Dear colleague,
Chair’s introduction
Welcome to the latest edition of the Newham LMC newsletter.
As general practice continues to navigate significant pressures and ongoing change, we remain focused on supporting practices across Newham, representing your concerns, and as promised, keeping you updated on local issues.
I hope to see you at our Newham LMC and Practice engagement event on Wednesday, 10 June 2026 from 7:00pm onwards. Please save the date! It’s a great opportunity to network, brainstorm and plan next steps.
Thanks,
Tammy
Member spotlight – Dr Laura Scott
I have worked in Newham for nearly 21 years, originally applying through the VTS after hearing the saying, “if you can work in Newham, you can work anywhere.” I’ve now been a partner at Tollgate Medical Centre for 17 years.
I have been actively involved in the LMC for the last few years, also working as a Digital Clinical Lead within NEL, and more recently as co-Clinical Director for Docklands PCN.
I am committed to ensuring we can provide clinically excellent care in general practice in a safe and sustainable way. A recent example where we come together as local GPs to make this work resulted in the implementation of a new pathway for maternity services to provide follow up care, improving safety for the patients and ensuring that correct pathways are followed. As a strong champion of quality alerts, we can work to show the ICB where there may be gaps in care, rather than individuals at fault.
As Neighbourhood work starts, having a strong voice as GPs is as important as ever, and I am always happy to discuss any views or thoughts with my colleagues.
Kind regards,
Dr Laura Scott
Surviving the 2026-27 GP contract – webinar recording
A recording of the first run of Londonwide LMCs’ webinar is now available on the 2026-27 GP contract guidance page for those people who were unable to attend either session.
You can find out about the effect on London of the contract changes, with our unique patient population and commissioning arrangements, based on the documentation available at the end of April.
What has Newham LMC been working on recently?
GMS contract changes
Resources on the changes to the 2026/27 GMS contract are likely to affect practices are available from Londonwide LMCs here.
GP representation in Newham’s developing alliance arrangements
At our recent committee meeting we discussed the developing GP alliance arrangements in Newham, including the draft MOU in development; and how general practice should be represented within the alliance. Members supported LMC involvement and stressed the need for clear governance, transparency and proper recognition of the GP partner voice, particularly where decisions may affect contracts and funding. The LMC is also clear that non-GP representatives in the future arrangements should attend as observers rather than voting members. The LMC will continue to engage in these discussions as the independent voice for general practice.
Keep using Quality Alerts
Quality alerts remain one of the most important tools for highlighting system problems and patient safety risks, and to support an environment of continuous learning and service improvement. Colleagues should not be discouraged from reporting concerns: practices are encouraged to keep submitting quality alerts and to share examples with the LMC of so they can also be raised through interface routes.
ECG provision update
LMC members have further discussed the withdrawal of ECG provision and the impact on practices. Providers, especially Mental health, are still requesting GPs to undertake ECGs. The LMC position remains that practices should not be expected to continue delivering unfunded ECG work, and that providers initiating treatment pathways should arrange the investigations and onward referrals needed within those pathways. Members noted that waits through Omnis had already increased to around eight weeks, and that acute cases may need to be directed to A&E where clinically appropriate.
The LMC has written to ELFT to advice that following decommissioning of a local enhanced scheme, ECGs are currently unfunded in general practice in Newham; providers should have pathways in place to refer directly for ECGs, rather than asking GPs to do it.
Consultant-to-consultant referrals and workload transfer
Members have highlighted the continuing issue of work being passed back to general practice unnecessarily. Where a consultant identifies a need for onward referral relating to the same clinical problem, and GP involvement adds no clinical value, that referral should be made directly rather than routed back through the GP. This is not just a workload issue but a patient safety issue, particularly where delays may arise. Practices are encouraged to continue raising these cases through Quality alert mechanisms.
Enhanced services – Local contracts
We have received confirmation from the ICB that a number of local schemes will be rolled over to 2026/27 pending a full review. These are: the 48-hour asthma review (children), the Vulnerable children service, the Epilepsy scheme and the Child Health Promotional advice.
All other schemes will either be superseded and incorporated in the new NEL LTC Quality Outcome Framework; some will be redesigned and reinvested, such as the Childhood imms.
In terms of the new NEL LTC Quality Outcome Framework. We are awaiting details of the Newham Local Implementation Group (LIG) which will engage local stakeholders in the implementation of the scheme. We will keep practices informed of progress and developments.
Neighbourhoods update
LMC members heard that the previous Senior Operational Neighbourhood Group had been stood down while a more delivery-focused neighbourhood steering group is developed. Primary care representatives, including the LMC, will be involved. Jo Frazer-Wise is the ICB’s new Neighbourhood Delivery Director for Inner NEL. A wider primary care engagement event is also being planned, although details are still to be confirmed. The LMC will continue to seek regular updates so practices can stay informed as this work develops.
Engaging with Newham LMC
We are keen to listen to practices, to understand the issues they are worried about and the challenges they are currently facing – let us know if you would like a call or for an LMC member to visit your practice for a conversation. Please email ian.williamson@lmc.org.uk
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 of your Newham LMC committee, including meeting dates and previous local and NEL newsletters.
North East London sector issues
Many issues affecting Newham also affect other boroughs in NEL and we work closely with our counterparts in other boroughs to address and resolve them at sector level. There is also a NEL newsletter for the sector work. The most recent issue covered the NEL enhanced services review, the new NEL community anticoagulation service, NEL Quality Alerts, Blue Badge requests and other topics. You can read it here 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.
- Get excellent prices and next day delivery on consumables, with a supplier who can respond quickly to your practice needs.
- Access a comprehensive online learning platform, plus packages to manage HR, finance, compliance and rotas.
- 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.
- Our records digitisation partners can help free up premises space and recent changes with the National Document Repository have improved practices’ options.
- Intelligent, end-to-end call-and-recall automation does more than simply send reminders, it tailors messages and helps to improve QOF.
- The latest in cloud telephony integrates with clinical systems, provides stats on patient contacts and automates many tasks.
- Reward yourself and your colleagues with free and discounted tickets to concerts, theatre shows, sports and more!