Dear colleague,
Chair’s introduction
Welcome to this latest North East London LMCs newsletter.
There is a great deal happening across NEL at the moment and in this edition we have tried to bring together the issues that matter most to practices, from enhanced services and the developing LTC framework to care homes, PLT funding and the growing concern around unfunded work.
We know that many of these changes bring uncertainty and additional pressure at a time when practices are already stretched.
We have just lost a large proportion of clinical leadership and locally focused commissioners. It is in this context that our LMCs will keep listening to you, to raise concerns clearly and consistently, and to make sure the voice of general practice is properly heard in local discussions and decision-making.
Thank you for your continued commitment to your patients and communities, and for the engagement you continue to show with your local LMC.
Dr Emma Radcliffe
Chair, Tower Hamlets LMC
Surviving the 2026-27 GP contract – webinars
- 💻 Via Teams, more content details on Londonwide LMCs website.
- 📅 12:30-2:00pm, Tuesday 28 April 2026.
- 📅 7:00-8:30pm, Wednesday 29 April 2026.
Find out about the effect on London, with our unique patient population and commissioning arrangements.
Spotlight on policies and guidance
Neighbourhood Health framework
The government has published the Neighbourhood Health framework with more details around the governance structures to help neighbourhood health delivery; the contractual framework that will underpin neighbourhood providers; and guidance on goals, objectives and metrics. Read the full framework here.
GP practice information being pulled onto websites of private providers
We were recently made aware of a private provider of medicinal cannabis creating a directory of NHS GP practices on its website. Some practices were successful in having their details removed from these websites by emailing them. Please look at Londonwide guidance.
NEL Weight management update
Practices may wish to note that NEL ICB has published an update on weight management services for 2026/27, including changes linked to the retirement of the Obesity Enhanced Service and the transition to a primary care-led model (via QOF indicators).
Commissioning updates
NEL LTC Proactive Care Quality and Outcome Framework (PCQOF)
Discussions continue on the proposed NEL Long Term Conditions Proactive Care Quality and Outcomes Framework for 2026/27. We highlighted to the ICB that there is still no clear detail on what practices will be expected to deliver from 1 April 2026, or exactly how much they will be paid. This remains a major concern, as practices cannot reasonably be expected to commit to a new scheme without sufficient clarity on service requirements, funding and implementation. The LMCs are in discussion with the ICB on a funding model for the first year of the contract (2026/27) to support safe transition into any future framework. This will entail an upfront minimum payment that will ensure practice stability; and a smaller proportion of funding link to performance against KPIs that will be agreed in Q1 and Q2 of the new financial year. PCNs should have received a slide deck from the ICB outlining the proposal.
Phlebotomy and Wound Care Expressions of Interest
We are aware that expressions of interest for the new phlebotomy and wound care services have been issued in a number of NEL boroughs. We were pleased to see that, following discussions with the LMCs, the ICB kept the Expression of Interest form simple and easy to complete for practices and PCNs.
The LMCs had also provided extensive feedback on both specifications in the last few months; although many of our comments were incorporated in the final specifications, not all were agreed by the ICB. The specifications were signed off by the ICB governance, despite our objection to some of the changes.
Revised Care Home specification
The revised care homes specification has now been shared with PCNs, following continued LMC concerns about the funding model and the risks it creates for practices. LMCs remain strongly opposed to the current approach, particularly the level of income linked to performance measures. We have written formally to the ICB on the 5th of March to set out these concerns and to make clear that the current structure places too much risk on practices. The ICB has agreed that the full bed-based payment element of the tariff (50%) will be paid upfront, together with half of the performance-related element, with reconciliation at year end. While this is an improvement, concerns remain about the wider design of the scheme and the achievability of some requirements.
Unfunded, non-core work
We are aware that this remains an important area for practices, particularly given ongoing concerns about the changes to the core GMS contract and the implication on increased workload on practices. LMCs continue to press the ICB for clarity on contractual responsibilities for non-core work and for a more sustainable approach to work that is currently falling on practices without proper support. We know many practices are asking for clearer guidance in this area, and we have designed a toolkit for practices to support them in understanding their responsibilities and options.
The problem is most acute with regards to the prescription of DOAC and other Shared Care drugs. We are currently seeking clarity on the ICB’s position and will shortly be issuing further guidance alongside an LMC toolkit to help practices push back where appropriate. Please contact your LMC rep for further information.
Local engagement
PLT funding for 2026/27
A positive update was shared on PLT funding for 2026/27. The ICB has confirmed that funding has been rolled over for the next year, and this includes an element of clinical support. This is welcome news and provides a degree of continuity for practices planning their protected learning activity for the year ahead.
NEL Federations and PCNs engagement
LMCs have expressed support for more regular engagement with both federations and PCNs across NEL. Londonwide LMCs will set up quarterly meeting with Federation and PCN colleagues as a practical way to strengthen the GP Unified Voice, improve shared understanding of emerging issues, and support more consistent engagement across the system. As neighbourhood and at-scale working continues to evolve, regular opportunities for discussion between LMCs, federations and PCNs will become increasingly important. These fora could help identify operational concerns earlier, support better coordination, and ensure that the voice of general practice is heard more clearly in local planning and implementation.
Constituent engagement
Our NEL LMCs are working to optimise opportunities for engagement with our constituents, whether through newsletters, our website, individual practice meetings, discussions with PCNs or borough-level events, including PLTs. We are keen to listen to practices, to understand their concerns and the challenges they are currently facing – please let us know if you would like a call or a face-to-face visit from a member of your local LMC. Please email ian.williamson@lmc.org.uk for further information.
Please also visit the Londonwide LMC website for a one-stop shop on our support for practices—details of our services, practical resources (including template letters and guidance), and details and updates from our North East London committees, including previous local and NEL newsletters.
Exclusive deals for practices
Our substantially updated Buying Group offer provides a range of opportunities to save money and improve the quality of products and services you use.
- Hillcroft Surgery Supplies – Get excellent prices and next day delivery on consumables, with a supplier who can respond quickly to your practice needs.
- Practice Index – Access a comprehensive online learning platform, plus packages to manage HR, finance, compliance and rotas.
- Equity Energies – Reduce energy costs, save time, become greener and remove the administrative burden of managing utilities by having experts do it all for you.
- MIAB – Let a specialist GP insurer make sure you have the right cover, with knowledge on developing areas like cyber security, AI scribes and contract holding at PCN level.
- Restore Information Management – Our records digitisation partners can help free up premises space and recent changes with the National Document Repository have improved practices’ options.
- Hippo Labs – Intelligent, end-to-end call-and-recall automation does more than simply send reminders, it tailors messages and helps to improve QOF.
- Surgery Connect – The latest in cloud telephony integrates with clinical systems, provides stats on patient contacts and automates many tasks.
- Tickets for Good – Reward yourself and your colleagues with free and discounted tickets to concerts, theatre shows, sports and more!