Primary care bulletin - 3 October 2024 |
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Bulletin:
Launch of MMR community pharmacy pathfinder sites; communications resources for staff; school aged flu vaccinations; and more |
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Welcome to this week's primary care bulletin
Key points this week include:
- Launch of MMR community pharmacy pathfinder sites
- NHS Cervical Screening Programme – Zero Tolerance to manage non-compliant sample takers with use of their LonCSTD PIN
- Communications resources for staff
- School aged flu provision commences
- About the Register with a GP Surgery Service
- Consumables invoice fraud alert
Webinars and training, including:
- NHS England London Safeguarding Team VAWG conference 2024 is now open
- Imperial GP and hospital forum takes place today
- Subscribe to NW London Kidney Care podcast
- Calling H&F Practice Pharmacists and PCN staff
- ICHP Masterclass - Safe Prescribing in Frailty: Tackling Overuse & Anticholinergic Risks
- Final Dates Released for Polypharmacy Action Learning Set Workshops
If you have any submissions for this bulletin please email them to the communications inbox - nhsnwl.communications.nwl@nhs.net
Deadline for content is 3pm Monday
To view any previous editions click here |
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Launch of MMR community pharmacy pathfinder sites
As some of you will be aware, NHS England has given the go ahead for each London ICB to test community pharmacy delivery of opportunistic MMR vaccination at a number of pathfinder sites in each borough. The aim is to increase access and support uptake rates. These locations have been selected based on the best available data on recent measles cases following the pan London outbreak and cross referenced with CHIS data on local unvaccinated populations.
Following internal and on-going external assurance processes, we now have an initial list of 13 community pharmacy pathfinder sites across NW London who will be offering MMR vaccination to 5-19 year olds. These sites will be offering vaccination on an opportunistic basis, but practices can refer patients who have previously refused if they think this would help support uptake.
These sites are starting to go live with the aim of all sites being active in the next two weeks.
The 13 MMR community pharmacy pathfinder sites and further information can be found in the attached document.
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NHS Cervical Screening Programme – Zero Tolerance to manage non-compliant sample takers with use of their LonCSTD PIN
As part of the implementation of Section 6.12 of the national guidance for the acceptance of cervical screening samples in laboratories, Cervical Screening London laboratory, ICB Directors of Nursing/Leads and NHS England London, as commissioners of the programme, have developed initial communications for distribution to all cervical screening stakeholders. The guidance explains the action to be taken when a sample taker fails to use their unique London Cervical Sample Taker Database (LonCSTD) Personal Identification Number (PIN) or uses an invalid LonCSTD PIN.
The attached communication provides advanced notification to all cervical sample takers regarding the implementation of 6.12 of the national guidance, and the specific requirement to use their unique and valid LonCSTD PIN for all NHS Cervical Screening Programme samples taken.
As the employers/managers of sample takers, please ensure all sample takers are compliant with the national guidance, have undergone the appropriate training and are registered on the LonCSTD.
This guidance applies to all NHS cervical screening stakeholders and will be shared across the system.
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About the Register with a GP Surgery Service
More than 75% of practices in England are now using Register with a GP Surgery Service, the national solution for GP practices in England to take online registrations.
It’s free to use, quick for practices to process registrations and gives patients a more streamlined and consistent experience. Patients can register quickly and easily from a direct link on your practice website, in the NHS App, or on the NHS website.
The service is designed to reduce the burden on GP surgeries by gathering patient information and matching them to their health records. It is also designed to significantly reduce the barriers for citizens wanting to access primary healthcare. The digital service means patients no longer need to travel to the practice multiple times to register, and the amount of paper being used will be greatly reduced - both having a positive impact on the environment. A full list of the features and benefits can be found here.
By 31 October 2024 all practices are required to adopt the online service and a new paper registration form.
The new paper form
A new paper form (PRF1) has been designed to complement the online service for use by those who are unable to use the digital service. We therefore expect the requirement for copies of the paper form to be very low. As such, they will not be printed and distributed by NHS England.
The GMS1 form is being phased out and will not be available to order, or access online from 31 October 2024.
Practices will be able to print the new form as required from September. Printing forms only as needed will mean you are always accessing the current version of the paper form which may change as new questions are added. The new form is available here.
Next steps
All GP surgeries in England must offer Register with a GP surgery service from 31 October 2024. If you haven’t already you can find out more and sign up here.
You’ll get a:
- Dedicated link to the service to add to your practice website
- New version of the paper form
- Link on your practice profile in the NHS App and on the NHS website.
Already signed up?
For those who have already signed up to the online service you can now access the new paper form here. You can also link to it on your own website.
We publish our roadmap on the NHS website where you can find out what we have recently done, and what’s coming next in the service.
Please get in touch with us at england.register-gp-surgery.support@nhs.net if you need help setting the service up in your practice.
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Winter public communication materials for flu/COVID-19/NHS services
Please find updated communication materials to support this winter’s vaccination campaign.
All NW London resources can be found here.
You will also find the winter communications plan.
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School aged flu provision commences
As you may be aware the new Children and Young People Community Immunisation Service (CYPCIS) providers were operationalised on 1 September 2024. In NW London the new provider is Vaccination UK - School Vaccinations UK. They commenced school aged flu vaccination delivery this week.
As a reminder this includes all children in reception to year 11 and is for:
- All schools in north west London including SEN and private schools
- Children that are of school age but not in mainstream education, eg home schooled.
Unlike previous years, delivery will be happening simultaneously across all eight north west London boroughs with each school receiving a visit. In areas where uptake has historically been poor, a second and even a third visit.
They will then run local catch up clinics in each borough to mop up children who were absent in school on the day of vaccination, do not attend school or missed it for another reason. Dates and times for catch-up clinics in each borough will be published on their website shortly and we will circulate this information too.
They are aiming to complete school delivery by the end of November and then catch-up clinics by 13 December 2024.
The in school offer is the LAIV nasal spray vaccine and includes the IM alternative (QIVc) for those parents who wish for their child to have this option.
As a reminder, school aged children who fall under the at risk cohort are also eligible to be offered and receive their flu vaccination at your practice.
All information can be found on their website here: School Vaccinations UK.
Please signpost any parents who present or enquire with regards to school clinics to Vaccination UK. For ease, their contact details are below:
Brent
brent@v-uk.co.uk
020 8150 1210
Ealing
ealing@v-uk.co.uk
020 8150 1215
Harrow
harrow@v-uk.co.uk
020 8150 7500
Hillingdon
hillingdon@v-uk.co.uk
020 8150 1220
Hammersmith & Fulham
Hammersmith.fulham@v-uk.co.uk
020 3640 7501
Hounslow
hounslow@v-uk.co.uk
020 8432 7070
Kensington & Chelsea
kensington.chelsea@v-uk.co.uk
020 3889 9925
Westminster
westminster@v-uk.co.uk
020 4603 3441
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Consumables invoice fraud alert
Our counter fraud provider has alerted us to a new company targeting GP practices by sending unsolicited printer toner, which they then invoice for. This follows a number of frauds against GP practices from various company names issuing fake invoices.
Any invoices received from MI Supplies Ltd should be thoroughly checked before any payment is made. They claim to have supplied the GP Practice with ink cartridges and have included former practice staff names as having received the items.
Any unsolicited items should be refused, or where possible returned to sender. If this is not possible the items should be stored so that they can be returned if a payment request is made.
Actions:
- Flag any invoices received from MI Supplies Ltd
- Review any invoices thoroughly to ensure the goods were ordered, and received, prior to making payment
- Confirm the details of any bank transfer using the banking Confirmation of Payee (COP) system which is available on most banking apps
- Do not make any payments to 42382645, 54-30-60 unless you are satisfied the invoice is genuine
- Refuse to accept any unsolicited deliveries
- Return any items not ordered or ensure that they are not used and are in a state to be returned
- Refer any false invoices received to your ICB’s LCFS, or the NHS CFA.
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NHS England London Safeguarding Team VAWG conference 2024 is now open
We would like to inform you that the registration for the NHS England London Safeguarding Team VAWG conference 2024 is now open.
The conference this year will focus on the intersectionality between violence against women and girls and health inequalities, including health inclusion groups. It is aimed at NHS London health professionals and we welcome those in safeguarding roles, at all levels, and those who work in any other setting who either interact with patients /service users directly or who hold strategic roles.
It will be held at 10am - 3.30pm on Thursday 28 November 2024. It will take place via Teams.
The aim will be to equip professionals at all levels with tips on how to improve their practice and strategies regarding how health inequalities impact all aspects of violence against women and girls.
Objectives are:
- To raise awareness about how health inequalities impact on all aspects of violence against and women and girls, and their experiences of health services
- Increase awareness about legal duties on health sector regarding health inequalities
- Encourage professional curiosity regarding VAWG and health inequalities
- Encourage reflection regarding how to embed learning into policies, training and practice
- Increase knowledge regarding existing support services and referral processes within London.
Please register here.
If you require further information or have questions, please contact england.londonsafeguarding1@nhs.net
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Imperial GP and hospital forum takes place today
Join the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust GP and hospital forum today at 1 - 2 pm.
Find the agenda and the joining link attached.
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Subscribe to NW London Kidney Care podcast
The North West London Kidney Care podcast, hosted by Consultant Nephrologists Andrew Frankel and Jeremy Levy from Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, offers concise, 15-minute episodes to support healthcare professionals, especially in primary care, with the latest insights on kidney health. Topics include chronic kidney disease (CKD), hyperkalaemia, heart failure, and practical tips for applying local CKD guidelines. Created by a team of nephrologists, kidney nurse specialists, and GPs, the podcast shares knowledge gained from years of collaboration in improving kidney care integration across primary and secondary services. With expert contributions and innovative solutions like the Kidney Virtual Clinic, the series provides a convenient way to stay informed. Listen here for the trailer and subscribe to the show.
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Calling H&F Practice Pharmacists and PCN staff
Managing chronic pain, particularly when discussing deprescribing, can be complex. Connect Health (NWL MSK Partnership provider) are offering an opportunity to enhance your approach with evidence-based strategies designed to empower your patients in managing their pain more effectively.
This tailored program for Practice Pharmacists and PCN staff will enable you to:
- Adopt a coaching mindset to support chronic pain managementCommunicate the latest insights on chronic pain with confidence
- Promote non-pharmacological alternatives to improve patient outcome
- Refine your consultation skills to foster patient engagement and support deprescribing
The course consists of two interactive sessions, available in October or December, please click here to register your interest.
Feel free to circulate this invite to other H&F Practice Pharmacists and PCN staff who may be interested.
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ICHP Masterclass - Safe Prescribing in Frailty: Tackling Overuse & Anticholinergic Risks
This takes place on Wednesday 9 October 2024 with Dr Graham Stretch, PCPA President, Partner Argyle GP, Lead Pharmacist Ealing Community Partners.
Dr Graham Stretch and Imperial College Health Partners would like to invite you to attend our upcoming Safe Prescribing in Frailty: Tackling Overuse & Anticholinergic Risks webinar at 12 - 2pm on Wednesday 9 October 2024. In this session we will examine medicines overuse in patients living with frailty with particular reference to the dangers of anti-cholinergic medicines and cognitive impairment. We will use case-based discussions to highlight tools, resources and strategies to reduce risk of medication related harms and overprescribing in frailty
Please click here to register for the session.
Feel free to circulate this invite to other colleagues who may be interested.
For further information and/or to get involved with the ICHP Polypharmacy Programme please contact catherine.caldwell@imperialcollegehealthpartners.com
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Final Dates Released for Polypharmacy Action Learning Set Workshops
Cohort twenty – 16 October, 6 and 20 November 2024
Cohort twenty-one - 13 and 27 November and 11 December 2024
Cohort twenty-two - 22 January, 5 and 26 February June 2025
The National Polypharmacy Programme exclusively invites our NWL prescribers to join the Action Learning Set (ALS). The programme aims to build GP and prescribing health care professionals’ confidence in, and understanding of, the complex issue surrounding and stopping inappropriate medicines safely. Delegates need to attend all three sessions. The ALS with also help PCNs deliver the medicines optimisation elements of the new Directed Enhanced Services contract and contributes to the QoF.
To learn more about the Polypharmacy ALS please click here, to register for either:
Cohort 20 please click here
Cohort 21 please click here
Cohort 22 please click here
Feel free to circulate this invite to other colleagues who may be interested.
For further information and/or to get involved with the ICHP Polypharmacy Programme please contact
catherine.caldwell@imperialcollegehealthpartners.com
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