Somerset LMC Weekly Update Friday 23rd September 2022
Date sent: Friday 23 September 2022
Sent to all Somerset GPs and Practice Managers This and previous updates are available here
- General Practice Provider Board (GPPB) Membership: Letter from Dr Berge Balian GP Board Chairman - Please Read
- Temazepam Shortage
- NHS Pension Member Contribution Rate Changes as of 1st October 2022
- Change to B12 Reference Ranges
- Discrimination and Harassment Survey
- Eating Disorder Learning
- Change in Guidance to Recognition and Management of Eating Disorders in Medical Emergencies
- Release of the GPN Ten Point Plan Evaluation on NHS Futures Platform
- Job Vacancies
Temazepam Shortage: Temazepam is in short supply with an expected date of return of 5th December 2022. Please see the Somerset ICB insomnia tapering documents link: Hypnotics and Anxiolytics - NHS Somerset. This may be an opportunity to discuss a reduction/ stop for temazepam, if necessary, a switch to diazepam may be needed and can facilitate tapering in the absence of temazepam. There are enough stocks of temazepam solution to cover current usage, but not increased demand for replacement of tablets. The SPS medicines supply tool is accessible with log in: Medicines Supply Tool – SPS - Specialist Pharmacy Service – The first stop for professional medicines advice Updates will be available on this link in due course.
NHS Pension Member Contribution Rate Changes as of 1st October 2022: NHS Employers have created this poster with the previous and new rates. Further information is available on the NHS Employers website and with the poster of this key message. Locum GPs will need to resume submitting A and B forms within 10 weeks of completing a session as of the 1st October. Forms submitted outside of 10 weeks may not be accepted. The BMA has pension information specifically for locums here .
Change to B12 Reference Ranges: Reference ranges for Vitamin B12 have recently changed to reflect the lab’s current methodology (Beckman), the local patient population and national guidance (NICE CKS 2022 and BSH 2014).The new reference range is: 145-914 ng/L; and will be accompanied by the following comment: ‘If strong clinical features of vitamin B12 deficiency (e.g. anaemia, glossitis, paraesthesia, with normal folate) levels up to 200 ng/L may indicate deficiency.’ If you require further information on these changes please contact duty.biochemist@somersetft.nhs.uk.
Discrimination and Harassment Survey: Somerset LMC has adopted a London Wide Discrimination and Harassment survey which we hope can be completed by every clinical and non-clinical person working in general practice. We all deserve to work in an environment that is safe, welcoming and free from bullying, harassment and discrimination. No one has ever asked everyone working in Somerset’s General Practice about their experience, until now. Somerset LMC and Somerset Training Hub will use the results of the survey to identify if there are any areas Somerset could do better in, and we will consider how we can help to support this. Thank you for your time and support in completing this survey. closing date Friday 7th October 2022.
Eating Disorder Learning: HEE has worked in partnership with experts by experience, NHS England and the charity Beat to launch online eating disorder learning to support GPs and primary care clinicians in understanding and supporting people of all ages. The learning comprises of two 30-40 minute sessions that can be completed at the learner’s own pace, an assessment framework and a GP appointment role-play demonstration. Eating disorders training for health and care staff - elearning for healthcare (e-lfh.org.uk)
Change in Guidance to Recognition and Management of Eating Disorders in Medical Emergencies: A reminder that the MARSIPAN guidance has been replaced with all-ages guidance relating to Medical Emergencies in Eating Disorders (MEED) has been published in May 2022 (click here). It is a large document and the most relevant pages for primary care are P31 to 41. The Eating Disorder Team are currently developing a “crib sheet” for primary care, which will be shared shortly.
Release of the GPN Ten Point Plan Evaluation on NHS Futures Platform: Although the Ten Point Plan has come to an end, it's mission to attract, retain, develop and empower general practices nurses will continue. The work continues to be driven forward and is supporting both people needing care and support in the community and improving the recognition and acknowledgement of the work of general practices nurses and their teams in practices across Somerset and throughout the country.
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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