23rd February 2006 -
Revisions to the GMS Contract
A 219 page document has been
released detailing the changes to the New GMS contract
applicable from April 2006. The document for those so
inclined is available via this
link. The document details changes to QoF which are
covered more succinctly in the focus papers detailed below
along with specifications for the new Access, PBC, Choice
and Booking and the IM&T Directed Enhanced Services. |
23rd February 2006 -
Focus on Quality & Outcomes Framework 2006
GPC have produced three guidance
updating guidance papers explaining the changes to QoF
for 2006 onwards. A paper and two appendices have been
produced. The paper can be reached by following this
link,
Appendix 1 which details the changes in points
whilst
Appendix 2 details the changes to the text of the
existing indicators are also available.
GPC Focus papers are
always available by following the relevant link at the
bottom of both this page and the home page.
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23rd February 2006 -
New Look Website!
Following comments from our
GPVTS colleagues, we are trialling a different font for your
webpage. Comment was also passed about our colour scheme,
however a good lesson learned here is that change within the
NHS, even within General Practice can sometimes take time!
Seriously, I would welcome comments regarding the change of
font or our current colour scheme!
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23rd February 2006 -
Focus on Agenda for Change and Practice Staff
GPC have produced a useful guidance
paper in respect of Agenda for Change which can be
reached directly from this
link. Other
GPC Focus papers are also
always available by following the relevant link at the
bottom of both this page and the home page.
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23rd February 2006 -
LMC Meeting 28th February 2006
A quick reminder to committee
members that the next LMC meeting will be held on Tuesday
28th February 2006 at Pinewood House, commencing as always
at 7.30pm preceded by a hot buffet available from 7pm. The
Agenda along with supporting documents are available on line
by following this
link. |
16th February 2006 -
Hep B Immunisation for Occupational Health Purposes
The Association of Greater
Manchester LMCs, presently chaired by your LMC, advises
practices requested to provide Hep B immunisation for
Occupational Health purposes to enter into a reciprocal
arrangement with a neighbouring practice to provide this
non-GMS service to pateints. Full details of the
Association's guidance are available via this
link.
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16th February 2006 -
Diabetic Retinal Screening Code 8CAS Removed from QoF
Your LMC has received
a query from an EMIS user regarding the apparent recent
removal of code 8CAS (Advised to attend for Retinal
Screening). GPC have confirmed that this change was made in
July 2005 and that any delay in removing it from the list of
eligible QoF codes is an issue for their system provider to
explain.
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14th February 2006 -
Flu Consortium 2006
Despite best endeavours your
LMC has as yet been unable to agree a rebate scheme with
Stockport PCT to reduce Flu NHS prescribing costs for
2006. Stockport LMC has now, however, formally announced
Solvay as its primary supplier for the flu purchase
consortium this year. Our secondary supplier for 2006 is
Wyeth. Follow the link above for further details.
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13th February 2006 -
Patients Presenting with Dental
Problems - GP Responsibilities
From April 2006, NHS
Dentists in England and Wales will not have a registered
list and will no longer have the obligation to provide
emergency dental care. Whilst it is the PCT's
responsibility to provide emergency dental services, dental
patients often contact their GPs for emergency dental
treatment. GPs therefore should be aware of their legal and
contractual obligations. Before refusing to treat a patient
asking for emergency dental treatment, GPs must ascertain
that the condition requires only dental treatment.
Thereafter, the GP should refer the patient to a dentist or
local emergency service. If the patient has no usual
dentist, or there is no response from the usual dentist, the
patient should contact PALS (in normal hours) or NHS Direct
out of hours. GPC has issued guidance detailing GPs
responsibilities in respect of patients presenting with
dental problems which can reached by following the link
above. |
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13th February 2006 -
New
GPC Partnership Agreement Guidance
Follow this link to
read / download latest Partnership Agreement Guidance
produced to reflect changes in General Practice following
the introduction of the New GMS Contract |
9th February 2006 -
Availability of Oxygen (Hoof)
Stockport LMC can
report that following interventions at both local and
National levels regarding the extreme difficulties
encountered by patients requiring supplies of oxygen,
contingency arrangements have now been made to ensure
continuing supply. Locally, pharmacies have been informed
that they can continue to supply patients under FP10
arrangements, whilst GPs should upon issuing an FP10 for
oxygen fax a Home Oxygen Order Form (Hoof) to the supplier
(Air Products) at the same time. The GP must indicate that
the pharmacist will be providing the oxygen for the validity
of the prescription and the date when supplies will need to
be renewed. The supplier will then take over the supply and
there will be no further GP input required unless there is a
change in the patients requirements. Full details of the new
arrangements can be accessed via this
link. |
9th February 2006 -
Flu Consortium 2005
Most of the data
provided by the LMC to the PCT has been verified. There
remains a few discrepancies with a small number of practices
who will be contacted across the next week. Meanwhile, Wyeth
have advised Farillon to credit the accounts directly of
practices who were supplied with either Sanofi or Enzira
vaccines. |
8th February 2006 -
February LMC Meeting Rearranged
The original date for
February's LMC meeting falls within half term. We have
therefore rearranged the meeting to 28th February 2006. The
venue will be confirmed as soon as possible. Follow this
Link to the LMC's Diary of Events. |
2nd February 2006 -
Flu Consortium 2005
Your LMC has submitted
details of the final number of vaccines ordered by practices
for the 2005 campaign (provided by the Flu Vaccine
Suppliers) to the PCT. Follow the link above for details of
which vaccines qualify for the rebate.
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2nd February 2006 -
White Paper - Our Health, our care, our say:
The Latest Government
White Paper on Health is available in pdf format by
following this
link. A summary paper (5pages) is also available from
this link |
1st February 2006 -
Flu Consortium 2006
Stockport
PCT have indicated that they will be able to provide a decision
regarding a possible rebate scheme by Monday 6th February.
Stockport LMC has therefore deferred formal confirmation of the
successful suppliers for 2006 until Tuesday 7th February. Any practices
with any queries regarding this matter should contact Paul
Stevens on 07770 616235. |
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