Subject Access Requests for Insurance Purposes, Updated Guidance
Please note that the advised approach to responding to a SAR for insurance purposes has now been updated following the ICO’s input. This updated version of the SAR for Insurance Purposes guidance includes guidance on responding to SAR requests from third parties for non-insurance purposes.

Practice Nurse Guidance for Paracetamol and Meningitis B Immunisations
BBOLMC have worked with a PHE Immunisation Lead to develop this guidance which we hope will be a useful alternative to a RCN “Homely Remedies Solution”.

Fit for Work Scheme
GPs throughout England can now refer employed patients who have been, or are likely to be, off sick for four weeks or more for a voluntary occupational health assessment. Government information states that: ‘The occupational health professional will identify obstacles preventing the employee from returning to work. A Return to Work Plan will be agreed providing recommendations tailored to the employee’s needs, which can replace the need for a fit note.’ Further details are available on the Fit for Work website, in addition to this specific guidance for GPs and the GPC guidance and FAQs.

Access and Copying Fees for Medical Records, Reminder Guidance
We regularly receive calls on this topic and there are a number of exceptions to fee charges for access to and copying of medical records. Practices may find this BMA’s guidance helpful.

2015/16 Vaccinations and Immunisations, Guidance Update
The 2015/16 vaccination and immunisations guidance and technical requirements to support GMS changes have been updated to include the new and amended meningococcal programmes.

Sessional GP Newsletter
The August edition of the Sessional GP eNewsletter features the busy summer period, top tips to help ensure locums pay pension contributions within 10 weeks, and a number of blogs discussing the benefits of joining a local Sessional GP group,  things you should consider before resigning, a GPs difficult experience completing  a ALS course and how one Sessional GP made sport their day job; as well as introducing Dr Faisel Baig (the newest member of the Sessional GP Subcommittee Executive).