Bulletin 19.04.2016
Sessional GP Newsletter
The latest sessional GP bulletin is now available here.
Responsive, Safe & Sustainable: Our Urgent prescription for General Practice
‘Responsive, safe and sustainable: our urgent prescription for general practice’, puts forward GPC’s proposed list of required actions, both immediate as part of a “rescue package” and longer term, to provide general practice with a sustainable and viable future. GPC will use this as a basis of dialogue with NHS England, over and above the government’s forthcoming support package for general practice that was announced earlier this year. Some of the recommendations will require local implementation via CCGs, and with representative support from LMCs.
Bulletin 300
12.04.16
QOF Guidance 2016/17
The 2016-17 QOF guidance has been published on the NHS Employers webpage. The BMA webpage has been updated to reflect the minor amendments made to QOF for 2016-17, which are:
- An adjustment to the value of a QOF point taking account of population growth and relative changes in practice list size from 1 January 2015 to 1 January 2016. The national average list size as of 1 January 2016 is 7460 and the value of a QOF point for 2016/17 will be £165.18
- No changes to thresholds for 2016/17
- No changes to QOF indicators
You will also be aware that as part of the negotiations for the 2017-18 contract, NHS Employers and GPC have agreed to explore ending QOF in its entirety.
New Firearms Licensing Process
Following the recent message update regarding the introduction of a new firearms licensing process, the GPC are now able to provide the details of the new process. Complete links to more detailed Home Office guidance for GPs and all the relevant forms are here. The GPC are aware that many GPs will have concerns over the new process and those who have been involved in discussions with the Home Office share these frustrations. They will continue to raise concerns with the Home Office on the new process and seek solutions where possible. We therefore encourage you to give the GPC and LMC feedback as you go through the new process – please direct any comments or questions to info.lmcqueries@bma.org.uk.
Accessible Information Standard, BMA Guidance
The Accessible Information Standard aims to ensure that disabled people have access to information they can understand and the communication support they may need. Practices in England are expected to follow the Standard by 31 July 2016. Please see this Focus On guide for further information.