Important Londonwide CEO message, volume 2, number 10 - 8 December 2009

This update covers Under 5s Swine Flu vaccination.

The Chairman of the BMA’s General Practitioners Committee has advised us that it has not been possible to agree a national enhanced service for the under fives, and advises LMCs to seek to agree local arrangements. His letter was published today.

I have therefore today been communicating with NHS London officials to explore whether  we can reach a reasonable agreement across London.

There are three priorities.

First, to do our best to prevent serious consequences of swine flu in the at-risk under 5s while maintaining the essential role that you as the patients’ own registered GP play in delivering real general practice. Secondly, to get a reasonable deal to cover your practice costs providing the service, and thirdly, to seek to agree a whole of London solution so that everyone knows what they are providing and receiving.

I’m aware that some PCTs may have already made approaches to practices. I would be grateful if practices would resist the temptation to respond either one way or the other, until advised further from ourselves at Londonwide LMCs.

I’m sure you will understand that this is a complex and delicate area which needs sensitive handling. It is all about trying to reach an agreement to ensure that London’s youngest at-risk children get the best we can provide with the resources available.

While awaiting the outcome of our discussions, you will wish to immunise those that require it. Please keep a record of the cases in order that they can be included in any agreement reached.

I will keep you informed of developments.

With best wishes

Dr Michelle Drage FRCGP
Joint Chief Executive Officer
Londonwide LMCs