Welcome to this week's primary care bulletin

Key points this week include:

• Smartcard role changes
• Changes to the routine childhood and adult vaccination and immunisation schedules in 2025-26
• Hammersmith & Fulham and NW London win at HSJ Awards
• PCN Respiratory Champion nomination
• Candidozyma auris (Candida auris) - updated guidance
• Derogation of clade I mpox.

Webinars and training, including:

• World Hypertension Day
• Webinar on reducing energy costs carbon emissions
• Bridging troubled waters - 2025 - a palliative update
• Gender identity clinic information session
• Polypharmacy ALS workshops
• Pain management
• North West London Training Hub newsletter.

If you have any submissions for this bulletin please email them to the communications inbox - nhsnwl.communications.nwl@nhs.net. View previous editions.

Smartcard role changes
 
Over the past few months, changes have occurred in smartcard roles due to the expiration of old roles. These roles were created by an outdated system, whereas the new roles, implemented by the Registration Authority (RA) team, are designed to be non-expiring. However, this transition may have impacted team members who had these old profiles. The RA team has updated these roles, which could mean that the old role is now archived, and users may have been provided with a new login that is not yet fully configured. 

To assist with this, a guide has been created to help with the necessary updates. The guide aims to support users during this process, acknowledging that practices may need to dedicate significant time to follow the steps outlined. Apologies are extended for any inconvenience or impact caused by this transition. The manual addresses key topics such as ICE, prescribing, local codes and rotas.

For further questions or additional support, the Clinical System Facilitation team can be contacted through the IT service desk self service portal.

SystmOne Smartcard Support guide (PDF).

Changes to the routine childhood and adult vaccination and immunisation schedules in 2025-26 

According to the recently published changes to the GP contract in 2025/26 letter, several updates have been made to the vaccinations and immunisations programme. These updates have been summarised for easier reference. 

Changes to the routine childhood and adult vaccination and immunisation schedules summary (PDF).

Hammersmith & Fulham Training Hub CIC and NWL Training Hub win at HSJ Partnerships Awards 

Celebrations are in order for Hammersmith & Fulham Training Hub CIC and NW London Training Hub after their remarkable success at the HSJ Partnerships Awards. The teams were shortlisted in two categories:

• Best Education Programme for the NHS
• Most Impactful Project Addressing Health Inequalities.

They claimed victory in the latter, with judges praising their project as an inspiring example of grassroots change and frontline clinical leadership. Highlighting the vital role of education, the project has the potential to support both undergraduate and postgraduate training across the UK. The judges were captivated by the powerful message that real change starts with people. For enquiries, please contact: carolinedurack@nhs.net / chockey@nhs.net.

Nominate your PCN Respiratory Champion

Last year, PCNs were invited to nominate a Respiratory Champion and many have already responded positively. However, some PCNs have yet to submit a nomination and support is available to help them take this step.

A Respiratory Champion within a PCN will:

• Assist the network in meeting enhanced service and QoF targets
• Enhance respiratory care and improve patient outcomes in their area
• Access valuable training, resources and a community of practice.

Feedback from PCNs that have participated has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting how champions benefit from being part of a growing community of practice. This includes peer support, shared learning and access to dedicated resources.

PCNs are encouraged to review the attached role description and introductory slide pack for further details on the support available. To nominate a champion or seek additional information, please email s.mumeni1@nhs.net.

World Hypertension Day webinar
 
Colleagues across London are invited to a lunch and learn webinar in support of World Hypertension Day on Thursday, 22 May, from 1 -  2pm. 

This practical, case-based session will feature expert speakers and is specifically designed for community professionals. Key topics will be covered to help participants confidently manage hypertension.

Learn about further details including the full agenda and registration link.

Webinar on reducing energy costs carbon emissions 
 
A free online webinar is taking place to help London GP practices understand how they can cut energy costs and reduce carbon emissions through building retrofit and green energy solutions.

It takes place on 8 April 2025, 1 - 2pm.

Find out more about the purpose of the session and what is covered.

Register your interest by emailing primarycarenzc@london.gov.uk