NHS England published this guidance in relation to the GMS contract variation notice in August.
We attach:
- Guidance papers produced by GPC England (GPCE)/ BMA regarding:
- Londonwide LMCs’ summary of the changes affecting practices, as introduced by the new measures. Please note this relates to all the contract changes; we draw your attention to:
- Part 7-para 5 “Contact with the practice”;
- Part 13-para 5 “Application for inclusion in list of patients”;
- Part 13-para 13 “Removals from the list of patients who have moved”;
- Part 16-para 2 “Summary care record”;
- Part 16-para 7 ”Practice leaflet”;
- Part 16-para 8 “Recording and reviewing patient safety events (new clause);
- Part 26-para 3 “Variation provisions specific to a contact with a partnership”.
We share GPCE’s concerns about potential risks to patient safety in the face of contract changes relating to online consultation access and the lack of flexibility to manage access in a way that is safe for both patients and staff. We know there is a well-evidenced demand: capacity mismatch in general practice and the Health Services Safety Investigations Body (HSSIB) also recently highlighted that “some general practices are having to limit the number of daily requests available via their online consultation tools to protect patient safety”. Despite this DHSC/NHSE are implementing these changes which will reduce practices ability to flexibly manage online access.
We support GPCE in their efforts to work with DHSC/NHSE and system suppliers to ensure that all practices are supported in managing demand and capacity safely. We will keep you updated on any developments from these discussions.
And you can email your local LMC team if you need anything further:
Londonwide LMCs and your LMC remain committed to representing you and advocating for safe, sustainable patient care. If you begin to experience patient safety risks or other issues as a result of the contractual changes, please let us know. Your feedback is vital, and we will continue to raise your concerns with commissioners and local system leads and escalate to our national GPCE representatives to maintain a clear focus on clinician and patient safety.
Best wishes,
Dr Lisa Harrod-Rothwell
CEO
Londonwide LMCs