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Somerset LMC Weekly Update Friday 25th February 2022

Date sent: Friday 25 February 2022

Sent to all Somerset GPs and Practice Managers          This and previous updates are available here

Prime Ministerial Announcement of Covid Restriction Relaxation: Colleagues should be aware that this week’s news of the end of the legal enforcement of Covid restrictions has no effect on infection prevention and control guidelines in healthcare settings.  Living with COVID-19 White Paper – Update.

Streamlining Surgical Admissions to SFT: Miss Marianne Hollyman writes: “Musgrove Park Hospital SAU is working with Somerset Primary Link (SPL) to trial offering GPs additional clinical support with urgent referrals. Where clinically appropriate, to avoid long waits, return visits or overnight stays patients will be directed to a next day review. MPH is working to assess and manage surgical patients in emergency clinics where patients will be worked up by junior doctors or nurse practitioners, have a range of investigations (e.g. USS, MRCP, CT) and see a consultant. Where surgery is recommended, urgent day-case operating slots are available.
GPs phoning SPL will be put through to a consultant for clinical advice. Sometimes a registrar, SHO or NP will respond. This clinical discussion usually takes less than three minutes. SPL will continue their valuable role in arranging transport and contacting the patient. [The extra time taken and need to keep SPL involved with making arrangements were both stressed by the LMC in discussions.]
Trials have shown a 60% reduction in same day attendances when a GP discusses the case with a consultant, significantly improving the experience. We are continuing to trial this system over the next few months in preparation for a substantial rebuild in the hospital. If you have any feedback on the system or wish to suggest other changes to improve the experience, please let us know. If you wish to refer the patient direct for a next day review, rather than going through SPL, please email esacreferrals@somersetft.nhs.uk with the patient’s clinical details (the clinic currently runs Monday-Friday, 8.30am-4pm). With hospital beds at an absolute premium, and GPs overburdened, we hope this change will enable patients to get to the right place, first time safely.”

Devon Doctors Loses Devon OOH Contract: We learned this week that Somerset’s Integrated Urgent Care service provider Devon Doctors has missed out in a procurement bid for the same services it has provided for longer in Devon. PPG (ex Care UK) will take on the contract in October. PPG currently provides NHS111 to Somerset. Devon Doctors will continue to provide OOH services in Somerset.

Electronic Repeat Dispensing Training: There is still time to enrol to the eRD training programme hosted by DAMN Partnerships. This is a 12 week course designed to train practice staff how to use eRD correctly to release prescribing time. The programme is delivered virtually but face to face visits for process mapping can be arranged.
There is a £4,000 incentive per PCN from the CCG to take part in this programme if sign-up forms are received by 4 March 2022. This does not mean that the programme needs to be commenced then but a commitment to complete and dates scheduled with DAMN. We understand how busy practices are at this time so can be relatively flexible about start times.
Two PCNs have already completed the programme with success and three more PCNs have enrolled. Please contact jess.brown@nhs.net for a copy of the enrolment forms and to find out more.

LMC/STH Lunchtime Long Covid Webinar 3rd March 13.00-14.00: Content to include the Somerset Long Covid Service, what is post Covid Syndrome, fatigue and post Covid and breathlessness and post Covid.  Delivered by Dr Jon Dolman & Lorraine Perry.  Book your place here.

Kind regards

Jill

Jill Hellens

Executive Director
Somerset LMC
Crown Medical Centre, Venture Way, Taunton, TA2 8QY

Tel: (01823) 331 428            
Fax: (01823) 338 561     

www.somersetlmc.co.uk
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