Mword Issue 98 – Dr Michelle Drage’s latest update for GPs and practice teams

  • Mword

7 July 2022

Dear Colleague

This week I have three things to share with you:

  1. Mayor of London joins me in calling for adequate funding
  2. A day is a long time in politics
  3. Jeremy Hunt to lead Inquiry into ICS accountability
  1. Mayor of London joins me in calling for adequate funding – letter hereEarlier this week the Mayor and I expressed our appreciation to all Londonwide GPs and practice staff not only for all the work that you put into the Covid vaccination programme, but also recognising that our capacity continues to be stretched beyond all reasonable expectations.As we both stated in the letter, we recognise your diligence, commitment and your need for support and pledge that we will continue to call for adequate funding and conditions for the general practice workforce in the capital. Working together, we can champion and deliver safe effective services that continue to meet the needs of the diverse communities we all serve.Thank you so very much for your commitment and continued dedication.
  2. A day is a long time in politicsAt the time of writing we have had five ministerial resignations including the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, dozens of more junior resignations and maybe even the Prime Minister himself. We are still awaiting word of what the new Secretary of State’s vision is for primary care and general practice. In the meantime, here’s some interesting background reading on the new Secretary for Health: HSJ, Pulse, GPOnline, Sunday Times, voting record, profile on Government website.
  3. Jeremy Hunt to lead Inquiry into ICS accountabilityWith dramatic Ministerial developments in SW1 and minute by minute updates coming via Twitter, at Londonwide LMCs we continue to maintain focus on the most pressing concern here – capacity – and to ensure that the newly announced Health and Social Care Select Committee inquiry into Integrated Care Systems pays due attention to concerns about the community, continuity, and capacity concerns of general practice teams across the Capital. They must not only be heard, but taken seriously at all levels. The Inquiry will consider how ICS will deliver joined-up health and care services to meet the needs of local populations. What are your thoughts, let me know?

And in the meantime, look after yourself and each other. If you need any additional help or are worried about burnout, please reach out to us via our GP Professional Support Network (GPPSN).

As ever, I welcome your feedback at mword@lmc.org.uk. The team of experts and leaders here at Londonwide LMCs are by your side.

Keep well. Stay safe.

With best wishes

 

 

 

Dr Michelle Drage MBBS FRCGP
CEO, Londonwide LMCs

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