Tees Confidential Deaths Inquiry Process

Just a quick note to reassure practices that the inquiry to address the high suicide rates in Tees as mentioned in Bulletin 63 (22/6/10) will not lead to duplicate work for practices. You will be aware that there is an on-going request (coordinated by Denise Colmer) made to GPs to complete an audit proforma each time a death by suicide or undetermined injury is identified. This work will continue but the PCT are aware how busy practices are so they will select the cases that are to be examined in more detail through the new Inquiry Process and will ensure practices only receive the relevant form to complete – be it the new form or the existing form you are familiar with. In short, you only need to complete one form and the relevant form will be sent to you.

QoF Business Rules

Version 17 of the QOF business rules have been published here.

QMAS 09/10 Achievement Calculation – sexual health

This note from Connecting for Health addresses errors in the calculation of QMAS sexual health indicators.

Sessional GPs Newsletter

The Sessional GPs Newsletter, Summer 2010 covers a number of topics including GPC Sessional GPs Representation Working Group report, Salaried GPs’ Pay, BMA Salaried GPs’ handbook – 2010 edition, Revalidation and Locum GP pensions .

Kings Fund Inquiry into Quality of General Practice

As the initial results become available the King’s Fund is very keen to gather the personal views of the profession on the research they have commissioned, so that they are able to frame their ideas for the final report. Details of the reports that have been published to date are below; the King’s Fund would welcome your comments and feedback. There is an on-line resource page here:

Continuity of care
Diagnosis and referral
End of Life care
Therapeutic relationships