Somerset LMC Weekly Update Friday 4th August 2023
Date sent: Friday 4 August 2023
Sent to all Somerset GPs and Practice Managers This and previous updates are available here
- MD Soundbites!
- ICB-Funded Remote GP Sessions
- NHS Health Checks New Supplier
- NEW Referral Criteria for Somerset’s Tier 3 Weight Management Services and Current Tier 2 Options
- Fit Note Update – Opportunity to Influence Change (Important to Paramedics and Allied Health Professionals)
- Menopause Support Group for Prescribing Clinicians in Somerset
- LMC/STH GP Recruitment Event, Taunton Racecourse Wednesday 6th September
- Somerset New to Practice General Practice Fellowship Programme for Newly Qualified GPs
- The Essential Management of General Practice/Induction for PCN Managers & Staff (including ARRS roles)
- Safe Working in General Practice (BMA) This guidance is regularly updated with new items and suggestions
- Job Vacancies
- And Finally...
ICB-Funded Remote GP Sessions: 100Fold still have 36 of the 92 ICB funded remote GP sessions available for practices to benefit from. They currently have remote GPs available in August and September who could deliver these sessions. If any practice would benefit from additional capacity during the holiday season please do contact somicb.100foldadmin@nhs.net.
NHS Health Checks New Supplier: Somerset Council have advised that there will be a change in the delivery model of the NHS Health Check service currently provided by Thrive Tribe. The service will be managed directly by the council from 1st April 2024. The council are keen to work with the LMC and member practices in shaping what the future model and GP offer will look like. The council will be contacting GPs to ascertain their feedback. If you have any initial questions, please email nhshealthchecks@somerset.gov.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 until late July 23. 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.
Fit Note Update – Opportunity to Influence Change (Important to Paramedics and Allied Health Professionals): The Department of Work and Pensions have published their Occupational Health: Working Better document which is out to consultation and closes on 12th October. This can be accessed here. There is a form to complete in response to their consultation, which needs to be returned by email to oh.consultation@DWP.GOV.UK. Questions 15 and 21 are particularly important. Whilst it may seem lengthy and some questions more relevant than others, we must put forward our individual professional view, and encourage as many professionals as possible to complete the form. This includes our colleagues in PCNs, Training Hubs, AHP leads in both primary and secondary care, ambulance trusts and private providers, family members, neighbours, friends. Please, can I urge everyone to do this as our success in implementing change to support patients is likely to hinge on the number of responses to this consultation.
Thank you for your continued support.
Catherine Hayden LMC/TH Paramedic Ambassador
Menopause Support Group for Prescribing Clinicians in Somerset: These are informal drop-in online sessions where you can ask Dr Juliet Balfour any general questions about managing the perimenopause and menopause. You can also discuss how best to support the menopausal women in your workplace if indicated. Dr Balfour is a British Menopause Society recognised menopause specialist and trainer and runs the Somerset NHS Menopause Service. She is also on the BMS Medical Advisory Council.
The second session will be from 1.30 - 2.30pm on Thursday 10th August. Teams link can be found here.
LMC/STH GP Recruitment Event, Taunton Racecourse Wednesday 6th September: Our latest popular GP recruitment event will be held at 4.30pm on Wednesday 6th September as a face to face meeting. This event will give GPs and GP trainees the chance to meet and talk to a wide variety of Somerset practices in one place. If you are GP or GP trainee looking for a job in Somerset please book here. Somerset practices can book their table to advertise their vacancy here. Registration and participation is free. Please book your place by Friday 25th August.
Somerset New to Practice General Practice Fellowship Programme for Newly Qualified GPs: Are you or do you know a GP that has qualified since April 2022 and is/will be working in Somerset? If so this funded fellowship programme may be of interest. It is a 2 year programme designed to provide personalised support to newly qualified GPs to help gain confidence and to develop enjoyable, fulfilling and sustainable careers in general practice. NHSEI is aiming for a 100% uptake and nearly all of our Somerset GPs have joined. We started in April 21 and have had up to 56 fellows, so you may already have one of our fellows working in your practice! We have had great feedback, and one of the highlights is the benefit of the mentoring, appreciation of paid time (£10,000 pro rata per annum) to undertake chosen CPD or interests and the online monthly Thursday lunchtime 30 minute session with various speakers. Example topics include: knowing about appraisals; PCN overview; lifestyle medicine; managing difficult blood results on a Friday afternoon and time management. This programme continues to evolve according to the needs and aspirations of our fellows. Our next cohort will start in October 23 and the closing date is 7th September 2023. See programme, application form and needs analysis for more information. If you would like to find out more or apply, please contact Dr Catherine Ievers catherine.ievers1@nhs.net.
The Essential Management of General Practice/Induction for PCN Managers & Staff (including ARRS roles): This afternoon online training session on 27th September is designed for PCN managers and staff (including ARRS roles) to provide an overview of general practice, contractual requirements and finances; and how this links with the PCN and strategic direction of the NHS. Book your place here.
And Finally
Somerset Emotional Wellbeing Podcast 118- Effective Consulting Part 2
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
Follow us on Twitter
Download the App
General Practice in Somerset Great Place Great Potential
We have updated our privacy policies on both the Somerset LMC and Somerset GP Education trust websites.
