•  About the College
•  News & Events
•  GP Training
•  Practising as a GP
•  Services
•  Member Login
•  Information Services
•  Seven Days
•  E Bulletin
•  Info Sheets
•  Summaries
•  Non-Clinical Guidance Database
•  Acronym Finder
•  Enquiries Service
•  Library Services
•  History Heritage & Archives
•  Expert Witness
•  Information Sheets
•  Publications
•  Clinical and Research
•  Get Involved
•  Patient Information
•  Contact Us

Blueprint for the Future of General Practice

On 13 September the RCGP launched a landmark document outlining its vision for patient services in primary care. It demonstrates how GPs can bring about major improvements, as well as addressing health inequalities and access issues. Under the new system, family doctors would provide services such as scans and x-rays; and virtually all health problems would be dealt with in primary care, closer to patients’ homes. Hospitals would be reserved for acute illness, specialised investigations and major surgery. The document, co-authored by Professor Mayur Lakhani (RCGP Chair), Professor Steve Field (Chair-Elect) and Dr Maureen Baker (RCGP Honorary Treasurer), is supported by all major general practice organisations, including the BMA.

The Future Direction of General Practice: a roadmap (RCGP Document)

RCGP Message to Politicians in Run-Up to Party Conference Season

The College has called on the three main political parties to become more “GP friendly”, urging MPs to visit surgeries so they understand the “true value and potential” of general practice. In a special party conference edition of “The House” magazine (circulated to every delegate at the upcoming Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat summits), the RCGP hits back at “GP bashing” and accusations that family doctors are working less hours for more money; calling on politicians to develop more constructive relationships with healthcare professionals in the run-up to the next election.

‘Real life’ Consultations for Trainees at New RCGP Centre

On 20 September, the new RCGP Clinical Skills Assessment Centre (situated on three floors of No.1 Croydon, opposite East Croydon station) will open its doors. Designed and fitted out as a series of ‘mock’ consulting rooms, it will test the skills of around 3,000 trainees a year as part of their assessment for the new College exam (nMRCGP).

Condensed Curriculum Guide Published

The official guide to the new RCGP Curriculum and nMRCGP has been published. It covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes every GP specialty registrar must master to become an effective family doctor. It summarises each of the 32 curriculum statements and identifies the key knowledge and skills required – providing a comprehensive checklist for those learning or teaching the curriculum. Information on successfully completing the nMRGGP, the new assessments and practical advice on how candidates can best prepare are also covered. Further information can be found on the Colleges’ Online Bookstore. RCGP Members are entitled to a 10% discount on all book purchases.

Increased NHS Funding Has Improved NHS Services

According to a review by Sir Derek Wanless, record investment in the NHS has not put the service on course to deliver a sustainable, world-class health care system. His document included achievements such as better access to care; more staff; shorter waiting times; and higher standards in coronary heart disease, cancer, stroke and mental health. However, delays to the National Programme for IT (NPfIT); the rising cost of providing care; and the growing number of obese patients were seen as a serious threat to the future of the NHS. The report, commissioned by the King's Fund, examined NHS expenditure since 2002; what the service achieved during this period; whether government reform had delivered value for money; and what lessons can be learnt.

Our Future Health Secured? (King’s Fund Report)

Responses to Consultation on Global Sum Formula Review

NHS Employers and the BMA’s General Practitioners Committee (GPC) published responses to a consultation on the review of the global sum allocation formula (which determines what payments are made to practices for delivering essential and additional services). Feedback showed that key stakeholders, including GPs, welcomed the review group’s recommendations on revising the formula but stated that:

• Patient choice was not considered in the review
• Health need should be a more significant determinant of resource allocation than levels of current workload
• Inequalities in practice funding are much larger in PMS and APMS practices than in GMS surgeries
• The health departments for England and Wales are now considering whether to take the recommendations forward.

GMS Formula Review (NHS Employers and BMA’s GPC)

Identifying and Sharing Good Practice

The RCP is collecting examples of partnership working between primary and secondary care clinicians which have subsequently led to service redesign. GPs are being urged to participate in the study to ensure it captures examples from a primary care perspective.

Identifying and Sharing Good Practice Survey 2007 (RCP Survey)

Guidance

Helping Patients with Long Term Conditions

A policy paper on self management of long term conditions through education programmes has been issued by the BMA’s Patient Liaison Group (PLG) and GPC. It examines the concept of self care, explores education programmes and investigates who could benefit from them. The document notes that self care can reduce the strain on GPs by decreasing the number of consultations required by the patient.

Improved Self Care by People with Long Term Conditions (PLG and GPC Policy Paper)

A web resource for GPs has also been launched to help doctors direct patients to information on long term conditions and education programmes. It includes a consultation checklist (to ensure a patient is equipped with the right knowledge to self manage their condition) and links to online health information, support groups and education programmers.

Enabling People with Long Term Conditions to Self Manage their Health (PLG and GPC Web Resource)

Views Sought on Diagnosis and Treatment of Hypertension

GPs are being sought to complete a short survey on the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension. Blood pressure often varies from one consultation to the next and the University of Birmingham is trying to identify how this affects clinicians’ decision-making. The survey website - funded by the RCGP Scientific Foundation Board - presents a realistic clinical scenario and asks if the patient should be discharged, have their blood pressure taken again or start treatment. Participants could win £100 for completing the survey. Further information can be obtained from Dr Tom Marshall at research@clinicaldecisionresearch.org.uk.

Clinical Decision-Making in Hypertension  (University of Birmingham Survey)

Influenza and Pneumoccocal Immunisation Programme 2007-2008

Dr Harry Burns, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), has issued a “Dear Colleague” letter to GPs in Scotland, providing information on the forthcoming Influenza and Pneumoccocal Immunisation Programme 2007-2008. It instructs family doctors to liaise with their local Community Pharmacy to ensure they are guaranteed a supply of the flu vaccine for their surgery. As in previous years, Health Protection Scotland (HPS) will take the lead in monitoring uptake on behalf of the Government. The programme starts on 1 October 2007 and further information can be obtained at http://www.infoscotland.com/flu.

Influenza and Pneumoccocal Immunisation Programme (CMO Letter)

Independent Review of Autism Services

Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey, has announced a review of services for children and adults with autism. It will examine existing provisions; consider relevant literature; investigate issues relating to autism specific legislation; and consult with key stakeholders. The group responsible for undertaking the independent review will comprise professionals from a range of disciplines such as paediatrics and public health. Findings will be published in December of this year.