Somerset LMC Weekly Update Friday 14th July 2023
Date sent: Friday 14 July 2023
Sent to all Somerset GPs and Practice Managers This and previous updates are available here
- MD Soundbites!
- From the GPC: Call to Action for General Practice
- NEW Referral Criteria for Somerset’s Tier 3 Weight Management Services and Current Tier 2 Options
- Expediting Delayed Ambulances
- Child Health Information Services (CHIS)
- Message from the Path Lab on Adding Tests
- Medicine Supply Issues with GLP1- Receptor Agonists (Semaglutide)
- Improving Psychological Support and Transition into Adult Services for Diabetic Teenagers – Study
- Responding to Complaints on NHS Choices
- New STEP and Possible PPG Input
- Safe Working in General Practice (BMA)
- Job Vacancies
From the GPC…
Call to Action for General Practice: The BMA’s GP Committee for England (GPCE) recently published our bma-call-to-action-for-general-practice.pdf - our strategy for what we need to provide high-quality care for our patients and which explains what we want to see in the next round of contract negotiations. Read our blog series delving into the key areas that make up GPCE’s vision for general practice, the Call to Action. In the first blog in the series, Richard van Mellaerts outlines why removing bureaucracy and box-ticking is a priority demand for the BMA Let GPs do their job. Tell us what you think about our Call to Action by emailing info.gpc@bma.org.uk.
NEW Referral Criteria for Somerset’s Tier 3 Weight Management Services and Current Tier 2 Options: The current Tier 3 services Weight Management Services have had significant capacity issues which has led to significant numbers of patients on waiting lists and consequential issues in having referrals being accepted. The ICB are aware of the gaps in Tier 2 services, and are imminently planning to expand upon them. As this develops alongside increasing staffing within Tier 3 we expect these services to improve. The LMC have been reassured that provided patients meet the referral criteria, patients will now be accepted. The new referral guidance Weight Management information and EOSS provide clarity as to when to refer. These will also be available on TeamsNet.
Expediting Delayed Ambulances: Over the past 8 weeks SWAST have adopted a new way of working. Clinicians are now in place to triage ALL category 3s and some 2s calls. If you have a clinical reason to expedite the call due to a delay in ambulance arrival, SWAST advice that expedition is best if a primary care clinician calls back through to 999 as they are then able to speak with a SWAST clinician who can upgrade the call on clinical grounds. We hear of a new category, which is between a 1 and 2 (a 2-1). Given these changes, please ensure that a clinician’s telephone number is given in case further information is required for triage. For further details please see here.
Child Health Information Services (CHIS): With the rising costs in practices and postage those who don’t currently use CHIS to send invitation letters to parents when childhood vaccinations are due, asking them to book, may wish to reconsider, if so please do email helen.finnie@nhs.net so that this service can be set up.
Message from the Path Lab on Adding Tests: Recently, the laboratory introduced some restrictions on adding tests onto samples. This was in line with our assay manufacturer’s recommendations and compliance with the In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation (IVDR). However, this has led to difficulties for both our users and us, particularly for samples received/additional tests requested later in the week. We are conducting our own stability studies, in conjunction with our wider Pathology Network to verify our manufacturer’s claims. We are also reviewing our internal processes to enable us to analyse the samples/additional tests within the necessary time window.
In the meantime, restrictions on assaying the tests that have been requested in the first instance or added on will be removed, with the exception of Haematinics – which may now be added on up to 48 hrs from collection. This is in line with our neighbouring laboratories within the Pathology Network. An advisory comment will be added where samples have exceeded the manufacturer’s stability claims for a particular test.
Medicine Supply Issues with GLP1- Receptor Agonists (Semaglutide): Here is a update on these supply issues which is expected to continue for 12 months. MSN_2023_061-GLP1-Receptor-Agonist_.pdf (nhssomerset.nhs.uk). Medicine management have advised that the preferred route to switching would be SGLT25. A patient information leaflet for stopping Advice for GLP1s (nhssomerset.nhs.uk).
Improving Psychological Support and Transition into Adult Services for Diabetic Teenagers – Study: The women & children’s team at the ICB have been awarded funding to help improve access to psychological support for teenagers who have diabetes. The ICB have now commissioned ‘Tellmi’ to support these young people. The diabetes specific element of the app will be launching in October 2023.
The Tellmi app is available for any child or young person aged 11-25 living in Somerset, however their study is aimed at children and young people aged 11-25 living with diabetes. More information and where this App can be downloaded can be found in this flyer, which can be shared on digital platforms, in waiting rooms and anywhere else that you think might be appropriate.
Responding to Complaints on NHS Choices: The LMC meets local CQC inspectors regularly to discuss all sorts of matters of importance to practices. A recent subject was the rise in complaints due to pressures in the whole system. CQC assured us that it understands this and that the number of complaints will not, in itself, trigger any sort of attention from them. It is the way complaints are handled that matters and CQC does like to see responses made to online complaints even if anonymous. Recall that saying you’re sorry does not mean that you are admitting guilt but acknowledging hurt feelings.
New STEP and Possible PPG Input: The STEP team who are in the process of planning the new Somerset TEP, due out in December, are looking for patients/Somerset residents to take part in shaping it. They are asking if any practices have proactive PPGs that might be interested, please contact Dr Emeline Dean who is part of the development group in the first instance to put you in contact with the team. emeline.dean@nhs.net.
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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