The newsletter of Dyfed Powys LMCApril 2011
Welcome to the new look LMC newsletter.
I hope that by now you will be aware the Dyfed Powys LMC have launched its own website, in future this will be the principal mechanism for passing information to practices. I hope that you will log on regularly to check the latest news. As a safety measure I will continue to issue the newsletter, however this will summarise the recent news on the website. All the links in each news item will be contained in the newsletter, and this will enable you to access the links after the news item has become “old news” and the end of the year I will endeavour to produce an index for ease of future reference.
2011/2012 CONTRACT AGREEMENTS
Details of the agreement (including changes to the QOF) reached between the GPC and the DoH, WAG and Scottish Office have been published. A link to the detailsis -
Please note that the some of the details reflect the England only situation, more information on the Welshagreement will be circulated as soon as it is available. There are no planned changes to directed enhanced services in Wales
CONFERENCE OF WELSH LMCS 2011
A highly successful conference was held at the Celtic Manor Hotel Newport on 26th March with GPC negotiators from all 4 nations in attendance and lively and varied motions from all LMC's represented.
A soapbox session gave the conference a chance to question the negotiators including Laurence Buckman on various issue and the possible changes in England due to the white paper and how they may affect Welsh practice was high on the list of subjects as well as the possible pension implications of the Hutton report.
CLINICAL WASTE
The BMA have issued new guidance in the "Focus on ... series", covering clinical waste and have included a clinical waste self assessment toolkit that practices might want to use. The can be found at
FLU SEASON ARRANGEMENTS 2011/12
GPC have confirmed that there is no change to the arrangements for ordering flu vaccine for 2011/12
PRESENTATION TO DR ROBERTS
At the last LMC meeting, a presentation was made on behalf of all GPs in Dyfed Powys to Dr Roberts in recognition of his chairmanship of the Committee for the last 25 years. David became Chairmanof Dyfed LMC in 1986 and took up the reins of Dyfed Powys LMC when it was formed in 1996.In response to the tribute paid to him by Dr Chris John, Dr Roberts said that it had been a pleasure and privilege to serve the Committee and thanked membersfor their continued support.The meeting on the 3rd March was his last as Chairman and the LMC will be electing a new Chairman at its next meeting.
GPC WALES IS KEEPING AN EYE ON OUR BORDERS
David Bailey and GPC Wales have asked the questions as to what might happen as diversification due to the white paper changes in England becomes more of an issue. Please note he has not said that Welsh GP's will have to take part in consortia and Welsh GPs with large numbers of patients registered with them living in England will need ongoing reassurance on the border's issue so it's positive that GPC Wales are asking questions.
OVERSEAS VISITORS ACCESSING NHS PRIMARY MEDICAL CARE
The GPC have issued revised guidance on overseas visitors entitlement to treatment.
PENSIONS
While the LMC does not give financial advice, your attention in drawn to the BMA guidance paper showing specific examples of possible pensions tax changes and a paper which was prepared by the Department of Health. There are some examples at the back of the BMA paper which may be useful – examples 1 and 7 in particular. As the DH paper doesn’t include added years or additional pension purchase examples the BMA have tried to concentrate on those aspects in their paper.
Two pensions seminars have been arranged by the LMC, one in Carmarthen in mid March and a second will be held on Wednesday 13th April at the Hotel Metropole in Llandrindod Wells starting at 7.30opm