Sessional GPs now make up a substantial part of the GP workforce in London, supporting the practice team to deliver essential care for its patient population.
Sessional GPs include those listed below:
- Salaried/ employed GPs
- Locum/ freelance GPs
- GP retainers/ returners
Securing the future of general practice in the Capital is at the core of what Londonwide LMCs does, making sure that general practice remains a profession that we want and are able to work in for years to come. With increasing workload pressures and the growing mismatch between demand and access, the role of LMCs in supporting safe working environments for all GPs is becoming increasingly important. This includes encouraging good employment practices for sessional GPs such as use of the BMA Salaried GP contract and minimum terms for locum GPs, as well as workable job plans for all staff.
LMCs support and represent all GPs, including sessional GPs. Londonwide LMCs is dedicated to ensuring that the interests of this important part of the workforce is fully represented on LMCs across the capital and we welcome sessional GPs to stand in our LMC elections. Any GP on a Medical Performers list working in the area can stand for election to become an LMC member.
The unique insights sessional GPs can bring to the role, often with a view from working in different settings such as Out of Hours or in other providers is invaluable in our work to support better work environments through manageable workloads. Many sessional GPs are leads on areas of work for their LMC such as the interface between primary and secondary care, clinical pathways or enhanced services. If you are interested in getting involved in your local LMC, please contact the relevant Committee Liaison Executive for further information.
Londonwide LMCs has a committed GP Support team that can provide sessional GPs with specialist guidance on a range of issues including revalidation, appraisals, performance issues, contractual concerns, becoming a partner and much more. For further information on the range of services we can offer to individual GPs, please visit their webpage. Please note we are generally not able to provide advice on employment/ HR issues but can signpost to relevant organisations where appropriate.
Our training and education team are focused on providing dedicated training and briefings on issues that affect sessional GPs. If you have suggestions for training offers not covered by our existing training programme or your local training hub please contact wti@lmc.org.uk.
The difference between LMCs and the BMA
LMCs are not trade unions and we are unable to review individual contracts or deal with employment issues within practices, however we can signpost to other organisations such as the BMA. The Sessional GP Committee of the BMA is the national representative body of sessional GPs. This committee works with LMCs across the country and there is representation on this committee from London to help understand the issues affecting GPs locally that need resolution at a national level, such as issues with pensions or employment contracts.
Help us to help you: ensure that your contact details with Londonwide are correct so that you can receive up to date information and newsletters to ensure you can make the most of the support available to you. This can be done through our website or contacting brt@lmc.org.uk.
Helpful documents and links for sessional GPs: