Focus on Global Sum Allocation Formula
The global sum allocation formula, or Carr-Hill Formula, has been used as the basis of core funding for GMS practices since the inception of the new GMS contract in 2004. This short explanatory paper has been produced because the allocation formula is newly relevant to many GP practices.

CQC, ‘What to Expect When We Inspect’
The CQC has produced a ‘what to expect from an inspection’ video which is a mixture of interviews with an inspector, GP and practice manager explaining their experience of an inspection. It is supported by a number of other documents giving practical advice as to what to expect from an inspection including a quick guide as to what to expect.

Use of SARs by Insurance Companies to Obtain Medical Records
The GPC has received a reply from the ICO regarding the use of Subject Access Reports under the Data Protection Act by insurance companies rather than requesting GP reports. The ICO has ruled that this use is inappropriate:

“The right of subject access is a key element of the fundamental right to the protection of personal data provided for under Article 8 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights which is conferred upon individuals. It is not designed to underpin the commercial processes of the life insurance industry. The Commissioner takes the view that the use of subject access rights to access medical records in this way is an abuse of those rights.” A ‘Focus On’ will follow shortly, but in the interim, we recommend practices not to respond to these requests but rather advise insurance companies you decline as a SARs request is not appropriate in these circumstances.

FGM Prevention Programme, Letter from Minister of Public Health
A letter from Jane Ellison, Minister for Public Health, has been sent to NHS Trust Chief Executives, Directors of Public Health and Chairs of CCGs across England on FGM prevention. Within the letter, the Minister highlights the need for extra vigilance across the NHS in the lead up to the school summer holidays, a time when female genital mutilation is often performed on young girls who are taken abroad for this purpose. She outlines the main ‘warning signs’ for NHS staff to look out for, and the range of support and training materials available. The letter reiterates that FGM is illegal, and that safeguarding procedures must be followed every time there are concerns.