feel free to drop into any one of the sessions, which will hopefully give clinicians an overview of what’s on offer from IESO and to ask any questions. The teams links are below:
Session 1 – Click here to join the meeting 30th Nov 3.30pm
Session 2 – Click here to join the meeting 6th Dec 6pm
Session 3 – Click here to join the meeting 14th Dec 1pm
Sessional GPs E- newsletter – November 2022
The latest edition of the Sessional GPs e-newsletter can be found on the British Medical Association (BMA) website
The main articles include:
• Pension contributions are changing – what you need to know
• The latest on IR35 regulations
• Beware the flexible staff pool
• Wellbeing through the lens of a salaried GP
• Sessional GPs committee regional elections
Message from The Cameron Fund re Christmas Appeal
Every December, the Cameron Fund sends a small grant to beneficiaries to help them over the Christmas period. In 2022, there was a substantial increase in GPs and GP trainees needing help. It is anticipated that grant awards will soon reach their highest ever level. There are many reasons why colleagues need help including ill health, relationship breakdown and professional difficulties. This year the Cameron Fund have also assisted colleagues who have been affected by Covid, including those no longer able to work. When making your Christmas plans, please remember colleagues in financial hardship and consider a donation to help support them.
The Cameron Fund is dependent on Local Medical Committees, other medical organisations and individual GPs for about half of their income.
The Cameron Fund would like to thank all of you who continue to support them to make a difference to colleagues in need.
Donations can be made directly into the Fund’s Account (CAF Bank Sort Code 40 52 40, Account Number 00015215) or by cheque if you prefer.
The Cameron Fund
BMA House, Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9HR
Tel: 020 7388 0796