Patient Group Directions and Patient Specific Directions

The GPC has reviewed the complex legislation surrounding the administration of medicines and has clarified the advice on the use of Patient Group Directions (PGDs) in general practice. This guidance can be viewed here. Please note: this guidance will be updated as and when further issues are raised

New vetting and barring scheme, GPC guidance for GPs

This guidance explains the steps that GPs need to take individually and as employers to ensure that they comply with the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006

Advice relating to longstanding Cervical screening issues

The GPC have created an advice note to address a number of longstanding issues relating to cervical screening following a recent meeting with Professor Julietta Patnick, Director of NHS Cancer Screening Programmes. Covering topics such as vault cytology, re-training requirements, smear processes/programmes and QOF indicators, this note is available from janice.foster@middlesbroughpct.nhs.uk on request.

Sessional GPs Subcommittee Elections

Nominations are now open for election to the GPC Sessional GPs subcommittee. Please pass this on to all your sessional GP colleagues. The subcommittee represents all salaried and locum/freelance GPs. Major changes have been made to the subcommittee this year, following the report of the Sessional GPs representation working group. The subcommittee is now much larger, with sixteen members, instead of eight, it will meet more frequently, have an executive committee to handle day to day work, and will have a much stronger presence on the GPC. Completed nomination forms should be sent to the GPC office to arrive by 5pm on Friday 17th September and if elected, candidates will take up their seats on the subcommittee in November 2010 and serve for three BMA sessions, until summer 2013. You can find out more about the elections and download a nomination form here.