A warm welcome from your local Faculty.
As we start to feel optimistic about emerging from the pandemic over the next year, the local Faculty team have been busy planning our programme for the coming months and are very excited about the range of activities and support we are able to offer. Details of all our forthcoming events can be found on our web page.
In addition, RCGP continues to provide essential support to members, via its online COVID-19 hub, and member network, as well as working closely with stakeholders including NICE to inform guidance on emerging health issues such as long COVID. The vaccination programme continues at impressive pace thanks to your efforts. Indeed, it has been really encouraging to see the widespread support for GPs from politicians and public alike.
Last month, RCGP launched a free to members online mentoring programme and are recruiting for mentors. The scheme will match members with GP mentors possessing their desired interests, skills and expertise and vice versa. The programme is currently recruiting for mentors, so please do get sign up if you would like to enrol your skills.
Our Faculty Council Representatives Dr Mair Hopkin, Prof Kamilla Hawthorne, Dr Rowena Christmas and Dr Sajad Ahmad attended Welsh Council on 24 February, and Dr Rowena Christmas and Dr Mair Hopkin attended UK Council on 26 February to join a discussion with the fellow Faculty Reps, nationally-elected Reps and the elected College Officers about issues pertinent to GPs.
At Welsh Council, members were updated on the recent meetings between the Joint Welsh Chairs and the Minister for Health and also with the recently appointed Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing. Members were thanked for taking part in the College’s survey in December looking at workload and wellbeing. The findings related to wellbeing have since been highlighted by the Mental Health Minister. As we approach the Senedd elections, the College will be focusing on key messages on tackling health inequality, improving technology infrastructure for general practice and the wellbeing of the workforce.
Discussions at UK Council included topics of equality, diversity and inclusion and the role of GPs in shaping policy for integrated care. Many College-wide policies and initiatives start at local Faculty level, as demonstrated by the ongoing work to improve equality diversity and inclusion at all levels of the College.
As a truly inclusive group, we welcome all members and views onto our Faculty Board. If you would like to get involved in our discussions and support your fellow members, we’d love to hear from you, please do get in touch. Our next Board meeting takes place on Wednesday 16 June, 7pm via Zoom.
Please continue to look after yourselves and each other as we move forwards towards a new normal in 2021 and beyond.
Best wishes and stay safe.
Dr Isolde Shore-Nye
Faculty Chair
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