Month: February 2025
London HIV Ambassadors
Introduction to the London HIV Ambassadors Programme.
Update to: National flu immunisation programme 2025/26 letter
Please note the revised version of the flu letter.
Action Required: Learning Disability Health Check Scheme 2025/28
The service for the Learning Disability Health Check Scheme 2025/26 is now available on CQRS for GP Practices to accept.
Digital toolbar features and functionalities – Webinars by iPlato & accuRx
Upcoming procurement processes may directly impact the choices your practice has in terms of online consultation tools and text messaging providers.
Reminder: NHS APP Training – Tuesday, 4 March 12pm – 1.30pm
The aim of the session is to improve confidence in using, promoting and supporting patients to access the NHS App.
Accessing pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) medicines
Attached is a guidance note for prescribers with advice on how to support your patients to access these medicines, and alternative brands of PERT or treatments where needed.
Represent general practice on a NICE committee – apply today
NICE is seeking GPs or others working in general practice to join its violence and aggression: prevention and management guideline committee.
Help support the first ever national NHS breast screening campaign
The NHS in England has launched its first-ever behaviour change campaign to highlight the benefits of screening and encourage more women to make the most of regular mammograms.
Norovirus advice
Following a drop in reported cases over the Christmas period, norovirus activity has increased again and is now very high.
Infection prevention and control team newsletter – February 2024
Please download and read the latest edition of the Infection prevention and control team newsletter.
Barts Health NHS Trust for Non-Specific Symptom (NSS) referrals
The RDC service at Barts Health NHS Trust has been reviewed and the pathways within have now been decoupled.
ELFT are raising awareness of eating disorders within the South Asian communities
A list of resources has been created with further information about eating disorders, personal experiences, and Ramadan.
BHRUT – Average wait by specialty – 24 February 2025
Information on the average wait by specialty to first outpatient appointment for patients on an 18 week RTT Pathway already dated.
Refurbishment of X-Ray Room at Harold Wood Polyclinic
There will be no X-Ray services at Harold Wood Polyclinic from Thursday 20 February 2025 to Friday, 11 April 2025.
CQRS extractions for maternal pertussis and maternal RSV vaccination programmes
Please note the actions required by the London Imms team.
Have your say on supporting people with their psychotropic medicines
The CQC is inviting you to take part in a survey about how people are supported to take their medicines for mental health (psychotropic medicines), safely and effectively in the community.
RSV Campaign and Maternal Vaccinations Resources
A NHSE campaign targeted at older adults to get their RSV vaccine.
Online Consultation & Video Consultation (OCVC) Procurement Updates
An update on the current status of the Online Consultation and Video Consultation Procurement process.
NEL Enhance Programme – webinar 3: Innovate, Collaborate, Integrate – 27 February
We hear about system working, and the growing emphasis on population health. But what does this all mean in reality?
Pharmacy First dashboard goes live
This dashboard provides an overview of Pharmacy First referral activity in NEL at place, PCN and practice levels, including rejection rates and reason for rejections.
National flu immunisation programme 2025/26
The annual flu letter describes the national flu immunisation programme and outlines which groups are eligible for flu vaccination.
Recruitment of 1,000 GPs by March 2025
Dr Amanda Doyle is encouraging PCNs to use this funding to recruit recently qualified GPs.
NHS Digital weight management programme
The NHS Digital weight management programme is available via self-referral for NHS staff.
Easy read information on diabetes available
GP practices are encouraged to share the information with their patients.
Represent general practice on a NICE committee – apply today
As a NICE committee member, you will drive discussions that help shape best practice care.
Introducing the digital toolbar features and functionalities of both AccuRx and iPlato
The upcoming procurement processes may directly impact the choices your practice has in terms of online consultation tools and text messaging providers.
Barking and Dagenham: Promote our fertility and maternity pop up clinic – Thrive Together: Better Health for You and Baby Too – Thursday 27 February –
The event is aimed at women aged 18-45 years, men and their families living in Barking and Dagenham.
Richmond Medical Centre is a winner at the Londonwide LMCs’ London General Practice Awards
The practice has been recognised for outstanding contribution to patient care and practice team collaboration.
Medicines Recall Notification
This notification requires community pharmacies to stop supplying the affected products.
A Tier 2 Medicine Supply Notification (MSN) for: Quetiapine 50mg, 150mg, 200mg, 300mg and 400mg modified-release tablets
The contents of this MSN can be viewed on the Medicines Supply Tool.
Evolving cluster of severe infective endocarditis with non-toxigenic C. diphtheriae involving people experiencing homelessness and people with substance misuse
Initial case finding has identified 5 cases with onsets from July 2024 to the present date.
Updated PGD for Men B, Men B Risk Groups and PCV Risk Groups
NHS England – London has published three updated Patient Group Directions on its website.
”Gloves Off” Campaign!
As part of the rollout programme, we are announcing the next rollout of the campaign, which will launch in March 2025.
Medical Certificates of Cause of Death
A reminder that DHSC has updated the guidance for medical practitioners completing Medical Certificates of Cause of Death.
RSV vaccination programme
NHS England will issue national RSV invitations in February 2025 to support uptake in those eligible for the vaccine.
Handy guide to transform GP websites
A step-by-step guide to improving GP website online journeys is now available to help create simple digital experiences for patients and reduce pressure on reception staff.
Support for survivors of rape and sexual assault and abuse
These specialist services offer practical, medical and emotional support 24/7 to anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused at any time in their life.
New maternal vaccinations communications campaign
To highlight the important protection provided by vaccines offered in pregnancy a new joint maternal vaccines toolkit and creative campaign has been produced.
Updated: Whipps Cross: Ultrasound referral update
Please note that Barts Health will no longer be accepting any routine referrals, except for studies or patients that fall within the specified exclusion criteria.
Londonwide LMC – LEAD events March – June 2025
Providing professional development opportunities for healthcare practitioners, particularly those working in general practice teams.
The future of primary care webinar – (12 February 2025)
This month’s Future of Primary Care webinar subject is ‘How can innovation in primary care improve productivity’?
Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme
The Department of Health and Social Care asks that healthcare providers respond to requests for medical records under the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme within 28 days
UKHSA Health Protection Briefing Note 2025/008 Outbreak of Sudan ebolavirus in Uganda
Clinicians should be alert to the possibility of EBOD in unwell patients presenting where there is a history of travel to Uganda.
Foundation Pharmacist Training: What’s in it for me? (6 February)
Events and resources to support the implementation and growth of foundation pharmacist training.
An UPDATED Tier 2 Medicine Supply Notification for: Camellia sinensis extract, Fluorouracil and Imiquimod 250mg sachets.
The contents of this MSN can be viewed on the Medicines Supply Tool.
Serious Shortage Protocols for Cefalexin – extension/ended
A Serious Shortage Protocol for Cefalexin which has been extended on 31 January.
Uploading vaccinations given by other providers
We would like to remind practices that there remains the need for notifications of vaccinations given by other providers.
Primary Care Cyber Security Readiness Project
NHS England are looking to speak to colleagues working in and/or supporting primary care, for short (30-45 minute) online interviews, to discuss the above cyber security themes.
The GP IT Team’s Monthly Focus – February – Navigating Prescriber Codes & Health Support Services
February’s Monthly Focus is Navigating Prescriber Codes and Health Support Services.
North East London Cancer Alliance Primary Care update: January 2025
The latest edition has now been published.
NEL Training Hub – Workforce Development and Training Needs Survey 2025
This is your opportunity to share your experiences, training needs, and the challenges you face in your role.
BHRUT – Frailty line / Acute medical support line
BHRUT launch Fraility and Medical support lines.
BHRUT- Updated message: Creatinine and eGFR results reported without SNOMED codes
Further to the previous message sent last month, BHRUT re now sending the entire results record to you.
BHRUT – Digestive Diseases GP education event – Sat 15 February 9am – 12.30pm
The Acute Medicine education session has been re-scheduled to this Saturday, 7 December.
Havering: Supporting Local Carers – you can make a real difference to a local Carers life
Let us work together to ensure that this invisible workforce of informal carers are given the recognition, respect, and support they deserve.
Redbridge: Safeguarding Children Partnership Lay Member Recruitment
The Redbridge Safeguarding Children Partnership are seeking up to three Lay Members to strengthen the voice of families and communities.