Somerset LMC Weekly Update Friday 15 January 2016
Date sent: Friday 15 January 2016
Sent to all Somerset GPs, Practice Managers and Lead Nurses This and previous updates are available here
- Investing in Primary Care ES
- Antivirals Now Indicated for Treatment of Flu
- Well@Work - Baseline Health Questionnaires (BHQ's)
- Vaccine Update - Special Edition 2016
Investing in Primary Care ES
This is the new ES that has been proposed by the CCG to include the 5 million investment monies Somerset has provided for Primary Care and the re-cycling of money from PMS reviews. The LMC was not involved in constructing this ES but have just started discussions on the guidance that will clarify the requirements. Review will be on an annual basis so currently will mainly be regarding the year 2016/7. However we have sought guidance regarding the requirement for ‘Somerset Together’ involvement. We can confirm that in the first year the expected commitment will be involvement in electing LIG representatives to the committee that will be determining the process for which organisations will be selected to provide services under the OBC contract. In 2017/18 it is likely that the part of the ES related to ‘Somerset Together’ will require active commitment to the process with, at least, investment of Enhanced Service money. Again details are yet to be clarified and more information should be available at the proposed Practice/ LMC meeting in February.
Antivirals Now Indicated for Treatment of Flu
Latest figures from PHE indicate flu is circulating in the community with increases seen for several indicators, in particular influenza confirmed hospitalisations amongst younger adults.
Based on this advice, the DH is issuing guidance on the use of antiviral drugs in primary care for the management of people presenting with flu-like illness in England who are at higher risk of developing complications from flu.
Virus surveillance from the UK and elsewhere in Europe shows the strain A(H1N1)pdm09 is now the main seasonal flu virus. The viruses characterised so far this season are well-matched to the vaccine strain. Previous flu seasons dominated by A(H1N1)pdm09 suggest this strain particularly affects children, pregnant women, and adults with long term conditions like chronic heart disease, liver disease, neurological disease and respiratory disease in particular.
PHE recommends the targeted use of antivirals for the treatment and prophylaxis of individuals at higher risk of the severe consequences of seasonal influenza.
Baseline Health Questionnaires (BHQ’s) - Link to LMC website and copy of the Questionnaire
All BHQ's must be returned in a sealed envelope directly to Optima Health at the following address – Suites 207-209 Viney Court, Viney Street, Taunton, TA1 3FB. They can also be contacted on 0844 826 0306.
All BHQ’s must be treated with the strictest confidence and once the employee has completed their sections the form must not be viewed by anyone other than Occupational Health. Please ensure that section one including the job hazard section is completed by the manger prior to it been given to the employee for completion.
Management Referrals – the process for Management referrals is that the form needs to be completed electronically and emailed to Wellbeing@sompar.nhs.uk, we are no longer able to accept paper copies and the electronic copy must NOT be in pdf format.
Best wishes
Jill
Jill Hellens
Executive Director
Somerset LMC
Crown Medical Centre, Venture Way, Taunton, TA2 8QY
Tel: (01823) 331 428
Fax: (01823) 338 561
