Undated Resignations & Industrial Action, GPC Guidance
We are pleased that discussions between the GPC and NHS England have progressed to such a place as to no longer require the balloting of GPs on their willingness for industrial action and undated resignations. That said, should it be required in the future, the GPC has compiled this Focus on Undated Resignations and Industrial Action providing useful explanation of the logistic and financial consequences, which would need to be fully understood should such action ever be considered.

With regards to industrial action, it is important to recognise the differences between independent contractor GPs and employees, such as hospital doctors:

• GP partners do not have the same (limited) immunities from the consequences of taking industrial action as employees do
• If a practice refuses to do something which is a contractual obligation, it could be served with a breach notice or have its contract terminated, irrespective of whether it is done as part of a campaign of industrial action. It is of note that more than a 100 breach notices were served on practices during the previous pension dispute, despite it having been BMA-coordinated action.

The GPC guidance also outlines action that can be taken which would not breach contracts and as constructive measures to help you manage your workload to ensure safe patient care. Broadly speaking, the types of action you could take include the withdrawal of services that are over and above contractual obligations. Such options may include:

• Increased used of external referral as a means of discharging the obligation to provide essential services
• Withdrawal of non-contractual services that GPs voluntarily provide
• Withdrawal from additional services, such as the provision of contraceptive services
• Withdrawal from enhanced services, such as the provision of minor surgery, extended hours
• Withdrawal from the quality and outcomes framework
• Temporary suspension of new patient registration

Mefloquine for Military Veterans Guidance
Mefloquine, an anti-malarial was prescribed to military personnel who were operating or training in Sub-Saharan Africa (not in Iraq or Afghanistan, with few exceptions) over the past 20 years. This NHS England document provides information on what steps should be taken by practices if a patient presents with symptoms relating to the side-effects of Mefloquine. This accompanying MOD letter and algorithm may also prove useful.

NHS England/GPC Funding Formula Statement
NHS England has published this statement regarding the review of the Carr Hill funding formula.

PCSE Contacts
All practices should have received this information to inform them of their new contact details for Primary Care Support services.

Prevention of Telephone Fraud Advice
The GPC has provided this advice on preventing telephone fraud.

Sessional GP Newsletter
You can view the latest Sessional GP newsletter here.