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RCGP President Appointed as Vice-Chair of Academy of Medical Royal Colleges

Professor David Haslam CBE has been appointed as Vice-Chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AOMRC) – the organisation that co-ordinates the work of the Medical Royal Colleges and Faculties of Accident and Emergency Medicine, Dental Surgery, Occupational Medicine, Pharmaceutical Medicine and Public Health. The appointment will put general practice at the heart of the Academy’s work. Professor Haslam is a National Clinical Advisor to the Healthcare Commission; a visiting Professor at De Montfort University, Leicester; a member of the PMETB Board; and a practising GP in Cambridgeshire.

David Haslam Appointed as Vice-Chair of the AOMRC (RCGP Press Release)

Last Chance to Register for the Annual National Primary Care Conference 2007

The RCGP’s Annual National Primary Care Conference 2007 – A Fresh Approach – takes place this week at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (4-6 October 2007). There are six key note speakers, 48 concurrent sessions, fringe meetings, short paper presentations and a busy social programme. To book a place or view the full agenda visit the RCGP Conference Website.

Proposal for New RCGP Faculty on Rural General Practice

The College’s Rural Practice Standing Group will run a session at the Annual National Primary Care Conference on Friday 5 October, to discuss the creation of an RCGP Faculty representing rural interests. The meeting will examine the work of the Standing Group and the challenges posed by changes to professional standards such as accreditation and revalidation. Attendees will discuss what the Faculty could achieve, how it would represent its members and its ability to influence thinking within the College and beyond. 

Agreement Reached on NHS Pension Scheme

Health Minister Ben Bradshaw has agreed on changes to the NHS Pension Scheme following a review by NHS Employers and trade unions. Existing staff, and those joining the Scheme up to 31 March 2008, will keep their normal pension age of 60 but this will rise to 65 for all new employees. The minimum age for drawing a reduced pension will also increase for new entrants, from 50 to 55. Other major changes include:

• Tiered contributions, so higher paid staff pay more for the benefits they receive
• New step-down arrangements, so final salary staff approaching retirement can transfer to less demanding duties without the loss of pension entitlement
• More flexibility for those who wish to convert part of their pension into a lump sum on retirement
• Survivor benefits for all nominated partners, not just spouses and civil partners

NHS Pension Scheme Review (NHS Employers Website)

New Careers Services for BMA Members

The BMA has launched a range of new career services for its members. Doctors will get free online access to a wide range of careers information and be able to log on to 'Sci59' - a psychometric questionnaire that matches specific needs and personalities with job types. A variety of interactive workshops and confidential coaching sessions will also be available to members at a significantly reduced rate.

BMA Launches New Careers Services for Members (BMA Press Release)

New Funding to Tackle Violence Against NHS Staff

The DH will invest £97 million over the next four years to tackle violence against NHS staff. It will fund a number of measures including training employees in personal safety, conflict resolution, and dealing with verbal abuse. Additional local security management specialists will be put in place (staff that are trained and accredited by the NHS Security Management Service to lead locally on security management initiatives). A centralised reporting system will also be established, so that the NHS Security Management Service can identify poor performing Trusts, analyse security weaknesses and recommend targeted prevention measures.

Funding to Tackle Violence Against NHS Staff (DH Press Release)

Review of Investment in General Practice

The Government has invested a total of £24 billion in UK general practice between 2003/2004 and 2005/2006. Figures published by the Information Centre for health and social care (IC) also provide a breakdown at country level, showing that £20.5bn was spent in England, £1.1bn in Wales, £1.8bn in Scotland and £0.5bn in Northern Ireland. The findings have been agreed by members of the Technical Steering Committee (TSC), the Health Departments, NHS Employers and the BMA's General Practitioners' Committee (GPC). In 2003, the Technical Steering Committee (TSC) began monitoring primary care expenditure against the Gross Investment Guarantees (GIGs) – the system which ensures that resources promised in the new GMS contract are delivered.

Gross Investment Guarantee Monitoring Report (IC Document)

Guidance

GMC Guidance on Caring for Children and Young People

New guidance outlining the role and responsibilities of doctors caring for children and young people has been published by the GMC. It offers advice on many complex issues including assessing the capacity to consent; refusal of treatment; sharing information without consent; and access to medical records. The guidance comes into force on 15 October 2007.

0-18 Years: guidance for all doctors (GMC Guidance)

MHRA Seeks Professionals for Database Research Committee

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is seeking three new professional members for its Independent Scientific Advisory Committee (ISAC) for MHRA database research. The committee’s remit is to review the scientific content of research protocols that involve using data from the MHRA's General Practice Research Database (GPRD) and adverse drug reaction (Yellow Card Scheme) database. Eligible candidates will be eminent in their field and have a track record in public health research. They will also have recent experience in one or more of the following areas: Clinical Pharmacology, General Practice, Paediatrics, Epidemiology and Biostatistics. The Committee normally meets every three months in London and business is conducted between meetings via email. The deadline for applications is 5 October 2007 and further information can be obtained by contacting info@appointments.org.uk.

Appointment of Three Members to ISAC (MHRA Press Release)

DH Launches Flu Campaign

The DH has launched its seasonal flu campaign to encourage those in 'at risk' groups and those aged 65 and over to get vaccinated. ‘At risk’ groups include those with serious heart or respiratory conditions; kidney or liver disease; diabetes; lowered immunity due to disease or treatment; or conditions of the nervous system. individuals with serious allergies to hens' eggs or who have had a previous allergic reaction to the vaccine are advised against having the jab.

Seasonal Flu Campaign – Those at Risk Urged to Get the Jab (DH Press Release)

Guidance

Updated Guidance on Management of Thyroid Cancer

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has updated its thyroid cancer guidelines to help improve the management of the condition, reduce disease-specific mortality and enhance the quality of life for survivors. It includes a section for GPs (chapter 16) containing advice on prevention, screening, diagnosis, referral, treatment and follow-up. Appendix five provides patients information covering support groups, useful websites and further details on surgery.

Guidelines for the Management of Thyroid Cancer (RCP Guideline)

Men Twice as Likely to Take Class A Drugs

Findings from the 2006 Scottish Crime and Victimisation Survey (SCVS) showed that men are twice as likely to have taken one or more Class A drugs in the last year compared to women (7% and 3.5% respectively). The report includes feedback from 4,701respondents aged 16-59 and focuses on the prevalence and regularity of drug use, the user’s experience, and the number of drugs taken. Less than half (37%) reported using one or more illicit drug(s) in their lifetime, while 17% claimed to have taken one or more Class A drug(s). Levels of use were highest in people with routine and manual occupations, the unemployed, full-time students and those with a household income of less than £10,000 per annum.

Drugs Misuse in Scotland (Scottish Executive Publications)

More Patients Using Substitute Prescribing (SP) Treatment

Statistics published by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) reveal that 463 individuals were in receipt of Substitute Prescribing treatment for opiate dependence during 2006/2007 – representing a 23% increase compared to 2005/2006. The data, collected through the Northern Ireland Substitute Prescribing Database (SPD), showed that as at 31 March 2007, 290 of the 323 individuals being prescribed substitute medication had been stabilised.

Statistics from the Northern Ireland Substitute Prescribing Database: 31 March 2007 (DHSSPS Statistical Bulletin)

High Achievement in Delivery of Quality Care

Latest QOF statistics show sustained levels of high achievement by GP practices in Northern Ireland. Surgeries achieved 97.8% of the maximum points available in 2006/2007, compared with 97.9% in 2005/2006 and 94.2% in 2004/2005. In the clinical domain (the component where points are awarded for managing chronic diseases), 98.1% of points were achieved across all practices, compared to 98.6% in 2005/2006 and 95.4% in 2004/2005.

Quality and Outcomes Framework Statistics (DHSSPS Website)