Wessex LMCs Podcasts: Recent Episodes
wessexlmcs
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs.
Please see www.wessexlmcs.com/guidance/practice-manager-updates/ for slides and resources referred to in this recording.
Technology has transformed general practice, but what impact is it having on the people using it every day?
In this podcast, Laura Edwards, GP and Joint CEO of Wessex LMCs, is joined by Dr Francesca Dakin, Senior Researcher in Digital Health at the University of Oxford, to discuss a study exploring the hidden side of technology use in primary care.
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs.
Please see www.wessexlmcs.com/guidance/practice-manager-updates/ for slides and resources referred to in this recording.
Dr Laura Edwards, Joint CEO at Wessex LMCs, talks with Dr Francesca Dakin, Senior Researcher in Digital Health at Oxford University, about the positives and the downsides of the new fascination with online consultation and digital access.
Coronary artery calcification is increasingly being reported on CT scans performed as part of Targeted Lung Health Checks. But what does it mean for patients, and how should primary care respond?
In this podcast Dr Will Howard, GP and Medical Director at Wessex LMCs, speaks with Dr Os Alsanjari, Consultant Cardiologist at Basingstoke Hospital, about the clinical significance of incidental coronary artery calcification and its implications for cardiovascular risk management.
Designed for GPs and other patient-facing primary care clinicians, this practical discussion explores how to interpret these findings, answer patients' questions with confidence, and support shared decision-making when CT results identify coronary artery calcification.
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs.
Please see www.wessexlmcs.com/guidance/practice-manager-updates/ for slides and resources referred to in this recording.
Louise Greenwood (Director of Education and Training at Wessex LMCs) talks to Bea Udale-Smith from The Environment Centre. They chat about how clinicians can help their patients in consultations, social prescribers can signpost patients to resources, how managers can help staff – and how we can all help ourselves. It is not just about our lungs - air pollution can affect so much more. Find out how to become a clean air champion, undertake a module to learn more and take home some handy tips for living with cleaner air.
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs.
Please see www.wessexlmcs.com/guidance/practice-manager-updates/ for slides and resources referred to in this recording.
In this podcast Dr Will Howard (Wessex LMCs Medical Director and GP) explores the basics of Digital Risk in the first part of a series around Digital Risk Management for practices. He is joined by Dr Keith Gomes Pinto who is a GP, and also leads Dorset ICB in the digital risk sphere, and they discuss why GP practices need to consider digital risk, why now, and how can practices start to approach, and risk assess their own digital solutions in this world of accelerating AI fuelled solutions. Future editions in this series will include more detailed considerations of the standards we are being asked to meet, including medical device accreditation, as well as more in depth discussions about the Clinical Safety Officer (CSO) role.
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs.
Please see www.wessexlmcs.com/guidance/practice-manager-updates/ for slides and resources referred to in this recording.
Mark Tyrrell and Lisa Fall from the Institute of General Practice Management (IGPM) join us at the PM Update webinar to discuss how the IGPM can support and empower practice managers at a national level. They explore the resources, guidance, and community available, and highlight the launch of the first National Practice Manager Day.
Dr Laura Edwards and Dr Andy Purbrick (Wessex LMCs Joint CEOs), talk through the latest content of the newsletter sent out this week (7th April) including reflections on the PCN DES, SFE, QOF and Neighbourhood framework, together with an update on the DDRB, the latest GPCE meeting and a reminder to complete our members survey.
Read the newsletter here: https://www.wessexlmcs.com/newsletter/wessex-lmcs-newsletter-tuesday-7th-april-2026/
Dr Will Howard, Medical Director at Wessex LMCs, talks to Professor Saul Faust about the recent outbreak of meningitis in Kent. There is useful written information here from NHSE:
https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/outbreak-of-meningococcal-disease-linked-to-university-of-kent-and-the-area-of-canterbury/
Please also see the Wessex LMCs webpage: https://www.wessexlmcs.com/invasive-meningococcal-disease-outbreak-in-kent/
Our CEOs Dr Laura Edwards and Dr Andy Purbrick talk through the new contract release and the associated controversies that have already arisen before the contract has even started.
Our CEOs Dr Laura Edwards and Dr Andy Purbrick talk through the new contract release and the associated controversies that have already arisen before the contract has even started. Hear the headlines of the new contract and their views on it.
In this podcast, Dr Laura Edwards, Joint CEO at Wessex LMCs, is joined by Dr Edd Rendell, Medical Director, to raise awareness that over half of GPs in England do not have an up-to-date pension record. Hear about clear, step-by step guidance from the BMA about how to get your record updated and why this is important.
https://www.bma.org.uk/pay-and-contracts/pensions/additional-pensions-advice/guidance-for-gps-in-england-on-getting-your-pension-record-up-to-date
Dr Andy Purbrick, Wessex LMCs Joint CEO, had the opportunity to talk to BBC Radio Wiltshire about the challenges facing General Practice and posed a question live to the Health Secretary, Wes Streeting. Listen back to the recording from 22nd January 2026.
Louise Greenwood (Director of Education & Training) talks to Sue Scott (previous PM Supporter) about what specifically PM Supporters can do for PMs. If you are a PM, a deputy, or a PCN Manager do listen and hear how our PM Supporters can help with finance, HR, workflow and so much more. It can be a small problem or a big challenge – the PMs have walked in your shoes and can confidentially help in so many ways.
Do get in touch with one of them or with Louise to find out more.
Christmas is often portrayed as a time of joy and celebration, but for many people it can bring added pressure, loneliness, financial strain, and emotional challenges. Dr Laura Edwards, Joint CEO, speaks to Louise Greenwood, Director of Education, about the resources and guidance available to offer routes to support throughout the festive season.
https://www.wessexlmcs.com/wellbeing-support-this-christmas/
Dr Laura Edwards and Dr Andy Purbrick, Joint CEOs of Wessex LMCs, discuss this letter that was sent on behalf of Wessex Constituents to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on the 9th December 2025. The letter has been copied to all MPs across Wessex. This was our response to the letter that was sent to all GPs by Wes Streeting on 27th November 2025.
Wessex LMCs Ltd remains committed to supporting and representing you at a local, regional, and national level. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you and your teams for your commitment and dedication in continuing to deliver the best general practice for our communities.
Contracts underpin all we do in the practice – including care in the treatment room. Lisa Harding (Director of Primary Care) & Zoe Tobin (previous Nurse Advisor) talk to Louise Greenwood (Director of Education & Training) about the importance to the nursing team of understanding how the contracts work. The contracts can affect the treatment that the nursing team give, the equipment that they use and the education that they need. And this understanding can assist in conversations with patients. Do listen to find out more and share with all members of the nursing team.
In this podcast, Dr Will Howard, Medical Director at Wessex LMCs, is joined by Cathy Price, a Pain Medicine Consultant with over 25 years of experience. Together, they explore current pain services and how GPs can make the most of them, discuss how to identify appropriate patients for referral, and consider the value of a multidisciplinary approach.
Useful Links:
British Pain Society - https://www.britishpainsociety.org/
Live Well with Pain - https://livewellwithpain.co.uk/
Persistent Pain - https://hiowhealthcare.nhs.uk/msk/our-services/persistent-pain
Dr Will Howard (Medical Director) chats to Kerry March (Deputy Director of Primary Care) and Zoe Tobin (previous Nurse Advisor) following the publication of a recent document from UKSHA. They look at informed consent and consent to administer a vaccine and explore the situations that might arise in practice when nurses and HCAs are running vaccination clinics.
If you enjoyed this podcast and found it useful, please do listen to What exactly are PGDs & PSDs? And why are they important?
Please visit our webpage here : UKHSA clarification on Healthcare Support Workers and Informed Consent for Immunisation
Louise Greenwood (Director of Education & Training) asks Kerry March (Deputy Director of Primary Care) and Zoe Tobin (previous Nurse Advisor) what exactly are PGDs & PSDs? And why are they important? During the discussion, the legal importance of these directives and their practical application is analysed in addition to how they are used and why. Delegated responsibility & consent are among the topics scrutinised during their conversation.
If you enjoyed this podcast and found it useful, please do listen to Consent for a vaccine – who has to do this and how?
Please visit our webpage here : UKHSA clarification on Healthcare Support Workers and Informed Consent for Immunisation
The Wessex Maternal Medicine network coordinates and supports care for women across Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire to improve outcomes for women with medical conditions detected before, during and after pregnancy.
In this episode, we explore the latest developments, guidance, and collaborative efforts shaping maternal medicine across the region including:
- The evolution of the Maternal Medicine Network and its role in improving continuity of care.
- Updates on regional pathways, education, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
- Valuable perspectives on delivering safe, compassionate, and joined-up care for women across Wessex.
Useful Resources:
UKTIS (UK Teratology Information Service) - https://uktis.org/ or phone 0344 892 0909
BUMPS (Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy) - https://www.medicinesinpregnancy.org/
LactMed (Drugs and Lactation Database) - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/
Healthier Together (pregnancy and birth page on pre-existing conditions ) - https://www.healthiertogether.nhs.uk/pregnancy-and-birth#existing-conditions
Healthier Together (professionals page) - https://www.healthiertogether.nhs.uk/professional
Dr Laura Edwards and Dr Rebecca Payne talk through some in depth research that has been done looking at remote consulting in General Practice. They highlight some of the complexities the medium brings together with how practices might use the developed resources to have powerful conversations about minimising any risks to patient safety. You can find the resources referred to here: https://www.phc.ox.ac.uk/research/groups-and-centres/interdisciplinary-research-in-health-sciences/remote-by-default-2/Remote-by-Default-2-project-resources
Louise Greenwood (Director of Education, Wessex LMCs) talks to Matthew Miller-Hall, Digital & Facilities Manager, Chawton Park Surgery and NHS App Ambassador about the NHS App. Have you got the NHS App? Have you downloaded it and then forgotten all about it? Louise and Matthew discuss the benefits of using the App for patients & practices and how to encourage more patients to use it. It can save everyone time and money!
Download the NHS App toolkit campaign at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/south-east/info-professionals/south-east-region-primary-care-transformation-programme/introduction/communications-for-primary-care-providers/nhs-app-toolkit-campaign/
Our Joint CEO Dr Laura Edwards talks to Artur Pysz from Community Pharmacy Hampshire and Isle of Wight about understanding pharmacy a bit more and the current challenges they are facing in their sector. At a time where General Practice and community pharmacies are expected to work closer together listen in to learn about the balance of commercial and NHS work and how their sector is feeling.
Dr Laura Edwards leads us through the spending review and first thoughts about the NHS 10 Year Plan. Laura discusses themes with Dr Andy Purbrick and both Wessex Joint CEOs take questions from the audience at the PM webinar on 29th July.
Download the accompanying slides and documents here: www.wessexlmcs.com/guidance/practice-manager-updates/
Ed Kennedy, Managing Partner at Wickham Surgery, and Director at IGPM (Institute of General Practice Management) talks to Louise Greenwood, Director of Education & Training at Wessex LMCs, about raising the profile of PMs at national level. The Directors of IGPM were invited to the Houses of Parliament to speak to the Health and Social Care Select Committee about the NHS 10-year Plan. Listen to how their meeting went – and if you are a PM, you might want to consider joining this, a-political organisation that wants PMs to be in every conversation about general practice at every level.
In this podcast, Louise Greenwood (Director of Education & Training) talks to Dr Sam Robinson (GP & PCN Clinical Director) and Lucy Hitchcock (PCN Manager) from Minerva Primary Care Network (PCN) in Bath and NE Somerset (BaNES). Sam and Lucy have introduced a number of Ai, Automative and non-digital innovations within their PCN. They discuss total triage, Ambient Scribe, Workflow Automation and Automatic Processing of Lab Results. They have some fascinating insights but also share in a pragmatic, practical ways that make their changes seem achievable for others who are not as far along this journey. They stress the need to bring governance issues and patients along with you at every stage!
At Wessex LMCs we realise that many of you are too busy to read long documents. We believe the 10 year plan is essential reading but at 168 pages - very long. The Executive Summary is extremely helpful to get a good enough feel for most of the content. To help you stay informed therefore we have recorded, verbatim, without comment or endorsement the Executive Summary of the 10-year plan so that you can access this vital content in a convenient way. Analysis and comment on the content will come in due course from the LMC team.
As ever with the possibility of change there is the possibility of threats but also opportunity. Knowledge is power. Listen to the content and give yourself the foundation to build an informed opinion.
The full plan can be viewed here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6866387fe6557c544c74db7a/fit-for-the-future-10-year-health-plan-for-england.pdf
Dr Laura Edwards, Joint CEO at Wessex LMCs, and Bryony Allen, Chair of Hampshire Local Optical Committee, discuss all things relating to opticians.
- How are they trained?
- Who can receive NHS services?
- Why can’t opticians refer directly?
- How are things in the world of optometry?
All this and more...
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs.
Please see www.wessexlmcs.com/guidance/practice-manager-updates/ for slides and resources referred to in this recording.
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs.
Please see www.wessexlmcs.com/guidance/practice-manager-updates/ for slides and resources referred to in this recording.
In the fifth podcast of our Innovation Series, we take a look at whether innovation using technology and automation is suitable for all practices. Jenny Partridge (Innovation Manager, Kent, Surrey, Sussex) speaks to Practice Manager Shaun Austin about how to position trying new ways of working if the practice staff are comfortable working in a traditional way. They discuss lab results automation, how safe it is clinically, and how you can find out more about automation to assure yourself on its effectiveness.
Non-clinical uses of automation and AI are often an easier place to start and build confidence in the benefits of technological solutions; for example helping patients to register more easily or providing website assistants to help patients navigate to the services they need.
Wessex LMCs presents a podcast on the financial challenges and realities of becoming a GP Partner. Dr Will Howard, a GP Partner for 22 years and a Medical Director at Wessex LMCs chats with Peter Farrier, a Director at Morris Crocker Accountants, a Medical Specialist Accountant. The pair talk through starting out as a Partner, tax planning, mid-career opportunities and retirement planning, amongst other areas. We hope you find the information they share useful.
Professor Ryan Buchanan (Wessex Clinical Hepatitis C Lead) and Dr Nicholas Ballantyne (Wessex Clinical Hepatitis C GP Champion) talk to Dr Laura Edwards (Joint CEO Wessex LMCs) about the complete transformation in treatment approach and outcomes for Hepatitis C and talk about the possibility of elimination of this disease. Listen to this good news story and share the positive message.
Look at HepCulater: https://www.hepculater.com/ for more resources and for self referral for free NHS testing and follow up for your patients.
Need to re-charge, refresh and re-imagine? Do listen to Dr Steph Carter and Dr Claire Hodgekiss discuss improving access for patients and taking back control. Steph's practice created a better workplace culture as the team worked together to improve capacity and care. Claire's practice took back control of the daily contacts to improve care. Dr Laura Edwards encourages you to listen as the New Year approaches.
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs.
Please see www.wessexlmcs.com/guidance/practice-manager-updates/ for slides and resources referred to in this recording
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs.
Please see www.wessexlmcs.com/guidance/practice-manager-updates/ for slides and resources referred to in this recording
Dr Andy Purbrick, Joint CEO at Wessex LMCs talks with the all age continuing care team at NHS Dorset to dispel some of the myths behind continuing health care, how the referrals process works and why it’s so important for patients.
Listen to a summary of Wessex LMCs newsletter released 8th November 2024.
Read the newsletter in full on the Wessex LMCs website: https://www.wessexlmcs.com/lmc-team-emails-newsletters/
Christopher Saunders (Patient) & Sarah Peters (Healthwatch) ask Dr Andy Purbrick (GP & Joint CEO, Wessex LMCs) the crucial questions that are at the front of so many people’s minds. Why can’t I ever see my own doctor? Why do I have to tell the receptionist what is wrong? Why are the surgery waiting rooms so empty? Listen in to a fascinating, honest and illuminating discussion.
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs.
Please see www.wessexlmcs.com/guidance/practice-manager-updates/ for slides and resources referred to in this recording
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs.
Please see www.wessexlmcs.com/guidance/practice-manager-updates/ for slides and resources referred to in this recording
Listen to a summary of Wessex LMCs newsletter released 17th October 2024.
Read the newsletter in full on the Wessex LMCs website: https://www.wessexlmcs.com/lmc-team-emails-newsletters/
Louise Greenwood (Director of Education and Training, Wessex LMCs) talks to Matt Perkins and Jayne Tabor, two of Wessex LMCs’ Practice Manager Supporters about the benefits of spending time with like-minded managers. It can be a huge benefit to sit down and share the challenges of the job, share some wisdom and ask for advice from peers, whether this is at a formal Practice Manage meeting or an informal Space to Thrive group. This time can be the most valuable of your week – and it can be fun and inspiring too! What have you got to lose?
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs.
Please see www.wessexlmcs.com/guidance/practice-manager-updates/ for slides and resources referred to in this recording
In this podcast, Zoe Tobin (Nurse Advisor at Wessex LMCs) is kindly joined by Dr Camilla Janssen (Hampshire GP and Vice Chair & representative for the HIOW LMC), who has an interest in women’s health and has explored innovative ways of delivery in General Practice.
Topics covered include:
- What are the current challenges in the delivery of women’s health in general practice for both the patient and the clinician?
- What practical solutions are there to overcome these challenges?
- Camilla shares examples of initiatives implemented at practice / PCN level, including:
- Patient group education - examples of initiatives implemented, such as a PCN mass education session & 6wk menopause support group
- Access to trusted resources - development of a PCN website, where link can be sent via AccuRx to patients, contains educational resources and access to a patient questionnaire that can be completed prior to a menopause consultation, providing key background information in advance.
- Consultation delivery models - 1:1 consultations & shared medical consultations, possible considerations required in the setting up and running of these clinics.
Menopause | New Forest PCN
Menopause 6 week support course | New Forest PCN
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs.
Please see www.wessexlmcs.com/guidance/practice-manager-updates/ for slides and resources referred to in this recording
Listen to Wessex LMCs Joint CEO, Dr Andy Purbrick talking to Dr Jonathan Marks, Consultant Rheumatologist at UHD Hospital, as they discuss the latest guidelines around osteoporosis management and how GPs can put them into practice.
Please find links mentioned in the podcast:
Summary of main recommendations | NOGG
Fracture Risk Assessment Tool
Royal Osteoporosis Society - Better Bone Health for Everybody (theros.org.uk)
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs. Please see www.wessexlmcs.com/guidance/practice-manager-updates/ for any accompanying resources referred to in this recording.
Our Joint CEOs Dr Andy Purbrick and Dr Laura Edwards together discuss the impending reforms to Death Regulations that come into place next week. They will run through the need to knows and our website guidance and decision-making flowchart to help you navigate the process and the changes. See all the guidance and the flow chart here: Death Certification - Wessex LMCs
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs. Please see www.wessexlmcs.com/guidance/practice-manager-updates/ for any accompanying resources referred to in this recording.
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs. Please see www.wessexlmcs.com/guidance/practice-manager-updates/ for any accompanying resources referred to in this recording.
Does your practice have a visa sponsorship licence already?
Do you know what it is or why you might want one?
This podcast will persuade you to push this up your practice list of priorities as something to have in place! Listen now to find out why. Our Joint CEO and GP Dr Laura Edwards talks with a panel around visa sponsorship and how it impacts international graduates particularly around the time of qualification and what actions practices may want to take to help with their recruitment.
Helpful Resources:
UK Visa Sponsorship Licences (formerly known as Tier 2) - Wessex LMCs
Skilled Workers/Visa Sponsorship Licences - bswtraininghub.nhs.uk
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs. Please see www.wessexlmcs.com/guidance/practice-manager-updates/ for any accompanying resources referred to in this recording.
In this episode Dr Edd Rendell speaks with Business Manager Jo Farnworth and GP Partner Dr John Robertson from Prince of Wales Surgery, Dorchester. They have found a new way of working which includes creating additional administration time and offering more prebookable appointments. This has led to a happier practice for staff and patients and them no longer requiring a duty doctor. We talk through how this happened and what changes they have seen over the past 11 months. They share tips for practices who wish to explore a similar model.
In this podcast we revisit the General Practice Alert State (GPAS) tool 2 years after its initial launch.
This powerful tool helps build a picture across the Wessex area. The data practices provide empowers the LMC to argue the case for general practice and illustrate the pressures practice teams are under.
Find out more here: https://www.wessexlmcs.com/guidance/gpas-general-practice-alert-state/
This Wessex LMCs podcast is about an organisation called the GPDF – or General Practitioners Defence Fund. In this podcast Dr Will Howard (Medical Director of Wessex LMCs) is joined by Dr Chris Castle, a GP Partner in Southeast Hants, Chair of Wessex LMCs Board and a Board member of GPDF. Chris and Will discuss what GPDF is, what it does and how it is funded, as well as how you might be able to access it if you need it. GPDF also fund the national conferences which is critical in giving LMCs a voice in directing GPC action and negotiation. For more information take a look at the GPDF website: https://www.gpdf.org.uk/
In this podcast Dr Laura Edwards and Dr Edd Rendell explore what the BMA have shared around proposed collective action and touch on the recent GP Connect issue.
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs. Please see www.wessexlmcs.com/guidance/practice-manager-updates/ for any accompanying resources referred to in this recording.
Edd Rendell, talks to Dr Simon Wright, GP and Chair of the Dorset LMC, and Lisa Harding, about ‘Our Values’. They discuss what the Values mean, why they are so important and how they apply to the work of the LMC. See more on our website here.
Take a listen to Dr Andy Purbrick (Joint CEO) & Dr Edd Rendell (Medical Director) as they highlight items from our Team Newsletter released on 6th June 2024. The chat includes details of our Annual Conference on 25th June, the BMA Contract Roadshow on 24th July and a new job opportunity to work with Wessex LMCs as Join Our Team - Wessex LMCs
Please see the full newsletter here.
Amanda Hizzett & Faye Johnson from Health & Justice, NHSE join the team to help de-mystify the health regulations & medical records surrounding patients who live in places such as prisons, young offenders institutes & care homes.
The team then run through some important items of information for our managers.
Please see Practice Manager Updates Podcasts and Videos - Wessex LMCs for any accompanying resources referred to in this podcast.
In this podcast Ed Kennedy who is a Managing Partner at the Wickham Surgery in Hampshire, reflects on his own personal experience of the challenges dispensing practices are currently facing and why these are occurring. Ed also introduces his role with the Institute of General Practice Management (IGPM) and the support that is available for Dispensing Managers through this.
With our Conference for PMs and GPs fasting approaching on the 25th June, we thought it would be useful to provider a taster for one of our breakout sessions for dispensing practices, so please do register for the conference and come along to hear Ed & Dr Ben Inglis talk about the challenges and hear some ideas on how to resolve these.
Conference Booking Link: https://www.wessexlmcs.com/civicrm/event/info/?reset=1&id=478
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs. Updates on infected blood and GPC England news are included plus lots more Please see www.wessexlmcs.com/guidance/practice-manager-updates/ for any accompanying resources referred to in this recording.
Pertussis – the latest infectious disease to make the headlines, but also to cause real risk to the most vulnerable patients in our population. Listen to Dr Sanjay Patel, Consultant in Infections disease at Southampton Hospital talk Dr Will Howard, a Wessex LMCs Medical Director, about pertussis, what’s going on, how to recognise and treat it, and how we might minimise its future impact through prevention by immunisation.
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs. Please see www.wessexlmcs.com/guidance/practice-manager-updates/ for any accompanying resources referred to in this recording.
In this podcast Zoe Tobin, Nurse Advisor at Wessex LMCs is joined by Angie Hack, Assistant Director of Nursing Programmes at the Queens Nursing Institute, to discuss the ever-developing role of the General Practice Nurse in primary care. This podcast is aimed at GPNs, anyone interested in becoming a GPN and other members of the practice team who would like a better understanding of the role, such as Practice Managers,
This podcast covers:
- The skills and qualifications required to undertake the role
- The different roles in general practice nursing
- Education pathways for nurses seeking a career in General practice nursing
- Sources of support for trainee GPNs
- Resources and contacts to aid practice nurse training and development
Resources-
General Practice Nursing Induction Template
Standards of Education and Practice for Nurses New to General Practice Nursing
https://qni.org.uk/
https://qni.org.uk/resources/?aow=general-practice
https://gpnen.org.uk/
https://www.hee.nhs.uk/our-work/training-hubs - find your local training hub.
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs. Please see www.wessexlmcs.com/guidance/practice-manager-updates/ for any accompanying resources referred to in this recording.
In this podcast our Nurse Advisor Zoe Tobin is joined by Emma Ray (Respiratory Nurse Specialist in General Practice & Clinical Practice Educator: Children and young people with Asthma HIOW) to discuss all things respiratory. They talk through effective paediatric asthma care in primary care, staff training and development, and resources and support for the practice team in the delivery of respiratory services.
Useful links-
Primary Care Respiratory Society
Association of Respiratory Nurses
National Paediatric Respiratory and Allergy Nurses Group- NPRANG
Find a local peer support network | Primary Care Respiratory Society (pcrs-uk.org)- Please note- you will be able to find local groups and forums but in order to contact them membership is required.
Contact for Emma Ray- Emma.ray@uhs.nhs.uk
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs. Please see www.wessexlmcs.com/guidance/practice-manager-updates/ for any accompanying resources referred to in this recording.
In this podcast Dr Laura Edwards discusses with Dr Katie Warburton and Dr Jo Hunter their work around health inequalities, and the surprising factor and difference that we can make with our approach as professionals in our daily work. Sometimes solving health inequalities can feel totally out of our reach, but Katie and Jo explain that by the way we approach our consultations, we can make a difference.
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs. Please see www.wessexlmcs.com/guidance/practice-manager-updates/ for any accompanying resources referred to in this recording.
In this podcast, Jan Harley-Doyle from Lifestyle Options explains the importance of practices being aware of the ramifications of staff taking late retirement from the 1995 section of the NHS pension scheme.
Please read the handout and share it with your colleagues to ensure that moving forward, all staff take their 1995 pension at a time that is most financially beneficial to them, taking into account their personal circumstances all the factors mentioned in the podcast.
Please note, this handout only applies to any membership accrued in the 1995 Section. It DOES NOT apply to any membership accrued in the 2008 or 2015 Schemes.
In this podcast, we are joined by Jan Harley-Doyle from Lifestyle Options. Jan is passionate about improving the working lives of staff in General Practice and works independently to support and train non-clinical practice staff.
Jan explains why employers should attend our forthcoming training 'NHS Pensions - You as an Employer'.
This training is ideal for those who administer the pension scheme or who have responsibility for ensuring it is correctly administered. Remember: Outsourcing does NOT remove the practice's legal responsibility. As Jan explains, this training will provide an overview of the NHS Pension Scheme (inc the 1995, 2008 and 2015 sections) including:
- Employer responsibilities (inc end of year reporting)
- Pension administration basis (inc common errors and their effect on retirement benefits)
- Potential consequences of incorrect administration
- Retirement options (inc ‘Retire & Return’ and ‘Drawdown’)
- Processing retirement applications
- The implications of McCloud and final pay controls
- The NHS Pension as a potential tool for increasing staff retention in general practice
- Staying up to date with pension changes
Find out more and book online here
https://www.wessexlmcs.com/civicrm/event/info/?reset=1&id=443
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs. Please see www.wessexlmcs.com/guidance/practice-manager-updates/ for any accompanying resources referred to in this recording.
In this podcast our Nurse Advisor Zoe Tobin is joined by Julia O Mara and Julia Judd, trainers from J2S training, who provide valuable comprehensive training for HCAs in general practice for Wessex LMCs, to discuss the role of the HCA in general practice and will cover-
- Overview of the HCA role and role development
- Clinical supervision / Accountability and Delegation
- Extended roles, such as Long-term conditions management
- Tips for CPD and what to look for when employing a HCA
- Key resources and support for HCAs.
This podcast would be beneficial for any current HCAs, or anyone interested in the role, it is also beneficial for employers / managers who would like to find out more about the role in practice.
Useful links-
The Nursing Team - Wessex LMCs
Wessex LMCs: Education, Training & Development– we offer a range of training courses for HCA’s, including a 2.5 day course ‘Clinical skills portfolio for Health Care Assistants’.
First Steps | Professional services | Royal College of Nursing (rcn.org.uk)
https://www.e-lfh.org.uk/programmes/care-certificate/
Primary Care and General Practice Nursing Careers and Core Capabilities Framework
Contact for Julia and Julia- info@j2s.co.uk
In this podcast our joint CEOs Dr Laura Edwards and Dr Andy Purbrick discuss the 2024-25 GP contract that has just been imposed on the profession. Listen as they go through everything you need to know for this year.
Useful Links:
Armed Forces Covenant: /www.england.nhs.uk/contact-us/privacy-notice/how-we-use-your-information/our-services/armed-forces-and-families-health-care/d forces and families health care
Interested in being a veteran friendly practice: https://elearning.rcgp.org.uk/mod/book/view.php?id=12533&chapterid=285&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-r-vBhC-ARIsAGgUO2AtOfLNp5T9f1dtK9PLNg-4nWYnmXEn48owF91QIyK7T3-eRT5bBIcaAnsvEALw_wcB
Registering and Care of Military Personnel & Veterans: www.wessexlmcs.com/guidance/registering-and-care-of-military-personnel-veterans/
Laura Edwards and Sarah Cotton discuss Pharmacy First a new initiative that has been rolled out across the country. They discuss how the new service is going including what conditions are covered, the funding and some of the myths surrounding it. There are also some top tips of how to get the most from this service for your patients and what future developments there might be.
Find out more here: https://cpe.org.uk/national-pharmacy-services/advanced-services/pharmacy-first-service/
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs. Please see www.wessexlmcs.com/guidance/practice-manager-updates/ for any accompanying resources referred to in this recording.
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs. Please see www.wessexlmcs.com/guidance/practice-manager-updates/ for any accompanying resources referred to in this recording.
Dr Laura Edwards, Joint CEO at Wessex LMCs, speaks with Helena Conibear, Founder and CEO of the Talk About Trust (formally the Alcohol Education Trust). The Talk About Trust is a charity which works to keep young people safe around alcohol ,vaping, cannabis and other substances.
They discuss the ongoing issue of drink spiking including:
- The latest stats on how many people are affected
- Common substances used for spiking
- The effects of drink spiking
- How to report drink spiking & the support available
https://life-stuff.org/spiking-what-to-do/ - Information for victims of spiking and what people should do if they have been spiked.
https://www.wessexlmcs.com/guidance/support-around-drink-spiking/Support around Drink Spiking -
Shared care is a term used within the NHS to describe the situation where a specialist doctor wishes to pass some of the patient’s care, such as prescription of medication, over to their general practitioner (GP). This is something that can be requested but the guidance for all medications is that this may only be done if the GP agrees. The GP will need to consider a number of factors to decide if this is safe.
Shared care is an important aspect of care that we are hearing from practices is causing increased tension and pressure at present.
Dr Laura Edwards, CEO, and Dr Will Howard, Medical Director, bring us up to speed on Wessex LMCs guidance which you can find here: https://www.wessexlmcs.com/understanding-shared-care-nhs-right-to-choose-and-private-providers/
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs. Please see www.wessexlmcs.com/guidance/practice-manager-updates/ for any accompanying resources referred to in this recording.
Take a listen to Wessex LMCs Team Newsletter released 16th January 2024, which includes the following:-Wessex LMCs Introduction: Shared Care
- General Practice: Your Career – Your Future
- GP Pressures and Workforce Data
- BMA Update on Sessional GPs Locum Work Challenges
- Online Access to Records - Data Breaches From Misfiling of Records
- An Improved Digital Experience from CQC
- Direct Access to Diagnostic Tests
- Lipid Modification Resource Implications
- MAPs to be Regulated by the GMC - Write to your MP
- NHSE Update on GP retention schemes: General Practice Fellowships and Supporting Mentors
- Buying Group Recruitment Support
- GP Practice Workforce Recruitment in Wessex
- Wessex LMCs Education & Events
You can find all our newsletters on the Wessex LMCs Website: www.wessexlmcs.com/lmc-team-emails-newsletters/
Take a listen to Wessex LMCs Team Newsletter released 5th January 2024, which includes the following:-
- Wessex LMCs Introduction - A New Year Message
- Opportunity to stand as a Committee Representative for your LMC
- NHS National Vaccine Strategy
- Introduction of Medical Examiners and Reforms to Death Certification
- New NIHR Evidence published on roles in General Practice
- Menu of Support for Primary Care
- Wessex LMCs Education & Events
You can find all our newsletters on the Wessex LMCs Website: www.wessexlmcs.com/lmc-team-emails-newsletters/
Take a listen to Wessex LMCs Team Newsletter released 21st December 2023, which includes the following:-
- Wessex LMCs Intro - And just like that Christmas is upon us…
- Have Your Say on the Future of General Practice
- GP Finance Survey
- Inclisiran
- Online Access to Records - Data Breaches from Misfiling of Records
- MAPs to be Regulated by the GMC – Write to your MP
- New GP Vaccine Dashboard
- Change to Handling of Scanned Lloyd George Paper Records
- IIF ACC-08 Exception Flags
- Role of Incentive Schemes in General Practice
- Delivery Plan for Recovering Access to Primary Care 2024: GP Patient Survey
- Support around Drink Spiking
- Wellbeing Resources
- ILM Level 5 Management Apprenticeship
- Induction to the NHS Pension Scheme
You can find all our newsletters on the Wessex LMCs Website: www.wessexlmcs.com/lmc-team-emails-newsletters/
Take a listen to Wessex LMCs Team Newsletter released 7th December 2023, which includes the following:-
- Wessex LMCs Intro - Our new website and event platform is now “LIVE”
- Feedback from Conference of England Local Medical Committees Representatives 23 and 24 November 2023
- Have your say on the Future of General Practice
- Preparation for any Future Ballot
- Locum GPs Reporting Reduced Opportunities
- Junior Doctors Strikes
- Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism
- Shingles Technical Guidance
- MMR Catch-up Campaign
- Updated expiry dates for specific batches of Fluenz® Tetra and product recall.
- GP Pressures and Workforce Data
- What can we Learn from Innovation in General Practice
- General Practice Improvement Programme
- Survey on how to Prevent and Reduce Violence Towards NHS Staff
- Wessex LMCs Education & Events
You can find all our newsletters on the Wessex LMCs Website: www.wessexlmcs.com/lmc-team-emails-newsletters/
Michelle Lombardi, Director of Primary Care, talks with Amelia Davis, Operational Service Lead at Malmesbury Primary Care Centre.
They discuss how the General Practice Improvement Programme can help practices in development of the modern General Practice concept. Amelia explains what it has been like to undertake the programme in her practice and shares her learning with us.
For more information see: https://www.england.nhs.uk/gp/national-general-practice-improvement-programme/
Dr Andy Purbrick (Joint CEO, Wessex LMCs) discusses the thorny issue of why a GP Partnership may consider handing back its contract and closing the practice, the implications, liabilities and practical considerations involved, and the potential alternatives to this Armageddon situation. Andy is joined by solicitors Robert McCartney (Hempsons) & Rachel Crean (VWV), Sally Sidaway ( Morris Crocker Accountants) and Adam Thompson (surveyor, Primary Care Surveyors).
As many of you will be familiar with, Wessex LMCs email a regular newsletter to all our practices.
We understand in these busy times, it is not always easy to find the time to keep on top of incoming emails and have verbalised our latest newsletter (published 15 November 2023). We hope you will find this podcast a practical method of keeping up to date with the latest.
As many of you will be familiar with, Wessex LMCs email a regular newsletter to all our practices.
We understand in these busy times, it is not always easy to find the time to keep on top of incoming emails and have verbalised our latest newsletter (published 31st October 2023). We hope you will find this podcast a practical method of keeping up to date with the latest.
This podcast is exceptional in many ways. It is a deeply personal story of a family carrying out their mothers rather unique end of life wishes. We hear from Dr Julia Hempenstall about her professional and personal experience.
As many of you will be familiar with, Wessex LMCs email a regular newsletter to all our practices.
We understand in these busy times, it is not always easy to find the time to keep on top of incoming emails and have verbalised our latest newsletter (published 18th October). We hope you will find this podcast a practical method of keeping up to date with the latest.
You may also find our recent podcast Safe Working in General Practice - Inspiration for Change of interest. Listen here: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-4a8ir-14adf2d
Let us know your thoughts on Wessex LMCs verbalising future newsletters by emailing office@wessexlmcs.org.uk
As many of you will be familiar with, Wessex LMCs email a regular newsletter to all our practices.
We understand in these busy times, it is not always easy to find the time to keep on top of incoming emails and have verbalised our latest newsletter (published 5th October). We hope you will find this podcast a practical method of keeping up to date with the latest.
Let us know your thoughts on Wessex LMCs verbalising future newsletters by emailing office@wessexlmcs.org.uk
The Wessex Healthier Together website provides advice for parents, young people and pregnant women, and clinical resources to support healthcare professionals – which means that children are likely to receive consistently high-quality care, irrespective of which healthcare professional they see.
Sanjay Patel, Paediatrics Infectious Diseases Consultant at Southampton Children's hospital who leads the Healthier Together programme, joins us to discuss the resources available in further detail to help change parental help seeking behaviour.
The Healthier Together app aims to change the health-seeking behaviour of parents by providing them with the tools to evaluate the severity of their child’s illness when they are poorly.
Only by your practice formally onboarding will your patients have full access to the functionality of the app. We encourage practices to get onboard before the rise in winter respiratory viruses.
If you have any queries or require further support to onboard, please contact ahmadc@cenigma.net
https://www.what0-18.nhs.uk/
As many of you will be familiar with, Wessex LMCs email a regular newsletter to all our practices.
We understand in these busy times, it is not always easy to find the time to keep on top of incoming emails and have verbalised our latest newsletter (published 22nd September). We hope you will find this podcast a practical method of keeping up to date with the latest.
Let us know your thoughts on Wessex LMCs verbalising future newsletters by emailing office@wessexlmcs.org.uk
Lisa Harding, Director of Primary Care, talks with Matt Perkins, Business Manager at the Coastal Medical Partnership and Wessex LMCs PM Supporter, about his practice’s experience of going live with online access to medical records. In particular, Matt describes how they approached:
- preparations to go live;
- communications with patients;
- staff training and awareness raising;
- reviewing vulnerable patients’ access;
- managing the workload.
For more guidance on online access, go to NHS Digital or Wessex LMCs
Dr Steph Carter and Dr Claire Hodgekiss, both GP Partners in Hampshire discuss the projects they have been involved in to improve their practice service for both patients and staff.
Steph’s practice worked on improved access for patients. By creating a better workplace culture, the team worked together to achieve improved capacity and safe general practice care.
Claire describes how her practice took back control of the number of daily contacts to improve patient care, with a focus on same day access.
We encourage anyone listening to this podcast to think about these safe working projects and hope this inspires your practice to go through a process of change.
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs.
Please see https://www.wessexlmcs.com/practicemanagerupdates for any accompanying resources referred to in this recording.
Dr Laura Edwards talks with Dr Gemma Langman, Clinical Champion for Learning Disability and Autism for the Hampshire and IOW ICB.
Gemma has a passion for neurodiversity and explains more about the modalities of autism. She also provides tips for clinicians to improve consultations and best support patients with autism.
The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism
----more----Dr Laura Edwards talks with Dr Gemma Langman, Clinical Champion for Learning Disability and Autism for the Hampshire & IOW ICB.
This discussion aims to bring awareness and increase understanding and confidence in dealing with patients with learning disabilities.
Wessex LMCs: Learning Disabilities: The Annual Health Check
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs.
Please see https://www.wessexlmcs.com/practicemanagerupdates for any accompanying resources referred to in this recording.
Wessex LMCs Medical Director Dr Edd Rendell, and Nurse Advisor Zoe Tobin, talk to Cherry Alvian, Paediatric Allergy GRID registrar at University Hospital Southampton about Egg allergy in children, including –
- New guidance around the management of mild cases of paediatric egg allergy in primary care
- Guidance and considerations around vaccinating children with a confirmed egg allergy
- Signposting to relevant sources of support and guidance for both health care professionals and parents of Egg allergic children.
Further resources mentioned in the podcast can be located here- Egg Allergy in Children – Primary Care Guidance (what0-18.nhs.uk)
Figures from consumer research group 2San show that 1 in 3 people in Southampton initially look for medical advice on socials instead of a GP.
In this radio interview, Wessex LMCs Joint CEO, Dr Laura Edwards, talks to Global News about how this can help relieve pressure on the NHS.
Alex Morgan continues the discussion with Sharjeel Qureshi and they dig a little deeper into how it feels to be training as a GP in a different place and culture. Sharjeel shares experiences about racism, religion and culture and offers some techniques for IMGs to help them overcome challenges.
"Spend a Penny" booklet to share with International Graduate GP trainees.
Dr Will Howard talks to Dr Sharjeel Qureshi & Dr Alex Morgan about hosting an International Medical Graduate (IMG) in your surgery as a training GP. Dr Alex Morgan (Team Communication Specialist, International Coach and Coach Supervisor) elaborates on why and how teams & individuals behave as they do, Dr Sharjeel Qureshi (GP Partner, Near to Peer Support Fellow NHSE, Dorset LMCs’ Committee Member) brings real & personal examples, and Dr Will Howard summarises with a list of hints and tips for practices.
"Spend a Penny" booklet to share with International Graduate GP trainees.
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs.
Please see https://www.wessexlmcs.com/practicemanagerupdates for any accompanying resources referred to in this recording.
GP Dr Camilla Janssen talks to Richard Roope about FIT tests, their use in screening as well as for the symptomatic population. Also covered are the new colorectal referral pathways including recent changes, such as the FIT -ive referral route. Discussions include appropriateness of requesting and interpreting FIT tests in different clinical situations, i.e. with rectal bleeding, change in bowel habits, acute infection and when taking iron supplementation and the importance of safety netting.
Here is the link to the information on the Wessex Cancer Alliance website, including useful links that can be sent to patients regarding the FIT tests and result interpretation, as well as Wessex lower GI pathways and flowcharts.
Symptomatic FIT - Welcome to Wessex Cancer Alliance
The final part of the discussion covers the "Rapid Investigation Service" as well as the "Cancer of Unknown Primary" 2WW pathways. Awareness is raised regarding the high incidence of false -ive results with different tests and the importance of remembering this, when interpreting results in the clinical context.
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs.
Please see https://www.wessexlmcs.com/practicemanagerupdates for any accompanying resources referred to in this recording.
Imposter Syndrome is the experience that many high-achieving people have of feeling a fraud, of not deserving their success, a fear of being ‘found out’, of not being as competent as other people think they are. It is characterised by chronic self-doubt, feeling phoney, attributing success to luck or other external factors, feeling unable to live up to expectations, etc.
The best evidence is that it effects women more often than men and people from humble origins more than those from more privileged backgrounds.
In this podcast, Dr Edd Rendell, Medical Director at Wessex LMCs, speaks with John Perry, a counsellor and coach, about tips for coping with Imposter Syndrome.
Wessex LMCs Nurse Advisor Zoe Tobin talks to Karen Perryman, Regional Manager of the Alcohol Education Trust for the South West/Midlands about cannabis and young people, included in this discussion-
- Cannabis, what is out there?, what are the social norms around cannabis use, are there many young people using cannabis these days?
- What are the effects of cannabis and how can you approach this with a young person?
- What support is out there for a young person who is affect by cannabis use and where can we signpost?
Useful links mentioned in this podcast-
https://alcoholeducationtrust.org/
https://life-stuff.org/
https://www.themix.org.uk/
https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/
Wessex LMCs Nurse Advisor Zoe Tobin talks to Karen Perryman, Regional Manager of the Alcohol Education Trust for the South West/Midlands about alcohol and young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN), included in this discussion -
- How do you talk about alcohol the ‘drug’ to young people with SEN, including explaining Government guidance and the concept of ‘units’, and the effects of alcohol on their social. Physical and emotional wellbeing?
- How do you ensure that a young person knows where to go for help if they have been affected by alcohol?
Useful links mentioned in the podcast:
https://alcoholeducationtrust.org/
https://www.talkaboutalcohol.com/
https://adfam.org.uk/help-for-families/finding-support/search-for-local-support
https://www.al-anonuk.org.uk/alateen/
https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/
One year on since the establishment of Integrated Care Boards, Wessex LMCs Medical Directors Dr Will Howard & Dr Edd Rendell reflect on how the LMC has been interacting with ICBs. We are a constant who is changing in response to ICBs and negotiating on behalf of practices to try and make the most of what we have.
Wessex ICB websites:
- NHS Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire ICB
- NHS Dorset ICB
- NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs.
Please see https://www.wessexlmcs.com/practicemanagerupdates for any accompanying resources referred to in this recording.
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs.
Please see https://www.wessexlmcs.com/practicemanagerupdates for any accompanying resources referred to in this recording.
Wessex LMCs is joined by Dr Sanjay Patel (Consultant in Paediatric Infectious Diseases at University Hospitals Southampton), Dr Olie Morris (GP and Primary Care lead for Healthier Together) and Dr Tim Cooper (GP and Hants IOW ICB Deputy Chief Medical Officer leading on Primary and Local Care) in this podcast about Wessex Healthier Together.
We discuss how the website and app were used during the outbreak, and also the latest developments, including how the App is used to support ante-natal services now, suggesting new parents/carers/guardians are likely to be far more likely to turn to the App and website in the future. There are opportunities here for GP Practices to embed the normal use of such a service for patients, allowing the service to filter demand in the future.
If you would like to on-board your Practice with Wessex Healthier Together, please contact Ahmad Chughtai at ahmadc@cenigma.net
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs. Please see https://www.wessexlmcs.com/practicemanagerupdates for any accompanying resources referred to in this recording.
Louise Greenwood (Director of Education & Training at Wessex LMCs) talks to Andrew Pearce, Quality and Compliance Manager for Portsdown Group Practice. Andrew is a veteran himself and describes caring for veterans and their families whether they are staff or patients at the practice. Information about the Veteran Friendly Practice is here. If you would l like to find out more about anything in this podcast, please contact Andrew on Andrew.pearce11@nhs.net.
https://elearning.rcgp.org.uk/mod/book/view.php?id=12533&chapterid=285
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs. Please see https://www.wessexlmcs.com/practicemanagerupdates for any accompanying resources referred to in this recording.
Louise Greenwood, Director of Education & Training, talks to Linda Webb (Communications Lead for Healthwatch Wiltshire) and Andy Mintram (member of the Local Leadership Board for Healthwatch Wiltshire) about the role of Healthwatch Wiltshire and how Healthwatch can work with practices to improve patient care.
Healthwatch Wiltshire is part of a network of over 150 local Healthwatch across the country.
Find out more at https://www.healthwatchwiltshire.co.uk/
In this podcast we explore Lyme disease, its prevalence and presentations. Lyme disease symptoms may be non-specific and difficult to recognise. Raising awareness amongst primary care clinicians will increase the likelihood of patients receiving early and effective treatment.
Dr Camilla Janssen talks to infectious disease and microbiology consultant, Matthew Dryden, from the Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory (RIPL), Porton Down.
Matthew explains:
- Lyme presentation and manifestation - thinking about the three stages of Lyme disease
- early localized phase
- early disseminated phase (Neuro dissemination / radiculopathy)
- late stage Lyme disease.
- what tests and treatment may be appropriate including asymptomatic prophylaxis following a tick bite.
- A look at serology and interpretation in the context of the clinical setting.
- Chronic fatigue triggered by Lyme disease
The RCGP have produced this user friendly Lyme Disease Toolkit for medical professionals and patients.
Wessex LMCs are now a year into running the General Practice Alert State (GPAS) scheme and we thank all our practices who contribute on an ongoing basis. Your anonymous submissions are used to state the case for General Practice at system level.
In this podcast, Dr Will Howard, Medical Director at Wessex LMCs talks with Helene Clark, Primary Care Information Officer and Edd Rendell, Medical Director about the benefits of the scheme and the impact it’s having. If you’re not involved in GPAS currently, the team also talk about how you can get involved.
Read more about GPAS here or contact us at office@wessexlmcs.org.uk
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs. Please see https://www.wessexlmcs.com/practicemanagerupdates for any accompanying resources referred to in this recording.
Andy Freeman talks at the PM Update webinar on the role of Trade Unions in general practice, and how Practice Managers can work with unions, union reps and staff who belong to unions. This is a section from the PM Update webinar run on 31st March 2023.
Please see https://www.wessexlmcs.com/practicemanagerupdates for any accompanying resources referred to in this recording.
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs. Today we discussed the role of Trade Unions with Andy Freeman. Please see https://www.wessexlmcs.com/practicemanagerupdates for any accompanying resources referred to in this recording.
Do you feel overwhelmed with patient demand and are you constantly feeling the pressure? Do listen to Dr Rebecca Lye (GP) and Mrs Alex Kimber (Managing Partner) from The Grove Medical Centre who have changed the way they work in a manageable way – and feel much more in control and feel less pressure as a result. They discuss what they did and why with Louise Greenwood, Wessex LMC’s Director of Education, Training & Development.
Dr Laura Edwards, Joint CEO of Wessex LMCs was recently interviewed by Global News to highlight the pressures in general practice. Take a listen to the interview which was featured on Heart Hampshire Radio on 10th March 23.
Wessex LMCs Key Patient & Media Messages
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs. Please see https://www.wessexlmcs.com/practicemanagerupdates for any accompanying resources referred to in this recording.
Many GPs are now prescribing growing and other green activities, and evidence suggests that this can be as effective at treating anxiety and depression as medication, and sometimes more so. https://theconversation.com/anxiety-and-depression-why-doctors-are-prescribing-gardening-rather-than-drugs-121841
Dr Anne Hayden founder of the Grown your own Rainbow Gardens initiative explains how the project helps address physical and mental wellbeing and food insecurity.
The initiative is about empowering people to take control of their lives by coming together as a supportive community, better able to cope with life’s challenges.
Lawrence Camilleri, founder of Forever More Food works in partnership with the project which has been steadily gowning in popularity.
To find out more and get involved, email yourplanetdoctors@gmail.com or take a look at: https://sustainabilitypractitioners.org/grow-your-own-rainbow-gardens-your-planet-doctors/
On Tuesday 7th March, Wessex LMCs Joint CEO, Dr Andy Purbrick, spoke on BBC Radio Solent’s breakfast show (broadcast to Dorset). Following a segment featuring Dr Lisa Nayler from the Parkstone Tower Practice in Poole, Andy explains why the workload crisis is not just a result of the pandemic.
On Tuesday 7th March, Wessex LMCs Joint CEO, Dr Laura Edwards, spoke on BBC Radio Solent’s breakfast show (broadcast to Hampshire & IOW). Following a segment on the day in the life of a GP, featuring Dr Lisa Nayler from the Parkstone Tower Practice in Poole, Laura discusses why there aren’t enough GPs to meet an increasing medically complex population.
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs. Please see https://www.wessexlmcs.com/practicemanagerupdates for any accompanying resources referred to in this recording.
Dr Cora Sargent, Educational Psychologist and a Senior Training Fellow at the University of Southampton, joins us to discuss the work she carries out as part of the gender research group.
Cora draws on her own experiences of being transgender to explain her journey with trans services and her GP. She also highlights the societal barriers that non-binary and transgender people face.
Transgender guidance is available on the LMC website here: Care of Transgender and Non-Binary Patients in Primary Care
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs. Please see https://www.wessexlmcs.com/practicemanagerupdates for any accompanying resources referred to in this recording.
Wessex LMCs Practice Nurse Advisor, Zoe Tobin, talks with Will Mckenzie from Smart Group Services. Smart Group services work with a number of practices across Wiltshire and Hampshire.
They discuss..
- What National and local guidance do external cleaning companies follow
- What steps can external cleaning companies take to ensure they are keeping patients safe
- What training do external cleaners ,who work in the healthcare environment undertake to ensure compliance to IPC standards
- What steps can practices take to ensure they build a partnership with external cleaning companies and ensure they are recognised as an important part of the healthcare team.
- Are there any sustainable solutions, that help the environment whist keeping patients safe?
- Top tips for practices in optimising their working relationship with external cleaning companies
You may also be interested in listening to our podcast in National Standards of Healthcare Cleanliness
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs. Please see https://www.wessexlmcs.com/practicemanagerupdates for any accompanying resources referred to in this recording.
Dr Will Howard, Medical Director at Wessex LMCS, talks with Vernon Needham, trustee of the Cameron Fund.
Vernon explains everything you need to know about the Cameron Fund including:
- Who the charity can benefit and examples of how
- How the charity is funded
- The application process
- Timescales for the application process
- The Cameron Funds Top 10 tips
Find out more at:
https://www.cameronfund.org.uk/
https://www.wessexlmcs.com/thecameronfund
Dr Sanjay Patel, paediatric infectious diseases & immunology Consultant at Southampton Children’s’ Hospital , joins Dr Will Howard, Medical Director at Wessex LMCs to give us an update on the current situation with the Group A Strep outbreak.
We encourage you to continue to share the Healthier Together website as a reliable source of information for your patients.
Following Dr Laura Edwards Meridian interview, she talks with Dr Edd Rendell about the huge mismatch in patient demand vs staffing levels in General Practice.
Dr Richard Van Mellaerts, London based GP and British Medical Association Deputy Chair of the GP Committee (England) discusses current pressures in general practice with Dr Laura Edwards and Dr Andy Purbrick (21 Dec 22)
Safe working in general practice
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs. Please see https://www.wessexlmcs.com/practicemanagerupdates for any accompanying resources referred to in this recording.
Dr Richard Van Mellaerts, London based GP and British Medical Association Deputy Chair of the GP Committee (England) speaks to Dr Edd Rendell, Medical Director of Wessex LMCs about the BMA guidance on Safe Working in General Practice.
They discuss why a practice might implement some of the suggestions within this document and practical advice on how this could be achieved.
Safe working in general practice (bma.org.uk)
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs. Please see https://www.wessexlmcs.com/practicemanagerupdates for any accompanying resources referred to in this recording.
An update for GPs and their teams on the diagnosis and management of Group A Streptococcus Infections.
Dr Andy Purbrick, Joint Chief Executive of Wessex LMCs & a Dorset GP, discusses the current Group A Streptococcal situation with Dr Sanjay Patel, paediatric infectious diseases & immunology consultant at Southampton Childrens’ Hospital.
Home :: Healthier Together (what0-18.nhs.uk)
Strep A and scarlet fever :: Healthier Together (what0-18.nhs.uk)
Download the Healthier Together app :: Healthier Together (what0-18.nhs.uk)
Dr Chrissy Boardman, CAMHS Doctor, talks to Dr Sarah Kay- GP Clinical Lead for Patient Safety at NHS Dorset about prevention of child and teenager suicides. They discuss how to risk stratify presentations of self-harm, including the importance of establishing history of autism, eating disorder, or gender dysphoria or recent bereavement that may increase your index of concern. They discuss resources to signpost patients and parents to as a practical way of supporting families.
In light of NHS Property Services sending settlement letters to practices again, we have recorded this podcast with Adam Thompson from Primary Care Surveyors where we talk through the areas that need to be considered when looking to agree a settlement.
NHS Property Services Website
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs.
Please see https://www.wessexlmcs.com/practicemanagerupdates for any accompanying resources referred to in this recording.
Lisa Harding, Director of Primary Care at Wessex LMCs, talks with Caroline Sims, Information Governance Consultant and Data Protection Officer in the Hampshire & IOW area.
Caroline explains:
- What accelerated access to GP-held patient records is
- What is meant by prospective access
- What patients will be able to see
- Which patients will have online access
- How proxy access will work
- How patients can access their record
- If patients can see redacted information
- If patients will be able to see who has accessed and made an entry on thier record
Further Reading
NHS Digital: https://digital.nhs.uk/services/nhs-app
https://www.wessexlmcs.com/medicalrecordsonlineaccessandnhsapp
Lisa Harding, Director of Primary Care at Wessex LMCs, talks with Caroline Sims, Information Governance Consultant and Data Protection Officer in the Hampshire & IOW area.
Caroline explains:
- What accelerated access to GP-held patient records is
- What is meant by prospective access
- What patients will be able to see
- Which patients will have online access
- How proxy access will work
- How patients can access their record
- If patients can see redacted information
- If patients will be able to see who has accessed and made an entry on thier record
Further Reading
NHS Digital: https://digital.nhs.uk/services/nhs-app
https://www.wessexlmcs.com/medicalrecordsonlineaccessandnhsapp
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs.
Please see https://www.wessexlmcs.com/practicemanagerupdates for any accompanying resources referred to in this recording.
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs.
Please see https://www.wessexlmcs.com/practicemanagerupdates for any accompanying resources referred to in this recording.
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs.
Please see https://www.wessexlmcs.com/practicemanagerupdates for any accompanying resources referred to in this recording.
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs.
Please see https://www.wessexlmcs.com/practicemanagerupdates for any accompanying resources referred to in this recording.
Angela Hayes, Clinical Nurse Specialist at The Christie Foundation Trust in Manchester, talks to Dr Laura Edwards about the sustainability projects she is involved in, and how we can think about our carbon footprint more in healthcare.
Green Team Competition
‘The gloves are off’ campaign
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs
Recorded during our PM update on 31st August, Connie Timmins, Lead Nurse for Infection Prevention and Control at NHS BSW ICB talks to us about the National Standards of Healthcare Cleanliness 2021.
National Standards of Healthcare Cleanliness Presentation Slides
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs
Emma Clack, Team Manager of Wellbeing Matters, talks to our Medical Director, Dr Edd Rendell about the BSW staff support hub offer.
The BSW Wellbeing Matters team provide caring and compassionate support to health and social care staff in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire. The team are one of 40 new services funded by NHS England and offer confidential and impartial advice and support to help staff wellbeing. This support offer is extended to all clinical and non-clinical staff who work across BSW.
To find out more about the BSW Wellbeing Matters service or to make a referral, you can call: 0800 953 9003 or email the team on: awp.bswwellbeinghub@nhs.net
Check my emotional and mental wellbeing self assessment tool
For support in other areas of Wessex:
Dorset: The ICS staff wellbeing service – Here For Each Other (joinourdorset.nhs.uk)
Hants & IOW: HIOW Staff Support Hub
North East Hants - Here for you Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (hereforyousurreyneh.nhs.uk)
Emma Clack, Team Manager of Wellbeing Matters, talks to our Medical Director, Dr Edd Rendell about the BSW staff support hub offer.
The BSW Wellbeing Matters team provide caring and compassionate support to health and social care staff in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire. The team are one of 40 new services funded by NHS England and offer confidential and impartial advice and support to help staff wellbeing. This support offer is extended to all clinical and non-clinical staff who work across BSW.
To find out more about the BSW Wellbeing Matters service or to make a referral, you can call: 0800 953 9003 or email the team on: awp.bswwellbeinghub@nhs.net
Check my emotional and mental wellbeing self assessment tool
For support in other areas of Wessex:
Dorset: The ICS staff wellbeing service – Here For Each Other (joinourdorset.nhs.uk)
Hants & IOW: HIOW Staff Support Hub
North East Hants - Here for you Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (hereforyousurreyneh.nhs.uk)
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs
Louise Greenwood is joined by:
- Sarah Kay, GP Clinical Lead for Patient Safety at NHS Dorset
- Jaydee Swarbrick, Patient Safety Specialist at NHS Dorset
to discuss the importance of patient safety at this time of significant pressure across the NHS. Patient safety is about maximising the things that go right and minimising the things that go wrong. It is integral to the NHS’ definition of quality in healthcare, alongside effectiveness and patient experience.
Useful Reading:
NHS England » The NHS Patient Safety Strategy
Wessex LMCs: Significant Event Analysis (SEA) - Significant Events, Serious Incidents and GP Learning Events - What are the differences?
Wessex LMCs: Medical Examiner & Death Certificates - Audio & Video Podcasts and Recorded Webinars
Wessex LMCs: Support for the Practice Team
Dr Laura Edwards talks to Dr Sam Powell, portfolio GP and Master practitioner of NLP about what NLP is and how we might use some of its benefits.
Interested in finding out more? Sign up to our webinar:
An Introduction to: Communicating with Excellence - Neurolinguistic Programming Techniques for GPs & AHPs (NLP)
This website maybe a helpful offering to key workers: https://anlp.org/community-support
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs
Louise Greenwood (Director of Education) talks to Dr Andy Purbrick (CEO and GP) and David Birch. Andy was coached by David and they discuss how and why Andy decided that coaching was a good idea for him and how he benefitted from it.
David Birch is an independent executive coach and supervisor accredited by Ashridge business school.
Adam Horton-Tuckett (CSU Information Governance Consultancy Lead, Strategy & Transformation) joins the PM webinar on 25th May to update us on Data Opt-out and answers questions from practice managers on related issues.
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs
Dr Andy Purbrick (Joint CEO) & Dr Edd Rendell (Medical Director) discuss the complexities of the Integrated Care Systems, what they mean for GPs and how important the role of Wessex LMCs’ will continue to be to represent our practices. Do find out more by looking at the BMA’s briefing summary and comprehensive policy-analysis of the white paper Integrated care systems (ICSs) (bma.org.uk)
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs
Phoebe Roberts and Hayley Wall (HIOW Wellbeing Programme) discuss supporting all members of staff via the HIOW Health and Wellbeing Hub. With Louise Greenwood (Wessex LMCs) they outline three key areas of support. The People Portal which is an open website full of resources, videos and signposting NHS Wellbeing - Idea Spotlight (hiowpeople.nhs.uk) .
Secondly, the Health and Wellbeing Support Service offers 1:1 consultations with a Health and Wellbeing Advisor who can explore how people are feeling and offer advice and guidance by way of a personalised plan. These consultations are bookable via email at HWSS@hhft.nhs.uk or via calling 0300 772 7099 Monday – Friday, 9am-4.30pm.
Finally, we have the Employee Assistance Programme which all colleagues working in general practice across HIOW can access free of charge by calling the confidential helpline on 0800 028 0199 which is available 24/7. It is an external and confidential service where individuals can discuss their concerns and seek advice and support on a range of matters such as legal issues, relationship issues, financial information, housing concerns, stress and anxiety, low mood, domestic abuse, family issues and much more.
Dr Amrita Sen Mukherjee joins us to talk about a series of free support webinars on offer for GPs. At the end of each webinar, group coaching circles will be offered to all those involved. The coaching circles offer GPs the opportunity to talk about the personal experiences and the personal impact of this time in a safe, confidential space to process their thoughts.
Find out more and book onto the forthcoming webinars here:
Overwhelm (Stress and Coping): Thursday 5 May 2022 12:30 – 13:30
Resilience: Thursday 12 May 2022 12:30 – 13:30
Adversity and Growth: Thursday 26 May 2022 12:30 – 13:30
Being Present: Thursday 16 June 2022 12:30 – 13:30
Hope and Optimism - Cultivating Positivity: Thursday 23 June 2022 12:30 – 13:30
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs
Colleagues at Devon LMC have developed and operationalised a simple system which collects a small amount of anonymised data from their practices so that they are able to indicate to the broader system the strain General Practice is under. This presents data in a simple to understand format which can compete with OPEL data collected on various system dash boards. In fact, their system converts the General Practice Alert State (GPAS) data into an OPEL assessment with associated triggers for a system response to support.
Wessex LMCs have reviewed the GPAS system and feel it to be a valuable and worthwhile tool that will help present facts to our system partners that will be hard to ignore! The GPAS system will be rolled out to Wessex Practices w/c 9th May 2022.
Dawn Chalcraft, Deputy Director of Primary Care at Wessex LMCs speaks with Andy Mintram, Business Manager at The Adam Practice to explain more.
Find out more here: https://www.wessexlmcs.com/gpasgeneralpracticealertstate
Lisa Harding & Louise Greenwood discuss Wessex LMCs’ organisational approach to promoting a positive open culture with clear values and expectations and prevention being better than cure in terms of unacceptable behaviours and discrimination.
Wessex LMCs is a family of approaching one hundred individuals, who interact daily to deliver first-class representation and support to our constituents. Like most organisations of this size, we have our challenges, and Wessex LMCs would like to be - and be seen to be - a transparent and accountable organisation with a strong values-based culture.
We have underpinned our work with a new Values Charter, which all members of the LMC Family (the office staff, Secretariat and Committee members) will adhere to and be held accountable to through a process known as ‘Securing Our Values’.
Our Values Charter
The “Our Values” Charter is a set of principles and behaviours that all members of the LMC Family will adhere to, building on what has already been formalised in the constitutions/articles of association, the staff handbook, the Communication Charter and some of the recommendations from the Romney working group.
Securing Our Values
Everyone should be encouraged and supported to ‘call out’ unacceptable behaviours in the moment and this is preferable, however, individuals are now also able to report an issue confidentially, or anonymously. The LMC wishes to be open about this process – this document sets that out.
For more detailed information on the work of the LMCs please see GPC - The work of the LMC in England and Wales
Dr Laura Edwards speaks with Adam Thompson, Director of Primary Care Surveyors and Mark Robinson, architect, and Director at Simpson Hilder Associates. They discuss:
- The role buildings play in the green agenda
- What is bream and why is it so important
- What you can do to improve your premises
- How to start the process of a new premises and timescales
Dr Andy Purbrick speaks with Dr Gareth Bryant about planning for retirement and practical advice around pensions.
You can find guidance on the Wessex LMCs website here:
https://www.wessexlmcs.com/pensions
https://www.wessexlmcs.com/24hourretirementforgps
https://www.wessexlmcs.com/partnersretiringandnew
Dr Andy Purbrick outlines the recent changes to the MCCD (Medical Certificate of Cause of Death) that GPs need to be aware of . This podcast was recorded during the Practice Managers Update Webinar on Wednesday 30th March
For further guidance see the Wessex LMCs website here
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs
Wessex LMCs PM Supporters, Matt Perkins and Sue Scott discuss their experiences of practice mergers. From initial considerations to the merger process itself, Matt and Sue share their advice and top tips.
The LMC is often asked to facilitate merger meetings and explain the process involved and has, as a consequence, produced a merger pack which is full of information and advice around this subject. Download a copy here
Dr Andy Purbrick & Michelle Lombardi chat through the contract changes for 22/23, following the letter from NHSE/I released on the 1st March 2022.
This podcast provides a summary of the financial information that has been shared by the BMA, an LMC view on the contract changes, and the detail associated with these.
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs
The management of clinical waste is an essential part of ensuring that healthcare activities do not pose a risk of infection, as well as reducing your practice's carbon footprint. Dr Katharine Edmonds joins us with some tips and advice to help reinforce waste management behaviour in practice. Have you considered getting your PPG involved? Katharine explains all...
Find out more on the Greener Practice website: https://www.greenerpractice.co.uk/gifh-audit-1
Are you familiar with the roles and responsibilities of Wessex LMCs? Dr Gareth Bryant, Acting Chief Executive, gives us an overview including:
- What is a LMC
- What is Wessex LMCs
- LMC structure
- What is our Constitution and what is included
- Who attends LMC meetings
- What role do the Committees play
- Who are PM members
- What role do individual members play and what is expected on them
To watch the webinar version and access the accompanying slides please click here
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs
The NHS Community Pharmacist Consultation Service launched in October 2019 as an advanced service. Since 1st November 2020, general practices have been able to refer patients for a minor illness consultation via CPCS, once a local referral pathway has been agreed.
Carolyn Beale, Support & Implementation Manager from Community Pharmacy Swindon and Wiltshire joins Dr Laura Edwards, Medical Director at Wessex LMCs. Carolyn explains more about how the service works and the benefits for GPs.
For further info see https://psnc.org.uk/services-commissioning/advanced-services/community-pharmacist-consultation-service/
Dr Gareth Bryant, acting CEO for Wessex LMCs, talks with Euan Graham, a volunteer for the charity Nacoa (National Association for Children of Alcoholics). Euan talks to us about the work Nacoa does and resources available to help clinicians.
The 13th - 19th February 2022 marks #COAWeek2022. The campaign aims to raise awareness for the millions of children in the UK affected by their parent’s drinking. You can download the poster images for sharing here.
Find out more at https://nacoa.org.uk/
Information for parents
To obtain display posters or referral cards from Nacoa, please email admin@nacoa.org.uk
The Institute of General Practice Management (IGPM) was formed in December 2020 with the aim of being recognised as the professional body that represents all managers working within general practice in the United Kingdom.
Louise Greenwood chats to the 3 IGPM reps for Wessex about what the IGPM is and how it can help Practice Managers
Find out more information here
Dr Katharine Edmonds joins us for the next in a series of green podcasts. Tackling over diagnosis is taking on a new urgency in the context of a climate emergency. Katharine shares some thought provoking information on how reducing over diagnosis and over-treatment has the potential to cut healthcare’s carbon emissions, while at the same time safeguarding the quality of care and ensuring that patient outcomes aren’t adversely affected.
Read more at https://www.greenerpractice.co.uk/over-diagnosis-and-testing
Early detection of hypertension is vital and there is evidence that community pharmacy has a key role in detection and subsequent treatment of hypertension and CVD, improving outcomes and reducing the burden on GPs.
Debby Crockford, Chief Officer at Community Pharmacy South Central, introduces us to ‘A Case Finding Hypertension Service’ which is an interplay between Primary Care and pharmacies. Debby explains how the service works and addresses potential concerns GPs may have.
Find out more here: https://www.england.nhs.uk/primary-care/pharmacy/pharmacy-integration-fund/nhs-community-pharmacy-hypertension-case-finding-advanced-service/
With the end of the Governments Plan B restrictions, and mask wearing no longer a mandatory requirement, is now the right time to ease Covid-19 restrictions? Dr Gareth Bryant, Acting CEO for Wessex LMCs talks with Sue Kinnear in this BBC Radio Wiltshire interview (recorded Thursday 27th January 2022).
Following our podcast ' Do you want to be a Green GP? ' Dr Katharine Edmonds joins us for the next in a series of green podcasts. The NHS makes up 5% of the UK's carbon emissions, with the biggest contributing factor being pharmaceuticals. Katharine shares some thought provoking information and tips to help you and your patients with deprescribing.
Read more at https://www.greenerpractice.co.uk/deprescribing
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs
Dr Laura Edwards, Medical Director at Wessex LMCs is joined by Mr Ian Simpson, Consultant in Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Lead Colonoscopist at Basingstoke Hospital. Ian explains the latest changes in the interval of cervical screening and addresses some of the points raised over social media of late.
Medical Director, Dr Laura Edwards, talks with Richard House about our forthcoming leadership webinar. Richard is a Behaviour Design Expert, Culture Change and Leadership Development Consultant, and an Executive Coach.
January is a great time of year to set new habits. Richard explains how this webinar will help with tips to redesign our behaviour to form new leadership habits. There will be lots of theoretical tips along with how to put these tips into action.
Find out more about our leadership webinar and book your place here: https://www.wessexlmcs.com/events/12472
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs
A recent survey of Wessex GPs, revealed that 96% feel that Primary Care should be taking action to combat climate change.
Dr Katharine Edmonds, GP & Co chair of the Green GP Network in Wessex talks with Laura Edwards about green issues and how we can make it easy to be green (& save money in the process).
Find out more at: https://www.wessexlmcs.com/greengpwessex
Dr Gareth Bryant, Acting CEO of Wessex LMCs talks with Dr Tommy Perkins, GP Partner and co founder of Medics Money.
Medics Money helps doctors make better financial decisions. Find out more about how Medics Money can help you at
www.medicsmoney.co.uk
New to GP Partnership programme - https://www.medicsmoney.co.uk/gp-partnership-programme/
Claim up to 40% of the cost of exams and GMC fees for free - https://www.medicsmoney.co.uk/free-guide/
Free ebook - https://www.medicsmoney.co.uk/ebookfull/
The vaccine rollout has been accelerated in the face of the Omicron variant.
Dr Gareth Bryant, Acting CEO of Wessex LMCs, responds in this recorded interview on BBC Radio Wiltshire.
13th December 2021.
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs
Louise Greenwood talks with Gary Hepburn from Sirius Business Services Ltd about fire risk assessments in GP Practices. In particular, around evacuation. Do you have the right equipment to be compliant? Gary explains all you need to know.
For accompanying resources to this podcast, please see the Wessex LMCs webpage: https://www.wessexlmcs.com/healthsafetyaudiovideopodcastsandrecordedwebinars
Guidance about completing a fire safety risk assessment for people responsible for providing means of escape for disabled people.
Wessex LMCs Medical Director, Dr Laura Edwards talk with John Perry on how we can cope with ongoing stress. John has particular expertise in the areas of psychological wellbeing, stress management & resilience and values exploration.
What are 'awe walks'?
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs
An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs
GPs in England are being told to see more patients face-to-face as ministers unveil a £250m winter rescue package. Dr Gareth Bryant, Acting CEO of Wessex LMCs, responds in this recorded interview on BBC Radio Wiltshire. 14th October 2021.
This conversation between Dr Richard Roope and Cancer Research UK facilitators Victoria Wright & Lucy Pickup discusses the importance of smoking cessation for patients, highlighting the inequality gap and the simple 30-second technique to effectively deliver ‘Very Brief Advice’ in a consultation.
Cancer Research UK facilitators can provide a short training session for PCNs on delivering VBA. If you would like more information or to arrange this then contact england.wessexcanceralliance@nhs.net.
Recorded during our 2021 PM Conference, PM Supporters Nicky Wornell and Alex Kimber discuss the pros and cons of becoming a PM Partner.
Dr Gareth Bryant, Acting CEO of Wessex LMCs, reflects on the recent headlines concerning the demand for patients to see GPs face to face.
Gareth Bryant, Acting CEO Wessex LMCs talks to Andy Mintram and Dan Ferrett about what it is like right now to be a Practice Manager. Andy and Dan sit on our LMC Committees as invitees to bring the essential voice of practice management to the discussions. This audio podcast is a fascinating insight into the world of practice management and worth sharing with your GPs and all the team.
Dr Gareth Bryant, Acting CEO for Wessex LMCs, talks with Dr Matthew Dolman, a GP in Somerset who supports the NHS regionally.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Dr Dolman talks about the increase in RSV presentations in children and how Primary Care can help manage this during the autumn/winter season. Helpful resources to assist both GPs and parents are also discussed.
Healthier Together website
Bronchiolitis Information
NHS England Webinar (see under the pathways and resources folder)
Dr Gareth Bryant, Acting CEO of Wessex LMCs, talks with Rachel Houghton of BBC Radio Wiltshire about the current pressures on GPs.
Louise Greenwood talks with Helene Irvine about the latest updates with CQC. Find out the key changes for practices along with a timeline of monitoring and assessment for 2021: https://www.wessexlmcs.com/cqcaudiovideopodcastsandrecordedwebinars
Louise Greenwood talks to Jenny Partridge, one of our PM Supporters to tackle the problem of the current PM role – ‘The Job’s Too Big’. Some practical solutions are offered including our new initiative for PMs to find a ‘Space to Thrive’.
Dr Laura Edwards & Dr Andy Purbrick, Medical Directors at Wessex LMCs, are joined by Dr Sue Warren, Clinician at Practitioner Health, Appraiser & GP Partner. They explore what offers of support are available to help GPs including Wessex LMCs GP Support & Development Scheme. This scheme offers professional support for practitioners who may be struggling with challenges or obstacles which are causing a negative impact on their performance in the workplace.
Further Support
Hear what the Rapid Investigation Service is, how to refer and what outcomes they have a year since this innovative remote service was created. Hear Programme Manager Kelly Spiller, Clinical Lead Dr Kate Nash and GPwSI Dr Laura Watson in conversation with Dr Julia Hempenstall.
For more information about the service/if you have any questions please see below for our service generic contacts:
03001231385
wessexRDS.admin@nhs.net
Jayne Tabor, PM Supporter, chats with Louise Greenwood, Director of Education & Training, and shares different ways of structuring the admin and reception teams. Jayne illustrates a way of introducing new managers to share the responsibilities of running the practice and suggests how you can agree pay scales.
Dr Susi Caesar and Dr Sue Warren join Wessex LMCs Medical Director, Dr Laura Edwards, to discuss how the appraisal process has changed since the pandemic. They also discuss top tips for preparing for your appraisal and what you should expect from the process.
Dr Susi Caesar is a GP Locum, Regional Director for the Wessex Appraisal Service and Chair of the Academy of Royal Colleges Professional Development Committee.
Dr Sue Warren is an appraiser, GP Locum and clinician at Practitioner Health.
This conversation between Dr Julia Hempenstall and Dr Richard Roope summarises what we can do to prevent cancers and how we can help with screening uptake.
Dr Roope is a portfolio GP with a special interest in Cancer. He has held national and local leadership roles in the field and works in the Wessex Rapid Investigation Service.
Please see https://www.wessexlmcs.com/canceraudiovideopodcastsandrecordedwebinars for a copy of the presentation slides
Louise Greenwood, Director of Wessex LEaD, talks with Helene Irvine, Nurse advisor, on getting back to normal post Covid and where to start with restoration.
Useful link: https://www.wessexlmcs.com/covid19operationalguidanceforrestorationandrecovery
Local GP Camilla Janssen talks to Ian Simpson, a consultant Gynaecologist in Basingstoke, who runs the colposcopy service. They explore the recent changes to the cervical screening programme and the impact that these changes have on secondary and primary care. They also discuss the appropriate referral criteria for colposcopy and highlight conditions that would be better served by a referral to general gynaecology instead. They discuss HPV and how to explain this to patients.
With Nigel Watson, Wessex Cancer Alliance Board Member and Primary Care Representative
Matthew Hayes, Medical Director of Wessex Cancer Alliance and Urological Surgeon at UHS
Richard Roope, Sessional GP and Primary Care Advisor for Cancer Research UK and the Wessex Cancer Alliance.
Find out more here: https://wessexcanceralliance.nhs.uk/
Recorded during Stress Awareness Month (April '21), Louise Greenwood talks with Michelle Lombardi about the issues causing stress within General Practice and the resources available to help including:
Looking After Your Team
GP Supporters
GP Support and Development Scheme
Covid-19 - Support for Practice
Dr Julia Hempenstall discusses pensions for sessional GPs with Dr Krishan Aggarwal. Krishan is a member of the sessional GPs subcommittee, GPC UK and deputy chair of the BMA pensions committee.
Louise Greenwood talks to Karen Jefferies about her work as a PM Supporter, the value of coaching and what PMs may want to prioritise at the moment
This is the first in a series of 3 podcasts on well being and the advantages of looking after yourself by taking advantage of the NHSE free coaching service #LookingAfterYouToo. Louise Greenwood, Director of Education and Training at Wessex LMCs talks to Heather Simpson NHSE
Further info on the looking after you service is available on the Wessex LMCs website here: https://www.wessexlmcs.com/covid19supportforpractice
Dr Karl Bennett – GP Senior Partner, Hartley Corner Surgery, and
Lisa Harding – Director of Primary Care, Wessex LMCs
This podcast was originally planned for the LMC’s Virtual Annual Conference on 5th November but, due to a packed agenda, we had instead to opt to send it out to practices directly. We also intend to build on this podcast with more support resources relating to the management of online consultations.
e-Consult, the online consultation platform, is widely used across Wessex as well as nationally. The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in a huge increase in the use of e-Consult which has been largely positive for practices and patients alike. However, many practices have seen an unprecedented increase in demand which has become difficult to manage, despite responding so swiftly and so efficiently to the demands placed upon them. As a keen advocate for ICT, we therefore asked Dr Karl Bennett, Senior Partner at the Oakley Health Group and a Clinical Director at the North East Hants and Farnham CCG, how his Practice had implemented e-Consult and how they were managing the demands that the pandemic has placed on the system.
In this podcast Dr Nigel Watson talks with:
Amy George, Strategic Care Facilitator for the east Hampshire and Fareham and Gosport area
Marta Coats, Strategic Care Facilitator for the north and mid Hampshire area.
They discuss what the health and social care needs are for those with learning disabilities and an overview of the health checks.
In this Podcast Michelle Lombardi, Director of Primary Care, talks with Becky Sparks, Registered Learning Disability Nurse, about how practices can make changes to encourage those with learning disabilities to receive the flu jab.
This podcast was hosted by Dr Nigel Watson with Mr Christian Phillips, Consultant Gynaecologist. Dr Phillips discusses managing gynaecological problems remotely with a focus on menstrual problems.
This podcast was hosted by Nigel Watson with Contributions from:
Dr Nick Cortes and Dr Nicki Hutchinson, Consultant Microbiologist – Covid testing - a local update
Dr Will Storrar – Respiratory Consultant, Pulmonary Follow Up Clinics for post Covid-19 patient - how should we manage 'long' Covid.
Dr Nigel Watson talks with Dr Sanjay Patel, Infectious Disease Consultant at UHS and Healthier Together Lead, about the resources the Healthier together website can offer. They also discuss the forthcoming Paediatric webinars which will be presented by speakers on behalf of Healthier Together.
In this podcast Louise Greenwood speaks to Wessex LMCs PM Supporter Sue Scott about managing finances in practice.
In this Podcast Louise Greenwood talks with Wessex LMCs PM Supporters Sue Scott and Jane Dawes about what Time for Care is and how practices can get involved.
In this recording Dr Nigel Watson, CEO from Wessex LMCs talks with Dr Sarnia Ward, GP in Bournemouth and GP Lead at Wessex Cancer Alliance and Dr Jane McLeod, GP in the New Forest and GP Lead at the Wessex Cancer Alliance about the Rapid Diagnostic Service for cancer.
Louise Greenwood talks to Sara Stringer from the Blandford Group Practice about the positive effect that Social Prescribing has had on patients and staff.
In this podcast Dr Nigel Watson, CEO of Wessex LMCs speaks with Dr Karl Graham, GP at Hedge End Medical Centre and Locality Clinical Director for West Hants CCG. They discuss the use of IT to support the workforce in general practice and the benefits of using eConsult
Add eConsult to your existing practice website and let patients consult online or get self-help advice at a time that suits them: https://econsult.net/primary-care/how-it-works/
Dr Laura Edwards talks to Dr Sam Powell, portfolio GP and Master practitioner of NLP about what NLP is and how we might use some of its benefits at the current time. This website is referenced and may be helpful offering to key workers: https://anlp.org/community-support
This Podcast brings you a multi-disciplinary discussion about the challenges and triumphs of working in the world of Child and Adult Safeguarding. Police, Social Services and General Practice bring their perspectives and discuss the issues they have tackled whilst working across agencies.
With thanks to Wendy Thorogood, Safeguarding Trainer, Sally Mortimore, Managing Director of Aid Hour, Dr Mary Fenske GP and Mark Pearson CEO Excelsior Safeguarding Ex Police Officer.
In this podcast Louise Greenwood, Director of Wessex LEaD talks with Michelle Lombardi, Director of Primary Care about the 'Managing Patient Records' lunch and learn.
You can access the Managing Patient Records lunch and learn here: https://www.wessexlmcs.com/lunchandlearn/view/21
Dr Laura Edwards, Director at Wessex LMCs talks with Stuart Somerville, former intelligence officer with the military about how you can deal with the uncertainty before really difficult situations arise.
In this podcast, Dr Laura Edwards, Medical Director at Wessex LMCs and Dr Ramona Mascas, NHS GP and a GP experienced in video consultations with Doctor Care Anywhere, discuss top tips for video consultations.
In this podcast Carole Cusack, Director of Primary Care at Wessex LMCs talks with Gary Hepburn, Managing Director of Sirius Business Services about the latest Health and Safety challenges in Practice.
A discussion between Wendy Thorogood (Nurse Consultant for Safeguarding) and Sarah Kay, GP Clinical Fellow at Wessex LMCs
In this podcast Louise Greenwood, Director of Wessex LEaD speaks to Sheela Hobden from bluegreen Coaching about resilience and wellbeing. This is a great resource to share with all in primary care including reception and admin staff.
This second podcast looks at the end of the financial year & planning for the new one, budgeting, the Ready Reckoner and lots more
Please find the NHS Ready Reckoner: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/general-medical-services-gms-ready-reckoner-2020-21/
Carole Cusack, Director of Primary Care and Helene Irvine, Practice Nurse Advisor, discuss top tips for CQC pre-inspection and inspection on the day
In this Podcast Carole Cusack, Director of Primary Care and Helene Irvine, Practice Nurse Advisor, discuss CQC's provider information collection.
Dr Nigel Watson, CEO of Wessex LMCs talks with Anne Rothery, Vicky Voller and Manda Copage from NHS Resolution about the services they offer.
Matt Perkins, PM Supporter & PM in the New Forest, discusses what PMs need to think about as the end of the financial year approaches with Louise Greenwood, Director of Education and Training at Wessex LMCs.
Shanee Baker, LMC Law offers some top legal tips for PMs whilst chatting to Michelle Lombardi, Director of Primary Care at Wessex LMCs
Helene Irvine, Practice Nurse Advisor at Wessex LMCs discusses a new way of working with Louise Greenwood, Director of Education and Training at Wessex LMCs.
Gary Hepburn, Sirius Business Services, is in discussion with Louise Greenwood, Director of Education and Training at Wessex LMCs, giving managers to top tips for Health and Safety in their surgeries.
Adam Horton-Tuckett from the Commissioning Support Unit talks to Michelle Lombardi , Director of Primary Care at Wessex LMCs about the Information Governance queries that are challenging general practices at the moment.