Key successes and future plans

Key successes:

• Expertise, input and robust challenge around the local integrated Care System (ICS) process continues
• Key influencing role on committees reshaping local healthcare
• Facilitative and leading role in supporting local Primary Care Networks (PCNs)
• New negotiations process to secure a better deal for local general practice
• Greater recognition of intermediate care by local commissioners and the need to work collaboratively to close ‘black-hole’ of unpaid work falling to GPs
• Provided practice support to a number of vulnerable local GP practices and individual GPs/Practice Managers around issues such as workforce, finances, mergers and CQC inspections
• Provided pastoral support with a continuing year-on-year increased caseload
• Enhanced communications – including support for GP practice mergers, branch closures, CQC and commissioner investigations, practical Covid-19 bulletins and new social media channels
• Hosted training online, to ensure continuity of educational support for staff teams and a greater range of topics covered
• Further skills training for LMC Committee members, to develop their support for GP practices – including media training and negotiations training
• Three internationally accredited mediators available to support GP practices – this service is free to members
• The appointment of professional accountancy and legal services, for the benefit of the LMC and its members
• Development of support materials and services for those who become involved in inquests
• Future proofing the LMC – including succession planning of the back-office function
• Prudent management of LMC resources and finances

Future plans

• Play a key role in the emerging local health landscape, especially supporting embedding Integrated Care Areas (ICAs)
• Continue to expand core services
• Closer engagement with sessional and locum GPs