What a 100 days it’s been!
The past three months have been a whirlwind — from the launch of the NHS 10 Year Plan, to major policy shifts and continued momentum around neighbourhood health services.
Integrated Neighbourhood Teams
I’ve been working with London system partners on the development of INTs. This work is helping to dispel misconceptions about general practice, build understanding of the role of authentic general practice and the challenges GPs face, and identify the conditions for true, effective collaboration.
We must empower and enable ways of working to develop from the ground up. I encourage GPs to share their insights and views with their LMCs — your voice is essential.
Representing London’s GPs and General Practice
I’ve engaged with brilliant colleagues from across ICBs, NHS England, Parliament, the Mayor’s office, the BMA, RCGP, provider organisations, and more – building new relationships and strengthening existing ones.
My focus:
- Highlighting risks to the core role of general practice and practice level delivery –and importance of holistic, continuity of care in local practices to the quintuple aim.
- Highlighting the distinct but complementary functions of practice-level and at-scale delivery, and the vital role of general practice in neighbourhood working. The scale of delivery should be determined by the function.
- Making the case for clinically led reform, grounded in frontline and patient experience – ensuring the voice of general practice is heard, valued, and influential at every level of system discussion.
- Speaking Up about the Value of Authentic General Practice.
Recognising the amazing work of London’s general practice
At the start of this week, we launched the nominations phase for our second annual London General Practice Awards. Last year, I was delighted and humbled to hear about practice teams’ work with marginalised communities, about GPs who are meeting the unique needs of their local communities through innovative, tailored approaches, and many other examples. I look forward to hearing more stories like these before nominations close on 31 October.
Nomination and event registration form
It’s been a real privilege to lead the amazing Londonwide LMCs team and our colleagues on LMCs for the last three months.
Moving forward
There still much more for me to do and learn after this whirlwind start. As we reflect on feedback and undertake our internal stocktake — both as an organisation and through our committees — we are reaffirming our commitment to delivering high quality services, support, advocacy and representation with bold, purpose-driven leadership.
We will continue to listen, learn and adapt. We will work in partnership with those who share our values, and engage in honest debate with those who don’t. And we will act — to champion, protect and secure the future of general practice in London.
I’m energised and excited by what lies ahead.
Best wishes,
Dr Lisa Harrod-Rothwell
CEO
Londonwide LMCs