Following a Performers List Decision Panel (PLDP) hearing in December 2023 conditions were imposed on my continued inclusion on the Performer’s List. The requirement was for close supervision and NHS England directed me to Londonwide LMCs to get advice about the process and the nature of submissions required from me.
Dr Richard Stacey was the Londonwide LMCs medical director assigned to support me. Dr Stacey’s breadth and depth of knowledge proved invaluable and given with candour and kindness. Prior to this help I didn’t really know what questions to ask, I didn’t know what I didn’t know and didn’t know what to expect. All this uncertainty added to the stress incumbent in being the subject of such a process.
Support from Dr Stacey continued during the subsequent meetings in order to try to find an educational and clinical supervisor. As the practice I worked in was unable to accommodate my supervision requirements, I was left in a rather desperate situation requiring a clinical supervisor and an educational supervisor. I trained outside London and I was not well connected to London general practice to make approaches to search for supervisors. Additionally the conditions imposed, unsurprisingly, required approval of supervisors by NHS England Medical Deputy director. This further uncertainty adds to the worry and stress of the process.
It came as a great relief to be directed to Londonwide LMCs, giving me a sense of direction and importantly a sense that the process was progressing. They maintain a list of possible supervisors who have the requisite experience, are regularly reviewed and are already approved by NHS England.
I cannot stress how so very important this crucial helping hand was to me in the middle of this experience, feeling my career and working life held in suspension.
At Londonwide LMCs’ site the process of making an approach to request supervision is streamlined. For the first time in many months, I felt I had a sense of a process that was working, which made a difficult time just that vital bit easier. The site is easy to navigate and the instructions are clear about the information that needs to be exchanged.
The timelines for contact are explained and regular email messages were sent to keep me abreast of activity. This again is so important when living with the feeling of being in limbo. My educational supervisor has helped me identify a personal development plan (PDP) which addresses the main aims of the supervision conditions and she, alongside my clinical supervisor, have had a joint meeting with me to clarify how my clinical supervision can contribute to the PDP and vice a versa.
Both supervisors have been so kind, positive and encouraging in the execution of my educational and clinical supervision, as I work toward returning to independent practice. If Londonwide LMCs did not provide this exceptionally valuable resource then I and other GPs in my position would flounder in repeated attempts to approach individuals in surgeries in the hope that they will be understand the situation and be able to deliver the kind of supervision required. Or possibly try to approach deaneries in search suitable individuals.
I can only hope that the Londonwide LMCs model is duplicated nationally to provide support, guidance and crucial assistance when a GP who wishes to continue in general practice needs it most.
To Londonwide LMCs I extend sincere thanks to all those who identified the need, worked to set it up and continue the work to keep it going.
Londonwide LMCs GP Professional Support Network provides peer-to-peer support for GPs experiencing difficulty or uncertainty with aspects of their work. If you are specifically concerned about action, or possible action, by commissioners or regulators you should contact our GP support team.