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25 August 2023
The latest news and updates from NHS England for those working in Primary Care.
General practice
New look resource hub to support online registration service
A new-look resource hub to support practices and PCNs wanting to find out more about the Register with a GP surgery service, including video content, has been launched. The service, which reduces admin time for GP practices while improving access for patients, is now used by 1 in 5 practices in England. You can also register for a September webinar where you can hear from colleagues already using the service, or read our testimonials.
New Standard GMS, PMS and APMS Contracts Published
The new standard General Medical Services (GMS), Personal Medical Services (PMS) and Alternative Provider Medical Services (APMS) contracts, along with their contract variation notices, have been published. The documentation incorporates changes made to the contract Regulations in May 2023. Commissioners are required to send these updates to GP practices to formally notify them of changes to their contracts.
Online access to GP records
General Medical Services contracts and contract variations have been published and practices will be contractually required to provide online access to new record information by 31 October unless exceptions apply. Please remember there will be no central automatic switch-on. Practices need to enable access by opting into the last remaining enablement date (EMIS) or following the self-enablement process (TPP). The contract specifically requires practices to configure their computerised clinical systems to allow patients the facility to access online information entered onto their medical record. A third of practices still have the incorrect settings - you can find guidance online.
Update to General Medical Council (GMC) Standards
The GMC has published an update of Good medical practice. The Good medical practice is a framework to guide doctors when caring for patients and working with colleagues, allowing them to apply their professional judgement. It sets out the principles, values, and standards that are expected, including areas such as multi-disciplinary working and leadership, to help create workplaces which enable good teamwork. Read the updated Good medical practice here.
National Patient Safety Alert and guidance on GLP-1 prescribing
There are ongoing supply issues with GLP-1 receptor agonists (RAs) used to treat diabetes and more recently are being prescribed off-label for weight loss. A National Patient Safety Alert, issued 18 July, outlines actions for prescribers:
- Only prescribe GLP-1 RAs for licensed indications - further details here
- Do not initiate GLP-1 RAs for new patients
- Discuss stopping GLP-1 RA treatment with patients in whom it has not been sufficiently effective (see NICE NG28)
- Do not switch to alternative GLP-1 RAs or alternative strength preparations. Do not double up lower doses.
- Use the principles of shared decision making where an alternative agent needs to be considered.
Please refer to the dedicated Specialist Pharmacy Service page for further updates around supply.
Community pharmacy
Blood Pressure Check Service: IT System Update - action for pharmacy contractors
Starting from 1 September 2023, pharmacy owners will be required to use an approved clinical IT system for recording clinical records and payment claims for the NHS Blood Pressure Check Service. Pharmacy owners have been sent a detailed communication from their local NHS pharmacy contract teams containing information of what to do to meet this requirement. These assured systems will enable pharmacy teams to record blood pressure checks in real time and simplify the monthly claims process.
Dentistry
Updated policy book for primary care dental services
The new dental policy booklet and associated appendices, which has been in publication since 2013, was updated and published last week. These documents provide the up to date legal framework for commissioning and contracting of primary care dental services, across the 42 ICBs in England. Changes to the previously published version in 2018, are highlighted in yellow.
Primary Care
Reminder: COVID-19 and flu vaccinations sign up process
- Pharmacy Contractors must register and complete their COVID-19 vaccination expression of interest submission by 5pm on 29 August 2023. Contractors are reminded to ensure EOIs are fully submitted by clicking ‘submit’ (not just save), otherwise the information will not be processed. Community Pharmacies should follow the usual process if they wish to deliver the flu advanced service.
- GPs are invited to sign up to participate in the Autumn / Winter COVID-19 and Influenza vaccination programmes by notifying their local commissioner by 5pm on 29 August 2023. GPs who wish to participate in the influenza programme only are invited to sign up by 31 August 2023 (11:59).
The current COVID-19 vaccination enhanced services end on 31 August 2023 after which no COVID-19 vaccinations can be administered under these contracts. Please follow the processes outlined above if you wish to continue delivering COVID-19 vaccinations in the autumn/winter 23-24 campaign.
Printed materials to promote winter vaccinations for eligible frontline healthcare workers are now available to pre-order until 11:59pm Friday 8 September and will be delivered to sites late September. Alternative versions are available with social care branding for use as appropriate. Digital versions of these campaign assets will be available for download mid-September.
Training and development
Community pharmacy technician: advancing your role
This new NHS England fully funded training programme will help pharmacy technicians develop the skills and confidence to deliver effective clinical services in community pharmacy. This is to ensure that they have the right post-registration training to enable confident, safe working practices and career development. Launching in September, up to 840 pharmacy technicians will be able to apply for the training. To register and find out more about the programme visit the CPPE website.
Hands-on general practice improvement support for general practice and Primary Care Networks
Practices and PCNs can put themselves forward for ‘hands on’ improvement support, available through the General Practice Improvement Programme.
- General practice - Starting October 2023, delivered over 6 months, practices can benefit from on-site support, group-based sessions to facilitate peer-to-peer learning and sharing experiences across practices. Places are limited - register for an introductory webinar. There will be a shorter version of the same support starting December 2023 and delivered over 3 months.
- PCNs - The new PCN offer provides hands on improvement support for PCNs. Using quality improvement tools, the offer enables PCNs to work together to achieve their QOF quality improvement indicators for demand and capacity and workforce wellbeing, additionally contributing to the achievement of the Impact and Investment Fund. The next intake will run from October 2023. Find out more by watching a webinar recording of the offer explained. Register your expression of interest for this limited offer by 31 August 2023.
Now live: GeNotes Primary Care
The National Genomics Education programme has added a new primary care collection to its free educational resource, GeNotes. This joins existing specialties paediatrics, oncology and fetal and women’s health. Primary care professionals can access Genets or Genomics Notes for clinicians, across two tiers:
- In the Clinic contains articles centred around short clinical scenarios, which provide a quick knowledge boost before or during a patient appointment.
- The Knowledge Hub acts as an encyclopaedia of learning resources, designed to develop users’ understanding of a range of topics.
Working groups are developing content for other specialties including endocrinology, cardiology, pharmacogenomics and mental health. If you think your speciality should be included or you’re interested in getting involved, please get in touch.
Upcoming webinars and events
29 August 3pm-4pm & 7 September, 11am-12pm. NHS Care Volunteer Responders Webinar
August – December. Patient participation: online learning programme. These sessions are about working in partnership with people and communities and include a mix of webinars and workshops.
August – September. General Practice Improvement Programme – introductory webinars
August – September. NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme webinar series to find out more about the next round of applications
5 September, 12.30pm – 2pm. Stroke Patient Experience Measures (PREMs) survey 22/23 - national findings launch webinar
5 September, 5pm – 6pm. Reducing pressure on primary care and improving patient outcomes through proactive personalised care
6 September, 12.30pm – 2pm. Psychological safety in primary care virtual forum
7 September, 5pm - 6pm. General Practice Webinar
12 and 26 September, 12.30pm – 2.00pm. Safe, reliable processes (reliable design) webinars I and II
12 September, 12pm - 1pm. Self-referrals Communities of Practice webinar for Community Podiatry
13 September 2023 1:30pm – 2:30pm. TPP Safeguarding Webinar (Online Access to GP Health Records)
19 September, 1pm – 2.30pm. Making a difference with health coaching webinar
5 October, 12.30pm – 2pm. Matching Workforce to Demand
18 October, 12:30pm – 2pm. Getting Started Series: Group Consultations and Virtual Group Consultations
Catch up
Missed a recent national webinar? You can view slides and recordings below:
Download patient-facing materials
