News
NEL NHS App Update
You can find here step by step videos that can be shared with patients and your practice team, explaining exactly how to use the NHS App.
Introduction of new NHS vaccination programmes against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
NHSE and the UKHSA has today written to systems to set out next steps for delivery of two new respiratory syncytial virus vaccination programmes.
Safeguarding accountability and assurance framework (v4)
This has been published on the NHS England website and replaces the previous version.
Impact of BMA industrial action on Homerton Healthcare Services – June / July 2024
Staffing across Homerton Healthcare will be stretched during the BMA junior doctor industrial action taking place in June, with changes to how we deliver our non-urgent services.
Communitas ENT community clinics continue to deliver
From Monday 1 July, the current provider Communitas will be delivering a new and improved service across north east London.
GP alert
Fraudsters are sending emails in from freely available domain names, purporting to be senior members of the practice.
NEL Service Alerts process has now re-opened
The service is back up and running as before.
Electronic notifications from community pharmacies to GPs using EMIS PharmOutcomes
Please find a letter with advice for GPs using the EMIS PharmOutcomes.
Tier 2 Medicine Supply Notification (MSN) for: Disopyramide
The contents of this MSN can be viewed on the Medicines Supply Tool.
Infection prevention and control team newsletter – June 2024
Please download the latest edition.
General Practice Vaccinations Data Dashboard – MMR programme data
The General Practice Vaccinations Data Dashboard has been extended to include MMR vaccination programme data.
New ‘how to’ guides to support modern general practice
As part of the Delivery Plan for Recovering Access to Primary Care, NHS England has published four ‘how to’ guides to support general practice teams.
BHRUT reminder for practices when requesting an x-ray to use the updated radiology form
From Monday 1 July 2024, the Radiology department at BHRUT will be re-introducing an appointment system for all GP x-ray requests.
BHRUT update – closure of Queen’s Hospital car park
The car park at Queen’s hospital will be closed to patients and visitors for three weeks from Saturday 20 July to Saturday 10 August.
BHR – Changes to Gastroenterology Referral Pathways – Important
All referrals from the 1 June onwards to Medefer are now subject to patient choice and GPs should discuss options of providers before referral.
RCGP (Royal College of General Practice) Veteran Friendly Practice Accreditation
Accreditation is a straightforward process which benefits Veterans, practice staff and non-Veteran patients
Community pharmacy selfcare advice service update – Thursday 27 June
This session is designed to brief practice teams on the new NEL wide service from community pharmacies
A Tier 2 Medicine Supply Notification (MSN) for: Humalog® (insulin lispro) / Triamcinolone acetonide suspension
The contents of this MSN can be viewed on the Medicines Supply Tool.
GP Improvement Programme – How to sign up for the final cohorts
Please see information attached on the final three cohorts of the GP Improvement Programme and how to sign up for these.
Preparations for an Autumn/Winter 2024/25 flu and COVID-19 seasonal campaign letter and key actions for providers
Key actions for all providers who wish to participate in the Autumn 2024 campaign.
URGENT Rejection registration notifications from PCSE
Please take this email as a reminder to make sure that all registration rejections are dealt with in a timely manner.
Did you know that cars and vans are the biggest source of toxic chemicals in our air?
For resources to share with your patients.
Amendment to adult flu vaccine for autumn/winter 2024/25
The amendment informs providers about the alternative vaccines they should order for adults based on 2024/25 JCVI recommendations.
Start date for autumn/winter 2024/25 seasonal vaccination programme
Vaccination for children and pregnant women will start from 1 September 2024 and other adult vaccinations will commence in October.
Cervical Screening Management System expected to go live on 24 June 2024
Final actions that providers and users need to undertake are outlined in the latest system letter of 10 June 2024.
BHRUT – Closure of the Neurosurgery Advice and Guidance service on e-RS
The Advice and Guidance service on e-RS for Neurosurgery at BHRUT will close from 16 June 2024.
NEL Guidance for primary care clinicians for patients with suspected active Tuberculosis
Download this guidance for symptoms or signs suggestive of active tuberculosis based on history and physical examination.
QIVr flu vaccine not available for 2024/25 flu vaccine programme
As a result of this issue, an amendment has been made to the National Flu Immunisation Programme 2024-2025 letter setting out the alternative vaccines that providers can order for the adult programme based on JCVI recommendations.
Cyber attacks
You may have heard news about the number of cyber-attacks taking place across small and large organisations. The NHS is sadly not immune, and faces a myriad of attacks daily.
Launch of Fit Testing for Respiratory Protective Equipment service for NEL Providers
We are pleased to announce the launch of a fit testing service for Respiratory Protective Equipment specifically for health care workers in north east London.
The NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme provided by Oviva
There are still spaces available so keep on referring your patients
Registration authority newsletter – June 2024
Please download the latest edition.
Ensuring continuous health records of adopted children
Read NHS England’s letter which details 7 key principles for ensuring continuous health records of adopted children.
Speak up support scheme
The Speaking up support scheme is for past and present NHS colleagues who have experienced a significant adverse impact on both their professional and personal lives following a formal speaking up process.
GP webinar: London Maternity Clinical Network initiative
This webinar will be taking place on 18 June, 1pm – 2pm on MS Teams.
It’s Bike Week!
In 2024, Bike Week, the UK’s biggest awareness-raising event for cycling, takes place 10-16 June. This year’s theme is be a #BikeHero – read on to find out how to take part.
Allergic Conjunctivitis Patient Information leaflet – Moorfields Eye Hospital
Please find attached their latest guidelines for management of Allergic conjunctivitis and supporting letter.
E-coli advice issued amid rise in cases
While the source of this outbreak is currently unknown, clinicians should be aware of the recommendations regarding sampling and when to refer.
Delivery Plan for Recovering Access to Primary Care: care navigation training
As part of the delivery plan for recovering access to primary care, care navigation training is available for practice staff to support patients to get the help they need from primary care.
Maternal Pertussis Vaccination Programme
From 1 July 2024, ADACEL(Tdap), a non-IPV-containing vaccine, will replace Boostrix-IPV (dTaP/IPV) for the pertussis vaccination in pregnancy programme.
Medicine Supply Notifications: Tier 2 supply issues for various products
The contents of these MSN can be viewed on the Medicines Supply Tool.
GP Alert
Our counter fraud provider has alerted us to a new company targeting GP practices by submitting false invoices for consumables, such as printer ink, that have not been purchased.
Rheumatology for primary care (virtual one-day update) – 11 July 2024
A virtual one-day update to comprehensively cover rheumatology disorders for primary care.
Email Addresses Changing for NEL Primary Care Central Team
Please do not use the new email addresses until 17 June 2024.
TNW – Omnes Healthcare update
Omnes Healthcare have been recently appointed GPDA Ultrasound and Cardiology Providers for the TNW Boroughs. Omnes also provide Cardiology for the BHR Boroughs.
Suspension of Homerton Healthcare fertility service – update & next steps for patient groups
An important update on the next steps for patients who were booked for a first appointment at the unit, but were not seen as the unit had to close before they had their appointment.
NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme – expansion of referral routes for people with a history of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
To support improved access to the NHS DPP, the programme now accepts self-referral for people with a history of GDM.
Email addresses changing for NEL primary care central team
Please take note of the details and update all your records/contact lists accordingly.
Autumn/Winter flu and COVID-19 seasonal campaign
This letter includes information about a new procurement process and additional materials to support delivery.
Change of vaccine for the pertussis vaccination in pregnancy programme from 1 July 2024
The letter provides information for health professionals who are responsible for the safe delivery of this important NHS vaccination programme to pregnant
women.
New government restrictions on use of Puberty Suppressing Hormones (Puberty Blockers);
The Government has introduced emergency restrictions on the use of gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues used to suppress puberty.
Community Pharmacy PCN engagement role guidance
Guidance has been published to support recruitment for the Community Pharmacy Primary Care Network Engagement Lead role.
BHRUT GP education event – Acute Medicine (Saturday 15 June)
Please download venue details and agenda
Newham: X-ray department at Shrewsbury Health Centre update
We would like to remind colleagues that the x-ray at Shrewsbury Health Centre is not equipped to handle cases involving injuries or trauma.
Tower Hamlets: New drop-in clinic providing health screening for people experiencing homelessness
Health screening drop in sessions including testing for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
Havering Place based Partnership event: Making Health Matter in Havering
Following on from previous sessions you are invited to some of the key programmes that have been implemented by Marshalls PCN.
Medicine Supply Notifications: Supply issues with various Tier 2 products
The contents of these MSNs can be viewed on the Medicines Supply Tool.
Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon® 10000 and 25000 capsules
The SSPs will restrict the amount of these medicines that can be provided to patients to one-month’s supply.
Reminder: The IT phone number is changing next Monday 3 June
The current IT service desk number – 0800 917 8607 – will be switched off from Monday 3 June. The new number to contact the service desk on is 0300 303 6778
The pre-election period for the general election started on 25 May – please read this guidance
This guidance provides advice on what we can and cannot do during the pre election period.
Ipsos invite: Beyond the Waiting Room (18 June 2024)
This webinar will uncover the importance of place in shaping people’s views of GP services.
Delays accessing pathology sample results
An internal error has resulted in the incorrect processing of a number of electrolyte samples.
Whooping cough cases continue to rise
UKHSA have resources to help stakeholders raise awareness of the vaccine offer and have published a maternal vaccination stakeholder communication toolkit.
Serious Shortage Protocols for Clarithromycin – reactivation
Because of ongoing supply issues, we are reactivating the Serious Shortage Protocols for Clarithromycin.
CQRS: National Obesity Audit extended to 2025
The National Obesity Audit has been extended in CQRS to 31 March 2025 for GP practices.
Final preparations for transition to the new Cervical Screening Management System
CSMS will replace the current call/recall IT system which sits on the National Health Application and Infrastructure Services.
Nominate a colleague for the Black Healthcare Awards
Please do consider nominating any colleagues you work with who you believe are carrying out outstanding work.
Bank Holiday Opening Hours of Community Pharmacies commissioned to provide End of Life Care Medicines
On Spring Bank Holiday (27 May 2024), there will be eight community pharmacies in operation which are commissioned to provide End of Life Care medicines in North East London.
Pharmacy commissioned rota for Spring bank holiday 2024.
The opening hours for pharmacies in London which have been asked to open over May Day 6 May and Spring bank holiday 27 May 2024.
Infected Blood Inquiry response has been published
NHSE has asked that all primary care networks and practices ensure that all practice staff are aware of the publication of the report and have access to the key messages and links
NHS 111 Mental Health Crisis Response Service Now Live in North East London
You may receive documented information from our NHS 111 hub after our call handlers have conducted initial on-the-phone assessments with patients – if they belong to your surgery.
HepA/Typhoid PGD extension notification expiring May 2024.
From the start of June 2024, all practitioners who are competent in hepatitis and typhoid vaccine assessment and delivery, should ensure they have read and have self-declared as competent in the separate Typhoid and Hepatitis A PGDs.
A Tier 2 Medicine Supply Notification (MSN) for: Humulin® S (insulin soluble human) 100units/ml solution for injection 10ml vials 2/2
This MSN is the second of two covering supply issues with insulin vials.
Medicine Supply Notification: Supply issues with Tegretol® (carbamazepine) 100mg/5ml liquid
The contents of this MSN can be viewed on the Medicines Supply Tool.
RSM Alert 03-24/25 False payment requests
Our counter fraud provider has alerted us to fraudulent payment requests targeting GP practices.
London Pharmacy Commissioning Team newsletter – May 2024
Please download the latest edition.
BHRUT – Average wait by specialty – 22 May 2024
Average wait by specialty to first outpatient appointment for patients on an 18 week RTT Pathway already dated.
BHRUT: Closure of the BHRUT pain management service at Harold Wood and King George on e-Rs
The Pain Management service at Barking Hospital on e-RS has been closed and relocated to Queen’s.
Data security and protection toolkit for GP connect
Please note that NEL ICB are working on supporting all PCNS to be at the ‘LIVE’ implementation by end of Q1 2024/2025.
Supporting uptake of pertussis vaccination
Practices are reminded of the clinical importance this vaccination offers, including to newborn babies.
New ‘how to’ guides to support modern general practice
As part of the Delivery Plan for Recovering Access to Primary Care, NHS England has published four ‘how to’ guides to support general practice teams.
NHSE Primary Care bulletin – 9 May 2024
NHS England and NHS Improvement publish a frequent bulletin for primary care covering all guidance and information published for general practice, pharmacy, dental and optical.
FIT aid In service Evaluation & Advance Briefing
The NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme Team and the Equalities Team have been working to develop a FIT aid to support those who are blind, partially sighted to complete their FIT test independently.
Update on the Dental Recovery Plan
NHSE are writing to update you on progress and tell you about the next steps for the New Patient Premium.
Medicine Supply Notification: Tier 2 supply issues with Humalog® and Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy
The contents of this MSN can be viewed on the Medicines Supply Tool.
Free places on Certificate in Environmental Skills for the Workforce course
We have a fully funded opportunity for you to gain a better understanding of Environmental Sustainability and the responsibilities we all hold in our professional roles.
Lunch and learn: Group clinics: the future for planned nursing care?
Details of this free lunchtime webinar, discussing how group clinics support development of the nursing workforce. It is relevant to both ICB and frontline line teams.
Homerton Healthcare Fertility Unit briefing – update following extension of license suspension
We are writing to update you that the suspension of Homerton Healthcare Fertility Unit’s license to practice will remain in place while the investigations into the storage of embryos are still ongoing.
Newham Together Café (crisis café)
Newham Together Café (crisis café) has moved to a new location and will be delivered by the mental health charity, MIND, in partnership with ELFT.
2024/25 Directed Enhanced Services (DES) quarterly claim form
The North East London 2024/2025 Direct Enhanced Services Sign up will soon be available to all GP Practices in North […]
Support information for residents affected by the tragic incident in Hainault
The ICB is working with the Council and Metropolitan Police to support local people following the tragic incident in Hainault which has left many people shocked and upset.
Social Prescribing Awards and Conference
The 2024 Social Prescribing Awards recognise outstanding projects and teams involved in social prescribing.
Publication of PCN Network Contract Directed Enhanced Service
Practices can, from 1 April 2024, now collaborate across their PCN to deliver vaccinations during both core and enhanced hours as outlined in the Network Contract Directed Enhanced Service.
Prior Notification Lists for Cervical Screening
GP Practices should review email details by 7 June 2024, to continue to receive prior notification list reminders.
Prescription and administration of contraceptive injections
GP practices are reminded that the prescription and administration of contraceptive injections (eg. Depo Provera, Sayana Press and Noristerat) in general practice forms part of the core GP contract.
Delivery Plan for Recovering Access to Primary Care: improvement support for general practices
Improvement support is available to general practices to help them embed modern general practice, a core component of the Delivery Plan for Recovering Access to Primary Care.
Paediatric Hearing Services Improvement Programme: Communications Toolkit
Manage key messaging that relates to hearing services
BHRUT Paediatric GP enquiries for patients already under a Paediatrician at BHRUT
For GP enquiries to Paediatrics the email address for the Paediatric secretaries can be used.
Medicine Supply Notifications: Supply issues with Daktacort®hydrocortisone1% miconazole 2% cream and Mesalazine Asacol® 400mg MR gastro-resistant tablets
The contents of this MSN can be viewed on the Medicines Supply Tool.
MMR Survey for GP Practice Staff – Tackling health inequalities within Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine uptake
This survey seeks to understand what are successful strategies GP practices can implement to increase the MMR vaccine uptake amongst Black communities.
The GP IT Team’s Monthly Focus – May
This month’s GP IT team’s monthly Focus is Data Security and Protection Toolkit.
Free ‘Feeling Well at Work’ Activities for Link Workers and Primary Care Professionals (23 May)
You are invited to an afternoon of creativity at the Tessa Jowell Health Centre, exploring your working practice and environment through a new lens.
London Green week (13 – 17 May)
A week dedicated to gain understanding of the NHS sustainability agenda, meet sustainability experts and celebrate successes in London and net zero achievements.
Action for GP Practice Open Exeter Primary Contact/ Primary User
In preparation for the introduction of the new Cervical Screening Management System GP practice’s Primary Contact/Primary User on Open Exeter should review and update email details to continue to receive prior notification list reminders.
Delivering for patients: GP direct access and 2024/25 planning guidance
In support NHS England has published two pieces of guidance.
North East London Cancer Alliance Primary Care update: March/April 2024
The latest edition has now been published.
Invitation for Expressions of Interest: North East London Women’s Health Compatibility Framework
NEL is looking for someone to lead on a project to develop and promote implementation of a framework to support GPs to offer basic and intermediate levels of women’s healthcare.
A Tier 2 Medicine Supply Notification (MSN) for: Naloxegol (Moventig®) 12.5mg and 25mg tablets
The contents of this MSN can be viewed on the Medicines Supply Tool.
2024/25 Weight Management Enhanced Service – deadline for sign up extension
The deadline for sign up to the 2024/25 Weight Management Enhanced Service has been extended by two weeks to 13th May 2024.
The Reasonable Adjustment Digital Flag Action Checklist
We are aware that the previous message caused some concern and are in contact with NHSE to find our more.
GP Alert 01 – 24/25 update to fake supplier scam targeting GP practices
Our counter fraud provider RSM, has alerted us to a new company targeting GP practices by submitting false invoices.
To Note: NEL Service Alert process
Due to staffing issues within the team that manages the Service Alerts process, we have unfortunately had to temporarily suspend the NEL Service Alert process.
Little journey app
BHRUT have recently launched the little journey app to be downloaded by Children and young people who will be coming to Queen’s or King George Hospitals for surgery, blood tests or MRI’s.
BHRUT – Cancer referral Office
BHRUT’s cancer referral office is not based at the hospital site.
TNW and C&H: Statutory implementation of the Medical Examiner Service
We have recently received confirmation that the statutory implementation of the medical examiner system will now be enacted under legislation by the 9 September 2024.
Newham: Latent TB Screening test changes in lab reporting
Newham practices have been receiving T-Spot results via path links into EMIS from Barts/Homerton Pathology Lab. Due to operational issues the results will no longer be reported by the Lab in this way.
City and Hackney: Change in method for receiving results for Latent TB screening (T-Spot results)
City and Hackney practices have been receiving T-Spot results via path links into EMIS from Barts/Homerton Pathology Lab. Due to operational issues the results will no longer be reported by the Lab in this way.
Primary Care actions for valproate reviews
North East London system valproate safety group has developed an action plan for all prescribers to support the implementation of these new legislative safety measures.
Covid-19 spring vaccinations communications materials
All national NHS materials including posters, translated posters, screens and social assets
Call for evidence: Fit Note Reform
This call for evidence will inform a programme of work announced at the autumn statement in 2023, to explore reforming the fit note process to support those with long term health conditions to access timely work and health support.
Death certification reforms
The government has confirmed that from Monday 9 September 2024, all deaths in any health setting that are not investigated by a coroner will be reviewed by a medical examiner.
Updated NHSE Measles FAQs
Please see attached update regarding Measles FAQs
Medicine supply issues notifications
Supply issues with Phenobarbital 15mg tablets Accord, Carbamazepine 100mg and 200mg tablets, and Cefalexin 125mg/5ml and 250mg/5ml oral suspension
The General Practice Workshop on Asylum Seeker and Refugee Care
The primary objective of this workshop is to collectively pinpoint the next steps and actionable outputs that will enhance the delivery of quality General Practice care to Asylum Seekers and Refugees.
NEL Cancer Alliance – Patient experience re breast cancer screening and health survey – Hackney
Please download a copy of this flyer to display in your surgery.
BHRUT – GP educational session – Ear, nose and Throat – 27 April
BHRUT is pleased to announce a GP Educational session on the theme of Ear, Nose and Throat.
Sharing your insights to improve health equity in North East London
The programme will aim to give participants the skills needed to address health inequalities in their organisations as part of their everyday work.
NHS General Practice Staff Survey 2024 development – request for help
The Survey Coordination Centre working with NHSE is looking to recruit volunteers from a wide range of different roles and backgrounds to help them test the survey questions.
Update on the change of control of AT Medics Ltd
On 30 November 2023, the NHS was asked by AT Medics for authorisation for a change of control. The change of control was of the ownership of Operose Health Ltd to be transferred from MH Services International (UK) Ltd, a subsidiary of Centene Corporation, to T20 Osprey Midco Ltd
JITSUVAX vaccine hesitancy conversation training (Practice nurses)
Fully funded training in Empathetic Refutational Interview techniques developed to help healthcare professionals and support staff in conversations with people who have concerns about vaccination.
New Soft Tissue Sarcoma Hub and Spoke services in London
A new diagnostic pathway has been developed for adult soft tissue sarcoma referrals in London, using a Hub and Spoke service model.
NHSE IPC Refresher Training for GP Practices – April 2024 to March 2025
NHS England Public Health Infection Prevention and Control team[1] has agreed to continue providing the following support to all GP practice.
Next steps on the delivery plan for recovering access to primary care
NHS England recovering access to primary care update sets out how they are making it easier and quicker for patients to see their GP.
BHRUT – Frailty awareness day
Please advertise this awareness day.
Redbridge: FREE Online Training for Professionals’ on ‘Identifying Hidden Carers’
Redbridge carers support services would like to work with you to help identify hidden carers and support all unpaid carers in Redbridge.
Universal Care Plan programme news – April 2024
Download the new edition.
Patient Prospective Online access to records and Safeguarding matters
A guide to help support practice staff by highlighting the tools/actions available to minimise risk of harm.
Your GP practice team: a NHS North East London digital campaign
With general practice changing NHS North East London ICB is running a campaign online to help people understand the best ways to access help but also raise awareness of the different healthcare professionals patients will be seen by.
Oversight for lhep community engagement project
Please be reminded that the survey will close on Monday 15 April, the purpose of the survey is to understand variations in practice around general practice community engagment.
The future of primary care webinar (17 April)
East London NHS Foundation Trust invite you to join The Future of Primary Care webinar.
Patient group directions for COVID-19
Two updated patient group directions are available, in accordance with the national COVID-19 vaccination programme.
Homerton Healthcare Fertility Unit update: existing patients and new referrals
Updating you following the suspension on 8 March 2024 of Homerton Healthcare Fertility Unit’s license to practice until May 2024.
End of year 2023/24 Direct Enhanced Services and Safeguarding Local Incentive Scheme
This email provides further information for the DES and Safeguarding LIS claims and processes for the full year 2023/24.
Temporary pause to cervical and bowel cancer screening SMS reminders – London
iPLATO will remotely disconnect from sites that are not part of other Population Health Hubs operated by us.
Medicine Supply Notifications: Supply issues with diazepam and guanfacine
Please download attachments for more information.
Updated guidance: PRN01102 – Guidance for Risk Assessment and Infection Prevention and Control Measures for Measles in Healthcare
All updates to this guidance are highlighted in yellow.
GP IT Training Team – bespoke workshops
Bespoke workshops on the monthly focus from the GPIT Training Team and individual practice support from your Local Area Facilitators.
BHR – The Marie Curie Rapid Response Overnight nursing service
As our transformation work recommenced post-Covid, the pilot launched, but has not had the impact we had initially hoped for with other local services covering a lot of the overnight support required.
Exercise on Referral Service Pilots (Barking & Dagenham and Havering)
We regret to advise that the Exercise on Referral services in Barking & Dagenham and Havering boroughs are closing from April 2024.
Job advert: Havering Primary Care Clinical Lead
Applications are welcomed from those who are medically trained and meet the other requirements of the role specification from across North East London and the wider NHS.
QIVr ordering status – flu programme
Sanofi have confirmed that they are no longer taking orders for QIVr for 2024-25 as they have met their production limit for the UK.
GP Direct Access (GPDA ) Community Diagnostic Services – Reminder to use ErS for
All GPs and referrers are reminded to use ErS to make referrals. From Monday 25 March any referrals not made via ErS will be sent back to the GP/referrer.
Paediatric audiology report
Please note the Quality, safety and improvement committee actions.
NCD 23/24 Year End Actions
The purpose is to ensure PCNs have their achievement calculated accurately and declared for the Network Contract DES (NCD) 23/24 service before the final payment approval deadline.
Serious Shortage Protocols for Monomil® XL 60mg tablets
NHS BSA has written to inform us that a Serious Shortage Protocol has been issued for Monomil® XL 60mg tablets (SSP059).
New North London Health Protection team and new contact details
The UK Health Security Agency are making a few changes by merging the north London teams and moving to one email address for both the north and south London teams
The management of your NHSmail accounts – action required by the end of April
Following guidance received from NHS England / NHSmail, the ICB will require all PCNs to complete a DSPT during April, so they are able to continue to have an NHSmail account.
Discontinuation of Insulatard® InnoLet® and Levemir InnoLet® 3ml pre-filled disposable devices
Please find A Tier 2 Medicine Supply Notification.
Breast Screening Primary Care Pack Circulation
This pack provides GP Practices / PCN staff with information to enable them to better support and signpost patients. t.
Easter bank holiday Pharmacy rota
London Pharmacy opening hours for Easter bank holiday 2024
Seasonal influenza vaccination
Read NHS England’s latest guidance.
NHSE – Measles guidance for primary, community care, ED’s and hospitals
Please download this Measles guidance from NHS England.
Closure of COVID-19 outbreak reporting portal
The NHS COVID-19 response was formerly stood down in May 2023.
HRT PPC single-item prescribing – GP IT automation update
More than half of GP surgeries now have a digital solution available, which will automatically issue HRT items on separate prescriptions (one for each item) at the point of prescribing.
CQRS: QOF End of Year Reminder
This updates contains QOF year-end actions, extract timetable and support and contact details.
Easy read decision support tools
Also called patient decision aids, support shared decision making conversations.
National flu immunisation programme 2024/25
The annual flu letter describes the national flu immunisation programme and outlines which groups are eligible for flu vaccination.
Whooping cough vaccination in pregnancy
NHS England are asking primary care services to continue to ensure the offer of vaccination against pertussis is made at every opportunity.
Conditions for which over the counter items should not be routinely prescribed
NHS England’s guidance provides recommendations for items that are available over the counter.
PCN extended Access Q4 2023/24 claims
Please be reminded that this email as a reminder to complete and submit the attached for the Q4 2023/24 provision for the Extended Access DES.
Advice & Refer (A&R) in some BHRUT Services
Some services have changed the way GPs refer a patient to BHRUT to a process known as ‘advice and refer’ (A&R) using the advice and guidance (A&G) pathway on e-RS.
BHRUT – New and Improved x-ray service at Fanshawe Diagnostic Centre
Upgrading of the X-Ray services at Fanshawe Clinic.
BHRUT – Notification of Internal incident regarding ED discharge summaries
The trust was made aware that there was an absence of discharge summaries being sent to GP practice mailboxes from BHRUT ED for a period ranging from 23rd February 2024 – 5th March 2024.
BHR – Virtual CKD
BHRUT are making good progress with the roll out of the virtual CKD service for primary care in the BHR area.
BHRUT – Patients attending the Early pregnancy assessment unit at Queen’s
BHRUT are currently experiencing high numbers of patients attending the Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit at Queen’s.
BCG vaccination referrals for children over 1 years old
NHSE only commission and are responsible for the neonatal BCG vaccination programme that is for babies up to 12 months old, which is delivered by community BCG providers.
Free guided self-help from Mind
It’s a six-week guided programme for adults experiencing mild-to-moderate mental health problems.
Do you have any quality concerns to raise with 111 or 999 London Ambulance Service?
Please use the email to raise any quality concerns about London Ambulance services.
Tier 2 Medicine Supply Notification (MSN) for: Prochlorperazine (Stemetil®) 12.5mg/ml solution for injection ampoules
Please find the medicine supply notification.
NHS North East London has a new Primary Care Portal
This new site will replace all CCG legacy GP intranets and it will be where our primary care colleagues can find all news and updates from NHS North East London, along with the weekly newsletter, clinical guidance and events.
2023/24 Direct Enhanced Services (DES) sign up and quarterly claim form Q4 reminder
A reminder that the deadline for Quarter 4 submissions is 15 April 2024 for the April payment run to be paid in May.
London Ambulance Service’s First Contact Practitioner (FCP) Paramedic Programme
The LAS are looking for expressions of interest from PCNs and should they like to find out more about the programme,
GP Direct Access Community Diagnostic Services ErS update and referral guides
the ErS issues for the boroughs of Tower Hamlets, Newham and Waltham Forest have now been rectified and ErS functionality is now available across all six boroughs (Barking and Dagenham, Havering, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets, Newham and Waltham Forest).
Very high risk breast screening programme
Read NHS England’s letter about referrals into the very high risk breast screening programme
BHRUT – Drop-in session for young girls who are struggling with periods – public event
For anyone who knows any young girls who are struggling with periods the gynaecology team are organising the below event on 23 March 0930am – 1.30pm.
BHRUT – GP educational session – Mental Health / Psychiatry – 16 March
BHRUT is pleased to announce a GP Educational session on the theme of Mental Health /Psychiatry
What are the CEG COVER dashboards?
Understanding the scope of COVER dashboards- and the need for NEL data sets.
Community Diagnostics services update –making ErS referrals – 5 March 2024
GPs and Referrers are now able to make referrals on ErS for services.
East London Crisis Line and NEL 111 Hub: Mental Health Crisis Response Service Launching April 2024
From 2 April 2024, people living in north east London will be able to call 111 and select option 2, putting them through to a fully trained and qualified mental health professional team.
Link to recent webinar: NHS pensions scheme – Your responsibility as an employer
The focus was to help GP employers understand the scheme and their responsibilities and avoid the costly and time-consuming consequences of getting it wrong.
Universal care plan – Sickle cell comms and training resources
Improving joined-up care for Londoners with sickle cell disease.
London Kidney Network Sharing & Engagement Event
Sharing the work and key achievements of the LKN
A Tier 2 Medicine Supply Notification (MSN) for: Fiasp® FlexTouch® (insulin aspart) 100units/ml solution for injection 3ml pre-filled pens
Fiasp® FlexTouch® (insulin aspart) 100units/ml pre-filled pens will be out of stock from April 2024 until January 2025.
GP measles webinars
Three webinars have taken place in the last two weeks to help GPs and primary care understand the impact and response to recent measles outbreaks in London and how primary care is vital to the response.
Learning Disability Annual Health Checks and coding issue
The NHS NEL GP DPO team publish a monthly newsletter that is aimed at Practice Managers, champions and leads who are responsible for information governance compliance at their practice.
London wide GP webinar – Measles – 21 Feb 2024 (slides, video and Q&A)
A video recording of the London wide GP webinar on measles that took place on 21 February.
NHS NEL GP Data Protection Officer monthly newsletter
The NHS NEL GP DPO team publish a monthly newsletter that is aimed at Practice Managers, champions and leads who are responsible for information governance compliance at their practice.
NPSA- Shortage of salbutamol
The supply issues have been caused by a combination of manufacturing issues resulting in increased demand on other suppliers.
QOF year-end 2023/24 update
The purpose of this update is to assist practices to prepare for key activities supporting QOF 2023/24 and 2024/25 schemes.
Air Quality Alerts for General Practice and Emergency Departments in London
The London Air Quality and Health Programme Office are pleased to announce that on Wednesday 28 February 2024 the UK’s first targeted high air pollution alerts for General Practice and Emergency Departments in London launches.
Damp and Mould Checklist
This is a new resource is designed by London’s public health system partners, for use by frontline health and social care professionals when visiting residential properties in London.
MMR vaccinations and update on call / recall
An update for GP staff and national call / recall
Actions required by all PCNs to continue NHSmail access
PCNs need to complete the below form and arrange for it to be signed by a board member by 15 March.
Community diagnostics services update – some issues with making ErS referrals
Due to some issues with ErS, please can GPs refer via email using this guidance.
Notification of the NEL Locum Cover Reimbursement Policy effective 1 January 2024
Please find attached the NEL Locum reimbursement cover policy with supporting documents which came into effect on the 1 January 2024
Reporting Dashboards available in NEL ICB
The Data Service in NEL ICB, have created several reporting dashboards focused on providing practices with insight and analysis of their patient population and the patient’s circumstances and conditions.
Preparing for a successful spring 2024 Covid-19 vaccination campaign letter
The NHS should now plan for a seasonal dose of COVID-19 vaccine in spring 2024, following the government’s acceptance of advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation’s
Copy of recording and presentation from the NEL Webinar on Measles 15 February
Raising awareness on the current situation with measles.
Newham: Targeted lung health checks
Targeted Lung Health Checks are now being offered for Newham patients.
BHRUTs Early pregnancy assessment unit
he clinical team from the Early pregnancy assessment unit have created a poster for self-booking to be displayed in your surgery.
Update on Valproate
North East London system valproate implementation group had been convened to co-ordinate the implementation of the new regulatory measures as described in the MHRA NPSA alert.by all prescribers.
Encourage your Muslim patients to plan ahead for a healthy Ramadan
This advice is particularly important for anyone who has diabetes, takes prescribed medicines or who needs a medical appointment during the holy month
Changes to referral process for GP Direct Access Community Diagnostic Services
please start referring patients to the new providers from Friday 1 March 2024. Updated ErS referral forms have been uploaded onto the GP clinical systems and are now ready for use.
Study invitation for Primary Care: General Practice community engagement to reduce health inequalities in London
NHS England and health partners extend an invitation to you to complete a short survey and/or attend a focus group discussion exploring “General Practice community engagement to reduce health inequalities in London”
Redbridge PLE meeting – 21 February 2024
The radiology agenda, notes and recording PLE meeting held on the 19 July have been uploaded onto the Redbridge GP intranet.
Testing to check the new Cervical Screening Management System user readiness now available
Users of the new NHS Cervical Screening Management System (CSMS) can test their access ahead of the official system go-live.
Recruitment for Multi Cancer Blood Test Programme Clinical Lead
The North East London Cancer Alliance is recruiting a Clinical Lead for the Multi Cancer Blood Test Programme (formerly known as the NHS-Galleri Interim Implementation Pilot).
Updated PGDs for MMR, Typhoid, PCV and Notice of extension of validity for PCV Risk Groups PGD
NHS England – London has published updated PGDs and a Notice of extension of validity for one of the PGDs on its website.
Incident Alert: Delay in GP Practices Receiving ELFT Clinical Correspondence from 2 December 2023 – 30 January 2024
ELFT write to provide an update on the incident in which their ELFT clinical eCorrespondence failed to be delivered electronically to your practices.
Safer sleeping week 11 – 17 March
Please download and display in your surgery a booklet, guide and poster in support of Safer sleeping week.
New best practice pathway for testicular torsion
A new pathway aiming to reduce delays and prevent more boys and young men losing a testicle as a result of testicular torsion has been developed by the Getting it right first time team.
New guidance: HC2 certificates for people seeking asylum
The guidance is aimed at professionals supporting asylum seekers around access to healthcare and prescriptions, and outlines the process for completing HC1 forms and receiving a HC2 certificate.
MMR vaccines and non-porcine gelatine alternative
There are two MMR vaccines. MMRVaxPRO contains gelatine of porcine origin as a stabiliser. Priorix may therefore be offered to individuals with a preference to avoid porcine gelatine.
INEL – Optometrist referrals – single point of access
A single point of access (SPoA) for optometrist referrals is available which will allow community Optometrists to refer directly to Secondary care without the need for a GP referral. Please read the below information sheet for further details.
London ambulance service updated guidance and webinars
The London Ambulance Service has sent up updated guidance for patients who require an ambulance response in a community setting follow clinical assessment.
Invitation for a short survey and focus group discussions
You are invited you to complete a 5-minute survey and/or attend a focus group discussion exploring “General Practice community engagement to reduce health inequalities in London”.
Kidney Beam update
Kidney Beam is now accessible to all kidney disease patients in the North East London region.
Action from NEL Maternity Tobacco Leads Network
All clinicians play an important role in addressing tobacco use and supporting pregnant people with stopping smoking.
BHR – Temporary closure of x-ray service at Fanshawe Clinic
From Thursday 1 February 2024, patients will be unable to access the X-Ray services, however, they will continue to provide walk-in X-ray services at the following locations and times.
Universal Care Plan Programme update
The Universal Care Plan Programme has received reports from users who were unaware of the data exchange functionality of the programme. With this in mind they have produced a ‘did you know’ sheet
Latest news from the North East London Cancer Alliance
An update on the latest news from the North East London Cancer Alliance website.
Mental health support services
Mind has produced a support self help toolkit and fly to display in your surgery.
Havering GP exercise referral scheme
The old paper-based applications have been discontinued, and instead we are now only accepting electronic referral forms. GPs and other Health Professionals will have direct access to the link.
Digital Weight Management Service (updated)
The programme is a 12-week digital weight management offer with three levels of support available and a choice of providers.
Slides and recording of the NWRS webinar on 16 January 2024
We are sharing the information below to PCNs/practices and for those who have missed the NWRS webinar on 16 January.
New Way to Refer to Newham Specialist Children and Young People’s Service
From 25 January 2024, when you go to the SCYPS section on the ELFT website here, you will be offered a new option to make a referral
Reminder to BHR practices about using 111 to book GP out of hours appointments
People in BHR should now be using NHS 111 to book out of hours GP appointments.
BHRUT – Changes to Diabetes and Endocrinology referrals on e-RS
Diabetes and Endocrine teams are changing the way they receive referrals, like other services in BHRUT they will transfer to an Advice and Refer service on e-RS.
NHS App waiting list information
From Tuesday 30 January the NHS App will show the mean (average) waiting time to patients who have been referred into a specialty in acute trusts.
Information and resources for MMR immunisation,
You will be aware that there is currently a notable rise in the number of measles cases in London and the West Midlands, with small clusters of outbreaks in North West London and South East London in recent weeks in particular.
Designing the future of MSK care: invitation from NHSE, DHSC & DWP
NHS England and The Joint DHSC DWP Work & Health Directorate invite you to shape the future of Musculoskeletal care.
Delivery Plan for Recovering Access to Primary Care – Training offers
National Care Navigation training and Primary Care Network support offer – expressions of interest
Guidance for risk assessment and infection prevention and control measures for measles in healthcare settings
This guidance is intended to support preparedness for and management of suspected or confirmed measles cases in healthcare settings.
NHS advice and materials for professionals on measles
The latest materials for professionals and public on measles
Series 9 Smartcards updates
Critical updates are being deployed from 26 January to ensure the new Series 9 Smartcards can function correctly.
NHS pensions for general practice staff
Please be advised of the following changes to the way that referrals are to be made for routine ultrasound scan to community providers.
Routine ultrasound scan referrals to BHRUT
Please be advised of the following changes to the way that referrals are to be made for routine ultrasound scan to community providers.
Covid 19 treatment for eligible patients
People in north east London that have a health condition that puts them at the highest risk may be eligible for Covid-19 treatments.
Health professionals join the new Clean Air Night campaign
Did you know that lighting fires in our homes is the largest source of harmful small particle air pollution in the UK? This type of air pollution can cause life-threatening illnesses, including heart and lung disease, making it crucial that we raise awareness about this growing issue.
Implementation of Advice & Refer (A&R) in the Haematology Service
Haematology will be changing the way GPs refer a patient to BHRUT Haematology services.
Guidance to support HC2 application for asylum seekers
Asylum seekers often require support to access healthcare and prescriptions
Homerton Healthcare – Care of women with obesity in pregnancy
Obesity in pregnancy has implications for both mother and child. Health care professionals have a responsibility to inform women of the risks with preconception care, antenatal care available in all clinics and alert women about possible complications and assist women in changing behaviour in the preconception, antenatal and postnatal period.
Mental Health Clinical Advice Line (s.136 Hub Programme)
The new service aims to provide a dedicated phone service for officers from all three of London’s police forces, to support them in their management of patients who have either been detained/at risk of detention under section 136 of the Mental Health Act.
NHS North East London digital campaign: GP Registration
GP registration is fundamental to accessing NHS care in the right way. Unregistered residents are more likely to present at A&E unnecessarily, less likely to visit primary care first and can miss out on vital invitations for things like vaccinations and screening
Launch of the new NHS Pharmacy First advanced service
The new NHS Pharmacy First advanced service will launch this Wednesday 31 January, enabling community pharmacists to complete episodes of care for patients without the need for the patient to visit their general practice.
Invitation to participate in financially compensated engagement workshops
Working in partnership, the five London ICBs and the London Region have begun an extended programme of public and professional deliberative engagement to inform the future of primary care transformation in London, supported by Imperial College Health Partners (ICHP) and Ipsos.
Providers of child health information service (CHIS)
NHS England London is pleased to announce that the recent child health information service (CHIS) procurement process has successfully concluded.
URGENT – Product Recall of Similac Alimentum®
This recall requires immediate action by practices in accordance with the advice provided below.
Use the ‘Wait Well, Stay Well’ website to help patients prepare for hospital treatment or appointment
We have developed a website in NEL to help people to manage their own health and wellbeing by providing useful information and links to local and national resources.
BHR – referral process for Omnes cardiology and ultrasound services
A reminder of changes to the referral process for Omnes cardiology and ultrasound services
Decision support tool: type 1 diabetes
This is the latest tool in their collection of patient decision aids.
NHS England Infection Diagnosis Digital Coding Survey
NHS England are asking for you views if you enter details into the electronic health records of patients with common acute infections.
PCN Development offers – January 2024
Guidance to support HC2 application for asylum seeker.
Universal Care Plan NHS app integration
The wider release of the Universal Care Plan for end of life care onto the NHS App / web browser is confirmed as 23 January 2024.
Safe use of Valproate
Evidence from the National guidance on valproate-use-by-women-and-girls has shown that, if valproate is taken in pregnancy, up to 4 in 10 babies are at risk of developmental disorders, and approximately 1 in 10 are at risk of birth defects.
Update on GP retention schemes: General Practice Fellowships and Supporting Mentors
The current national GP retention schemes General Practice Fellowships and Supporting Mentors will close on 31 March 2024.
C&H – Oviva Type 2 Diabetes Support – information
The Diabetes Support Service (for those with Type 2 diabetes) is open for self-referral.
Redbridge and Barking & Dagenham school immunisation community catch-up clinics for HPV, Td/IPV, and MenACWY
Please promote these immunisation community catch-up clinics in your surgery. Downloads
Find out how Newham Primary Care Networks have been addressing Health Inequalities.
GP Federation, Newham Health Collaborative produced 10 posters to highlight the breath of work delivered by Newham Primary Care Networks to reduce health inequalities in the borough.
Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NHS DPP)
The Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NHS DPP) identifies those at high risk of Type 2 Diabetes and refers them onto a free, nine-month behaviour change programme. The programme is a joint commitment from NHS England, Public Health England and Diabetes UK.ERROR
Dental checks for care home patients
In response to enquiries on how housebound patients access dental services, we have been advised that Kent Community NHS FT are the providers of Community Dental Services across north east London and referrals can be made via the following link as long as they meet the referral criteria –ERROR
Supporting immunisation uptake for the Jewish Community
We are writing to inform you of an upcoming childhood immunisations campaign for the Jewish communities across London. DownloadsComms packFaQsToolkitChanukah poster
Autumn/Winter 23/24 COVID-19 and Flu Campaign Timing
In the JCVI statement for the Autumn 2023 COVID-19 vaccination programme, it was advised “to optimise protection over the winter months, the autumn programme should aim to complete vaccination by early December 2023”. Aligned to this, the programme set out an ask in the system letter for sites to aim to complete vaccination for all […]
Decision support tools
These tools help patients to make a shared decision, with clinicians, about their treatment, care and support options. They provide evidence-based information about benefits and risks and help patients to consider what matters most to them:ERROR
BHRUT – Pathology Lab IT incident
BHRUT is writing to inform you that they have identified an issue in their Pathology lab relating to the electronic GP messaging service for results. They believe this started in June last year following a planned change to their laboratory information system. What they’ve discovered is that when haematology samples couldn’t be processed, associated comments weren’t sent […]
ENT Services replacement at Royal London Hospital
(City & Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Newham, Waltham Forest)DownloadsENT urgent referral cllinic
Hackney GP Surgery nominated for Sustainability category at the PrescQIPP National Annual Awards
NHS North East London would like to offer congratulations to Pharmacist Uzma Shaikh, GPs Dr Simirit Degun and Dr Darren Baker, based at Elsdale Street Surgery who were nominated for the PrescQIPP National Annual Awards in the ‘Sustainability’ category. On 3 October they attended the PrescQIPP awards ceremony in Nottingham to be congratulated and to share […]
Barts – Adult squint/neuro-ophthalmology advice and refer service
Please download Barts Health 3 minute briefing for specialist advice. The Ophthalmology – Adult Squint/Neuro-Ophthalmology at RLH went live on 30 November 23DownloadsBarts Health 3 minute briefing for specialist advice
Redbridge – Age UK service
Please promote these Age UK servicesERROR
Promotional Material for Prospective Record Access
GP practices have been updating their systems to enable patients to automatically see new health record entries.ERROR
General Practice Annual Electronic Self-Declaration (eDec) 2023/24 – 2 weeks to go!
Please be reminded the 2023/24 General Practice Annual Electronic Self-Declaration (eDec) closes on 6 December. All practices are required to submit an eDEC return for their practice through SDCS, the link to login is here: https://datacollection.sdcs.digital.nhs.uk/ . Please see the attached guidance document for detailed instructions on how to register and access the eDec as […]
Digital Prescriptions available on the NHS App
From Tuesday 28 November, patients in NEL can view their prescriptions on the NHS App, including repeat prescriptions, and one-off prescriptions. ERROR
Aim 1 DKA at Diagnosis Education material
As part of the National Diabetes Network Delivery Plan, a working group under aim one has been developing resources to support reduction in DKA at diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. ERROR
Urgent Request – Polish GP / Clinician in NEL
Our NEL Cancer alliance team are looking for a Polish speaking GP / Clinician to take part in a video for their White Other Campaign which addresses the common barriers and looks at the drivers in increasing the uptake of screening for women’s and men’s Cancers within the Turkish, Turkish Cypriot, Polish and Lithuanian communities in […]
Transitional Funding to move to a Modern General Practice Model
You will recently have been contacted by your local Primary Care Place Team with details of the NEL process for transitional funding to support the move to a Modern General Practice Model and details of the notional allocation per practice. DownloadsProcess for transitional support fundingTransitional funding notional allocation scheduleTransitional funding application form
PCN – ARRS update
There have been a number of queries and issues in respect of the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) claims for this year. DownloadsTimelinesFAQs
North east London wins at the HSJ Awards
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NELFT Psychiatric drug deprescribing clinic
Please download the NELFT Psychiatric drug deprescribing clinic flyer which gives details of this service.ERROR
School flu catch up clinics
Please find below the school flu catch-up clinics posters with dates and locations from Vaccination UK for each NEL borough, including the East London Mosque events they are running where they will be specifically offering the porcine-free flu injection.ERROR
Whipps Cross WX Maternity Self-Referral
Whipps Cross Maternity have been piloting an online pregnancy self-referral form and they are are now promoting a full launch. Please see attached and display in your practice the online referral form poster including a QR code for service users to scan and complete a self-referral form. DownloadsWhipps Cross Maternity self referral form poster
Serious Shortage Protocols for clarithromycin – extension/end
Due to the ongoing supply issues, we are extending the Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP053) currently in place for Clarithromycin 125mg/5ml oral suspension, which is due to end on 17 November 2023. ERROR
A Tier 3 Medicine Supply Notification (MSN) for: Rasagiline 1mg tablets
The contents of this MSN can be viewed on the Medicines Supply Tool. The Tool also details any changes to resupply dates and updates to the entries. To access the Tool you will be required to register with the SPS Website: https://www.sps.nhs.uk/ DownloadsMedicine supply notification
C&H/Newham/TH – Enhancing patient care through air quality awareness training
Our Air pollution and air quality training sessions, developed with clean air charity Global Action Plan, are specifically designed for healthcare professionals committed to expanding their practice beyond the clinic. This initiative is part of the Air Quality Project, funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), focusing on the crucial area […]
To action – Updated messaging for your practice website and voicemails
With winter fast approaching we are keen to ensure that patients across north east London are receiving clear and consistent information about how they can access services out of hours. DownloadsFind the right NHS care campaign toolkit 2023-24 October 2023
BHRUT – GP radiology request form guidance
The BHRUT radiology request form has been shared previously, but we know that not all surgeries can access the updated forms and we get a large number of queries relating to incorrect radiology request forms, so we have listed some points below to help practices.DownloadsBHRUT GP radiology request form
Optometrist Referrals to Ophthalmology – Single Point of Access (SPoA) for City and Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest
On 30 October 2023 a new single point of access for optometrist referrals was made available for the Inner North East London boroughs. The outer boroughs have an existing services which remains unchanged.ERROR
Infection prevention and control team newsletter – November 2023
Please download the November 2023 edition of the infection prevention and control team newsletter.DownloadsNEL ICB IPC Newsletter November 2023
BHRUT build a new service for patients who have simple, stable fractures
The BHRUT orthopaedics team have been working hard to build a new service for our patients who have simple, stable fractures who do not need to be seen in our virtual or face to face fracture clinics.DownloadsBHRUT fracture virtual treatment pathways
PH S7A Letter to NHS Professionals re Termination of London eRedbook pilot – NEL plan to extend
Further communication via email from NHS England, London on 9 Nov 2023 indicated the decommission of the eRedbook (supported by Sitekit) across London from 31 Dec 2023.ERROR
C&H – Competencies for General Practice Nurses and General Practice Nursing Associates
City and Hackney GP Confederation has recently completed a huge project to create a comprehensive competency framework for General Practice Nurses and General Practice Nursing Associates.ERROR
Clinicians from North East London join new academy to tackle CVD
Ten clinicians from North East London have joined UCLPartners’ CVD Academy, launched on 7 November. The Academy will equip colleagues with the skills to lead implementation of innovation projects that aim to reduce deaths related to Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). CVD accounts for a quarter of all deaths in the UK and is a major driver of […]
Primary Care Update – Multidisciplinary Rapid Access Diagnostic Clinic (MRADC) at Barts Health – November 2023
We are writing to update you on referring to the MRADC clinic (also known as rapid diagnostic clinic, RDC) at Barts Health. We apologise for the confusion in our last communications which informed GPs that this clinic was paused. ERROR
November 2023 – Latest diphtheria briefing note from UKHSA
Please find attached the latest UKHSA briefing note on diphtheria.DownloadsUpdated recommendations for the control of diphtheria 9 November 2023
Healthier You, NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme Update
Following a national procurement exercise, we are transitioning providers for the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme from Xyla Health & Wellbeing to Thrive Tribe. Xyla Health & Wellbeing will no longer accept referrals after 30 November 2023.ERROR
GP Practice Bypass numbers
The NEL Primary Care Team is working through practice telephone and generic email detail records and would like you to provide your practices latest details. ERROR
Switching to digital telephony contracts
As part of the Delivery Plan for Recovering Access to Primary Care, funding is being made available to all general practices that are still on analogue telephone lines, to transition to new digital telephony systems. In a letter published on Monday, practices that have signed up in principle to transition must sign contracts by 15 December to take […]
Allergy Clinic
If you are submitting a referral based on concerns about a patient’s potential allergy to covid vaccination, you MUST have read the national green book guidance on contraindications first. Please send your referral to : bartshealth.excel.vaccinations@nhs.net if they come under the green or amber category, and through eRS if they come under the red category […]
New Soft Tissue Sarcoma Hub and Spoke services in London
***Please note that this diagnostic pathway does not apply to Bone Sarcoma. ALL suspected BONE Sarcomas must be referred to the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital service ONLY***DownloadsSarcoma pathway
Infection prevention and control team newsletter – October 2023
Please download the latest edition of the Infection prevention and control team newsletterERROR
General practice and the use of CVDPREVENT audit data for purposes of the national obesity audit
The new National Obesity Audit (NOA) supports NHS England’s Long Term Plan commitment to build an evidence base for interventions for people who are overweight and living with obesity. For it to be successful, they require a link to primary care patient level data which will enable critical analysis of longitudinal weight change and improvement aims.DownloadsNHSE letter: The use […]
C&H – A look at the Transitional Pain Clinic at Homerton
In this short video, The Homerton Inpatient Pain team wants to give you a brief summary of their new Transitional Pain Clinic. The clinic is a telephone one and reviews patient that are discharged with newly prescribed strong opioids or gabapentinoids with the aim to support their weaning process. WThey want to give you an […]
C&H – Safeguarding children partnership training
The November edition of the City and Hackney Safeguarding Children Partnership is now available to download.ERROR
C&H – Heads Up – mental health services
Please display this poster in your surgery to highlight the Heads Up NHS mental health service in City and Hackney.ERROR
C&H – Oral Health Training event
Oral health training, provided by Kent Community Health team, will next take place next Thursday 23 November 13.00-13.45pm. ERROR
BHR – Health Equity Lead Role
BHR CEPN is currently seeking a Health Equity Lead to promote equity in primary healthcare service access. The ideal candidate would have a background in health, social care, other public sector, or voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sectors, or expertise in enhancing access to public services. You will be part of a team that […]
Patient Access To Medical Records
We would like to share the latest additional information that is coming through from NHSE / BMA etc, Dr Osman Bhatti has summarised this into one page of information which can be accessed using this linkERROR
Shingles Vaccination Programme Technical Guidance published
NHS England published a letter on 1 November confirming the 2023/24 national vaccinations and immunisations catch-up campaign will focus on measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). The campaign will run from November 2023 to March 2024 in two stages:ERROR
New Medical Certificate of Cause of Death for statutory medical examiner system
Ministers previously announced that the statutory medical examiner system will commence from April 2024. The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) and the Department of Health and Social Care are developing a digital Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) for England and Wales. Anyone involved completing or handling MCCDs in any capacity, can take part […]
There is still time to express an interest in having a GPN vocational training scheme trainee
The General Practice Nurse Vocational Training Scheme starts in January 2024. We have had a brilliant response to our advert for this scheme, now available to all practices across North East London ICB. With just under 100 applications, we are in the process of shortlisting and inviting prospective participants to a stakeholder event (held on […]
e-Referral Service (e-RS) – browser address change
e-RS web-based users should change the browser address (URL) they use to access e-RS by the end of November. NHSE’s guidance helps you implement the simple change. The system itself is not changing, just the URL you access it on. ERROR
Homerton’s early pregnancy service is moving
The early pregnancy and abortion care services at Homerton have moved location, from Tuke ward to the main hospital building. Patient communications and referral information will be updated, but please can you include the below in the next GP bulletin for their awareness. ERROR
BHRUT: Children’s helpline
BHRUT’s children’s helpline and the advice routes are as below:ERROR
BHRUT – Frailty line pilot
The BHRUT Frailty line pilot opened yesterday 30 October.ERROR
BHR – Community Respiratory Service referral feedback survey
The BHR community respiratory service are looking for your feedback on there service. ERROR
THT integrated care awards – deadline 6 November
A final reminder to nominate a colleague or team for the 2023 THT Staff Integrated Care awards. Join us as we celebrate the 2nd annual Tower Hamlets Together ‘Integrated Care’ Awards. This virtual event aims to celebrate the fantastic work accomplished over the last year which has not gone unnoticed.ERROR
Primary Care 111 feedback for NHS Pathways
The NHS Pathways team at NHS England is currently reviewing all NHS 111 Primary Care dispositions (the triage endpoint that specifies level of care and timeframe). The overall aim of the work is to better align with the realities of current service delivery. ERROR
Pressure in our system
I am writing at a time when I know that the demands on general practice services and in the community are high.DownloadsFind the right NHS care campaign toolkit 2023-24
General practice improvement programme Q&A webinar
Dear ColleaguesDownloadsFlyer
Giving patients online access to new GP health record entries by 31 October
Nearly two thirds of GP practices provide patients with online access to new health record entries and by 31 October, all practices are required to do so.ERROR
New arrangements for supply of COVID-19 tests
From Monday 6 November COVID-19 lateral flow devices will be available free of charge from community pharmacies for patients who are potentially eligible for COVID-19 treatments. This will replace the online and telephone ordering service that has been provided by UKHSA. ERROR
FREE FIT webinars for clinicians
Gateway C will be hosting a webinar on 8 November covering the FIT pathway specifically for primary care clinicians. The webinar will host clinical specialists discussing the clinical guidelines for FIT and how primary care professionals can best support patients. ERROR
Oxygen safety message for patients
The London Clinical Oxygen Network has reported that there is a high rise of people purchasing oxygen online. There are several health and safety risks associated with administering oxygen without proper clinical assessment or guidance. Please promote the oxygen safety poster in the waiting area/noticeboards at the practice to raise awareness of the correct protocol […]
Antenatal vaccinations during the autumn vaccine programme
NHS England’s letter from last month asks that vaccinations for flu, COVID-19 and pertussis are offered at the same time. It explains that there is no national call/recall system and local services should ensure that all pregnant women are informed of their eligibility as part of routine care.ERROR
GP Direct Access Survey 2023 – closes 3 November
To help shape the future direction of the programme and inform engagement with general practice, NHS England has developed a brief GP Direct Access Survey for GPs. This explores current levels of awareness of the programme, what other tests GPs may find it useful to be granted direct access to, and how they can most […]
BHRUT frailty virtual ward
BHRUT launched their Frailty Virtual Ward on Monday 11 September 2023. DownloadsFrailty virtual ward flyer
BHRUT – ‘Not our Patient’ correspondence
GP practices send BHRUT letters back when the correspondence relates to patients that are not registered with their practice. Up until now, these letters were coming through via the post. BHRUT now have a dedicated email address for BHRUT Outpatient Clinic letters. The email is: bhrut.gpletternop@nhs.net DownloadsNot our patient message flyer
Optometry Referral Pathway update 18 December 2023
NHS North East London has introduced an alternative NHS referral pathway, for patients registered with GP practices in City and Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest.DownloadsReferral pathway guidance for optometristsEvidence based Intervention policyWaltham Forest Community glaucoma serviceChoice guide for Optometrist referrals
Primary care IT funding update
IT funding updateERROR
NHS App Guidance for GP Practices.
The London Digital First has produced the NHS App Guidance for GP Practices. Download the guidance doc and you can also access it on FutureNHS here. DownloadsGP practice guidance on using the NHS App
National supply shortages of medicines for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
The Department of Health and Social Care has announced there is a national supply shortage of the medications for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).ERROR
Important information on shingles and flu programmes and vaccines in pregnancy for noting and action
Please note and act on the information given below: ERROR
Primary Care Telephony Comms
The use of a cloud-based digital telephone system within general practice provides several benefits, from queue handling and call routing to call-back functionality, whilst allowing for greater integration with clinical systems. DownloadsGP notification letter
New pathway and provider: CV-19 Therapeutics for non-hospitalised patients
Please download the information for GPs about the new pathways and providers of COVID-19 therapeutics for non-hospitalised patients. ERROR
Vaccination programme: shingles and COVID-19
New shingles vaccination technical guidance outlines the requirements for the programme and provides information on eligible cohorts, the clinical codes required to record shingles vaccination events and how payments will be supported through the General Practice Extraction Service.ERROR
Transforming Cancer Services team – TCST newsletter – autumn 2023
Please download the latest edition of the Transforming Cancer Services Team newsletter.ERROR
Reminder of referral process to Rheumatology Service at Homerton Hospital
A reminder that referrals to the Homerton Rheumatology Service is via the advice and refer option only on e-RS from Tuesday 24 October 2023. The Advice and Guidance service will be closed from Friday 20 October 2023 to transition for advice requests to come through the Advice and Refer option. Please select ‘Advice’ under request type on […]
Notice to GPs for Information (City and Hackney/Newham/Tower Hamlets/Waltham Forest)
A single point of access (SPoA) for optometrist referrals is shortly to go live on the 30 October. This will allow community Optometrists to refer directly to Secondary care without the need for a GP referral. Please read the attached information sheet for further details. DownloadsPathway from community optometrists to ophthalmology in NEL
Tower Hamlets Together Staff ‘Integrated Care’ Awards 2023
Do you know of a colleague or team deserving of a Tower Hamlets Together Award? If so, don’t miss your chance to nominate. ERROR
BHRUT – updating patient details in practice clinical systems.
When GPs and practice staff are updating patient details and demographics, please ensure this information is entered on the practice clinical system (i.e. EMIS). ERROR
Registration authority newsletter – October 2023
Cervical Screening Management System (CSMS) readinessERROR
HIV GP Champions role
Fast-Track Cities London is a partnership working to end new HIV infections, put a stop to HIV-related stigma and discrimination, stop preventable deaths and improve the health, quality of life and well-being of people living with HIV across the capital. Primary care plays a crucial part in the success of achieving these goals. ERROR
Redbridge – Vaccination UK Flu and MMR catch-up clinic dates
It has been brought to my attention that one of the Vaccination UK 4-11 year old MMR/polio catch up clinics locations provided for Redbridge was incorrect. ERROR
4-11 year old MMR/polio catch up clinics during autumn 2023 half term
Details of Vaccination UK NEL flu and MMR catch-up clinic dates and locations for the autumn 2023 school half term. DownloadsVaccination UK autumn 2023 half term catch up clinics details
Urgent Suspected Cancer referral forms review deadline 26 October 2023
In January this year the Transforming Cancer Services Team for London (TCST) published the revised pan-London Urgent Suspected Cancer (USC) referral forms. The changes reflect feedback from primary and secondary care colleagues on how to better capture important clinical information that supports the urgent referral and investigation process.DownloadsTCST USC review 2023 – generic and tumour specific […]
National Survey on NHS App and proxy access
The NHS App is the team responsible for proxy access for parents to their children’s GP services are currently undertaking a round of user research to help build and improve proxy services. They would like to find out which on-line services GP practices offer as well as learning about how:ERROR
Age UK Redbridge, Barking & Havering nail cutting clinic
Age UK Redbridge, Barking & Havering have opened a nail cutting clinic. Many older people find it hard to cut their own toenails. This can lead to a risk of foot problems as well as being uncomfortable. Residents aged 50+ can now have their nails trimmed at the clinic operating from their premises in Ilford. They […]
BCG vaccination within 28 days of birth
Dear Practice Colleagues, ERROR
Find the right NHS care campaign – winter 2023
NHS North East London is running a communications campaign to help encourage residents to access the right NHS services over the winter period.DownloadsFind the right NHS care campaign toolkit 2023-24 October 2023
Tower Hamlets Primary Care Improvement Week
A huge thank you to our five Tower Hamlets host organisations – St Andrew’s, Bromley by Bow, Wellington Way, St Paul’s Way and XX Place for hosting a quality improvement event at their practice as part of the NEL Integrated Care System’s Primary Care Improvement event last week. ERROR
Want to save money on electric vehicle chargepoints?
The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles have the following grants available: DownloadsWCS GP poster
Covid-19 treatments and referrals
Treatments for Covid-19ERROR
New training to improve access to services for people experiencing multiple disadvantage and co-occurring conditions
The Homeless Health London Partnership and aneemo staff training and development company are proud to announce a new free training course designed to improve health and social care services for people facing multiple disadvantage. The new e-learning course is now open for enrolment and provides client-facing practitioners with valuable insights into the lived experiences of […]
Type 1 diabetes peer support tool
NHS England and Diabetes UK has produced a peer support tool for people living with type 1 diabetes enables clinicians and people looking for additional support to search for local peer support groups. ERROR
Asylum Seekers in Contingency Accommodation – Diphtheria enhanced surveillance study
Dear All,DownloadsDiphtheria in Asylum seekers Arriving on small boats to SE England20230915BN2023026Diphtheria V0100
BHRUT: New non-emergency patient transport service
To all GP Practices; ERROR
Winter vaccinations communications materials
Please find the NHS north east London Covid-19 and flu communications toolkit attached and links to materials below. DownloadsFlu and COVID-19 vaccination comms toolkit
Antenatal vaccinations during the autumn vaccine programme
To ensure as many people as possible are vaccinated by the end of October, our letter asks that vaccinations for flu, COVID-19 and pertussis are offered at the same time. It explains that there is no national call/recall system and local services should ensure that all pregnant women are informed of their eligibility as part […]
Access to medication for end of life care from community pharmacies (spreadsheet updated)
Following our recent article on access to medication for EoL care, please note that the contact details spreadsheet has now been updated please discard any list that may have been downloaded.DownloadsEol community pharmacies contact details
GP Improvement Programme – Intermediate support offer to help practices implement ‘modern general practice’.
We are writing to make you aware that there are still opportunities for practices to benefit from the GP Improvement Programme Intermediate Support Offer later this year. This tailored ‘hands on’ support is available to practices to help implement modern general practice and realise benefits quickly. The Intermediate offer involves three months of support with […]
Assets for online EoL and palliative care survey
Following our article on shaping end of life and palliative care across north east London were we are asking people across north east London to complete an online survey so we can understand the things that help and the things that don’t, so that we can develop services that are more sensitive to people’s differing needs, cultures and […]
Change to Newham foot health service
From 29 September, the Newham Foot Health service will no longer be operating from its Stratford base in Ferns Road. Going forward, the service will be provided from its two other sites: Shrewsbury Road Health Centre in the north of the borough and Appleby Road Health Centre in the south of the borough.ERROR
2023 optometry referral pathway update
NHS North East London will be introducing an alternative NHS referral pathway, for patients registered with GP practices in City and Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest.ERROR
QOF Cholesterol Control and Lipid Management guidance
‘Cholesterol Control and Lipid Management’ was introduced to QOF this year, designed to support high-risk CVD patients who could benefit from further combination therapies. DownloadsQOF Cholesterol control
COVID-19 testing policy update – changes to order and supply
NHS England (NHSE) have written to inform you that, as of the 1 October 2023, the ordering and supply of Lateral Flow Devices (LFD), will transition from UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to NHS England. This is in line with previous letters regarding NHS testing policy and guidance.DownloadsNHSE letter re: Covid-19 testing policy update
Primary care professionals in north east London shortlisted for the General Practice Awards
The General Practice Awards recognises the hard work of GPs, nurses, pharmacists, practice managers and professionals who are making real change to their local area. This year, north east London has been shortlisted in an impressive five categories!ERROR
RAAC and the primary care estate
This fact sheet sets out the DHSC position on the presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in the NHS. RAAC is a lightweight form of precast concrete, frequently used in public sector buildings in the UK from the mid-1950s to the mid-1990s.ERROR
Sexual safety in healthcare – organisational charter
On 4 September 2023, NHS England launched its first ever sexual safety charter in collaboration with key partners across the healthcare system. While individual employers need to have measures in place for staff to report their experiences and ensure that support is available, NHSE are also taking action with partners nationally to ensure the NHS […]
UKHSA – Urgent public health message – outbreak of food botulism in France involving a number of British nationals
This is an urgent public health message to all front-line clinicians regarding an outbreak of food botulism involving a number of British nationals. The outbreak has been linked to consumption of home-prepared sardines served by a restaurant in Bordeaux, France called the Tchin Tchin Wine Bar, between 4 and 10 September 2023.ERROR
Ensuring blood and organ donation decisions are recorded
Since October 2021, patients’ blood and organ donation preferences are no longer being processed through GP practices. For practices using an old patient registration form, it is important not to include questions about blood and organ donation preferences in it. This will avoid the risk of a patient recording preferences on forms that are not […]
Update – NELFT – CCT lead clinician mobile is now up and running
The lead clinician referral mobile for the Community Treatment Team (CTT), is now back up and running, the number is: 07808 364 472.ERROR
BHRUT – Advice and guidance telephone line for Neurology reminder
The Advice and guidance for Neurology is available on this number: 01708 435043.DownloadsAdvice and Guidance Telephone Line for Neurology
BHRUT – Royal College of Pathologists – Simple laboratory user survey
Barking Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals Trust is conducting an online survey to assess the level of satisfaction that their laboratory service provides for its users. ERROR
Important Safety Notice: Access to medication for end of life care from community pharmacies
We want to ensure that patients at the end of life are able to access the right end of life care (EoLC) medication when they need it. We have had a number of complaints from the families of patients who have struggled to access EoLC medication. This has caused significant distress for the patient family […]
Shaping end of life and palliative care across north east London
The NHS North East London end of life and palliative care team is inviting those with experience of end of life or palliative care to give their views. This may be from their own personal experience, their experiences caring for a family member, or from a bereavement in the last year. This may include children, […]
Request for information from practices not delivering the COVID-19 vaccination programme
Practices that are not delivering the COVID-19 vaccination service under the current enhanced service specification are reminded to share lists of eligible patients with their local commissioner where these patients cannot all be identified by national call/recall, so the commissioner can arrange alternative provision from another provider.ERROR
Shingles vaccination programme toolkit for GPs
As you will know the shingles vaccination programme changes come into effect today, 1 September 2023. DownloadsShingles vaccination programme GP toolkit for improving uptake
Legionella cases in Westminster
We have been informed that the North West London Health Protection Team is investigating Legionnaires’ Disease cases linked to the London Borough of Westminster. The cases are clustered around three potential geographical areas (postcodes: W1, SW/WC and W2/NW8). No common source(s) has been identified as yet.ERROR
Updated PGD for Smallpox v03.00
NHS England and NHS Improvement London Region has published an updated PGD on its website. This can be accessed at http://www.england.nhs.uk/london/immunis-team/ ERROR
NEL LeDeR Conference 2023- 21 September 2023
NHS NEL ICB in collaboration with the Adult Care Services across North East London are delivering a LeDeR Conference targeted at all Health and Social Care Practitioners, care providers, carers/ families and the voluntary sector.ERROR
Innovation to increase equality in MMR campaigns
In this webinar Dr Tehseen Khan (GP at Springhill practice) Cathren Armstrong (Health protection specialist) and Dr Muhammad Naqvi (GP at Woodgrange practice) share their innovative practice to reduce health inequalities in access to vaccinations. ERROR
Guidance on GP direct access to cancer diagnostic services
Guidance for all GP practices in England has been published to directly request fast-track cancer diagnostic tests, helping to cut down wait times. GP teams across England can ‘directly request CT scans, ultrasounds, or brain MRIs’ for patients with ‘concerning symptoms’.ERROR
Junior Doctors and Consultants Strike at same time – September and October
Junior doctors and consultants in England will jointly undertake four days of strike action in September and October. For the first time in the history of the NHS, there will be four days in which junior doctors and consultants coordinate industrial action. This is in addition to other days on which just juniors or just […]
Update to requirement for recording of flu vaccination events by PCN groupings
Following feedback from practices, the 2023/24 seasonal flu ES specification is being updated to amend the recording requirements for synergistically delivered flu vaccinations by PCN groupings (i.e. flu only clinics run by a PCN grouping). A PCN grouping’s constituent practices will now be able to elect to record flu only vaccination events in either their GP […]
Omnes cardiology and ultrasound services
Please be reminded that from 1 November 2023 Omnes north east London (NEL) cardiology and ultrasound services will stop receiving referrals via email and will only receive referrals via eRS, bringing them in line with the majority of other community services in NEL.ERROR
Updated PGD for HPV GBMSM v04.00a
NHS England – London has published an updated PGD on its website. This can be accessed at http://www.england.nhs.uk/london/immunis-team/ ERROR
NHS App – Resources to support increased usage
The NHS App allows patients to order their repeat prescriptions, which directly feeds into practice clinical systems, saving the practice the effort required to manually re-enter them and avoiding errors. ERROR
Aquatic Activity and Swimming for Health programme
New session promotes health benefits of aquatics and swimmingERROR
bite-sized’ health and social care staff online diabetes training
Based on feedback from diabetes health care professionals in north east London, we have partnered with Cambridge Diabetes Education Programme to offer free, ‘bite-sized’ health and social care staff online diabetes training which can be accessed at any time. The aim is to improve knowledge, boost confidence and promote safer patient care.ERROR
NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme update & Conversations Inviting Change Webinar (19 Sept)
Since the NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme service launched on 28 June 2023, 254 referrals have been made to the programme and currently 66 practices are referring across NEL. Thanks to your efforts so far currently NEL has referred the greatest number of eligible patients to the T2DR Programme across all of […]
BHRUT Stakeholder update – 1 December
This week’s edition talks of the launch of the new Community diagnostic eye centre, improving access to urgent care.DownloadsBHRUT update – 11 July 2023BHRUT update – 9 June 2023
Suicide Alliance Suicide Awareness training
Suicide Alliance Suicide Awareness training https://www.zerosuicidealliance.com/suicide-awareness-training ERROR
BHRUT – Coffee, Cancer and Conversation meet-up
BHRUT are running a Coffee, Chat with their Advance Care Planning Nurse Specialist Tiffany. This is for current patients being treated for cancer. ERROR
Update on multidisciplinary rapid access clinic at Barts Health
Barts apologise for pausing the Multidisciplinary Rapid Access Clinic (MDRAC) service at very short notice on 18 August. This was due to severe and unforeseen staff shortages and was done to protect patients.ERROR
Winter vaccinations system update
Winter vaccinations update for GP bulletin ERROR
Aspiring to Partnership Programme
Londonwide LMCs have developed a brand-new and exciting course for those who are aspiring to, or new to becoming a partner in general practice. The course aims to give you the knowledge and skills required to effectively run a GP practice so that you are better prepared for the challenges associated with this rewarding career […]
BHRUT: Suspected Cancer Pathway (2ww) for Breast referrals is moving to Directly Bookable on e-RS
From 1 September 2023 the process for Breast Suspected Cancer referrals (2ww) will change and become directly bookable on e-RS.ERROR
Proposed changes to eye surgery in North Central London
The NHS in North Central London (NCL) has developed proposals which will allow an estimated additional 3,000 eye (ophthalmology) surgery procedures to take place a year and reduce waits for sight saving surgery for some patients by up to four weeks.ERROR
NHS England – London has published an updated imms PGD on its website.
NHS England – London has published an updated PGD on its website. This can be accessed at http://www.england.nhs.uk/london/immunis-team/ ERROR
Patient choice
All parts of the NHS have an important role to play in delivering patient choice, which has been a regulatory requirement since 2012, collaborating across primary and secondary care to provide better care for patients. Enabling patients to make choices that better suit them, and their recovery, is something we can all support and much […]
Bart’s Multidisciplinary Rapid Access Clinic (MDRAC) to pause for 3 months
Due to unexpected severe staff shortages (we are currently in a position where we have no full-time equivalents available), the Bart’s Multidisciplinary Rapid Access Clinic (MDRAC), which is also known as the Rapid Diagnostic Centre RDC and Non Site Specific NSS Cancer pathway, is being paused from Friday 18 August 2023 and will not be able to accept […]
BHRUT – Important update for GPs on dermatology
BHRUT is receiving high volumes of urgent suspected cancer dermatology referrals. In July, the service received over 658 suspected cancer referrals and weekly referrals in August is 150 per week. ERROR
Modernising cancer waiting time standards
The NHS has issued communications to announce that they are modernising cancer waiting time standards. From 1 October 2023, the NHS will move from the 10 different standards in place now to three, which are:ERROR
Moorfields at Stratford – Update
A new comprehensive diagnostic and treatment eye care hub in Stratford has been opened. All ophthalmology services and patients previously hosted at the Sir Ludwig Guttman site have been transferred to the new Moorfields at Stratford site, on Broadway.DownloadsMoorfields letter re transfer of premises
Staff leavers guidance: IT and Smartcard process
A reminder that practice managers should complete the GP IT leavers form and email it to the NHS North East London IT team (itservicedesk.nelicb@nhs.net) at least three working days before a staff member’s leaving day. DownloadsGP IT leavers form
NEL Diabetes Workforce Education Programme
DownloadsNEL Diabetes Workforce Education Programme – 23-24
NEL Long COVID 2023/24 Training Schedule for Health and Care Professionals
Further to the launch of our Long COVID Community of Practice on 9 November 2021, we have set up a dedicated online hub of resources and training for all health and care professionals working with long COVID patients in North East London. DownloadsLong COVID flyer
Register with a GP surgery service, Practice webinar – 20 Sept 4.30pm – 5.30pm
Further to our previous article: New national online GP registration service used by 1 in 5 practices NHSE are running a webinar for practice staff to learn about the benefits of the service.ERROR
COVID-19 Therapeutics for Non-Hospitalised Patients – New Pathways and Providers
Community-based treatments have been accessible to NEL patients since December 2021. ERROR
New national online GP registration service used by 1 in 5 practices
Since the launch of the Primary Care Access Recovery Plan in May, uptake of the service has increased from 750 to over 1200 practices (around 1 in 5 nationally) and over 350,000 successful registrations have been submitted using the online form. Practices are using the service within every ICB in England.ERROR
London Region Health Protection Team contact number is changing
Please note that from Wednesday 30 August the London Region Health Protection Team telephone number will be changing to: 0300 30 30 450.ERROR
Delivering operational resilience across the NHS this winter
Please note the below letter which sets out the national approach to 2023/24 winter planning, and the key steps we must take together across all parts of the system to meet the challenges ahead.ERROR
Constipation in people with a learning disability
To help prevent, recognise and treat constipation in people with a learning disability, NHS Englands’s new resources are for primary care settings to facilitate conversations about constipation, and to ensure swift treatment and improved outcomes. ERROR
Webinar – Innovation to promote equality in MMR campaigns Monday 21 August, 5pm to 6.30pm
This webinar will share innovative practice to increase equality of access in MMR catch-up campaigns, including lessons from the COVID-19 vaccine rollout and opportunities to make every contact count. It is aimed at GPs and general practice staff, vaccination and regional equalities leads, public health officers, and communications and engagement leads working to increase uptake of childhood […]
BHR CEPN Primary Care Bulletin – 2 August 2023
Please fine below a link to the latest CEPN primary care bulletin. There are a number of useful training and webinar programmes in this newsletter. ERROR
Updated PGD for LAIV
NHS England London has published an updated PGD on its website. This can be accessed at www.england.nhs.uk/london/immunis-team/ ERROR
Junior Doctors and Consultants strike (August 2023)
Thank you for all your efforts to support the system during the NHS strike days this year. The British Medical Association (BMA) has announced that junior doctors will take part in strike action for five days from 7am on Friday 11 August until 06.59am on Tuesday 15 August and hospital consultants will be striking on 24 and […]
Be Body Positive tool
Did you know 3 out of 4 children as young as 12 dislike their bodies and are embarrassed by the way they look? What’s more, the number of children and young people admitted to hospital with eating disorders has increased by 35% over the past year. Early intervention is absolutely key to supporting young people showing […]
Primary Care Antenatal Care – Important Information for Primary and Secondary Care providers
The Health and Safety Board (HSIB) have recently investigated a number of antenatal care cases which involved a potential key risk associated with the primary care-maternity care interface. ERROR
Supporting patients with a learning disability and autistic people
NHSE has produced a clinical guide for frontline staff that sets out responsibilities to ensure that people with a learning disability and autistic people receive good care. It includes points that should be considered when assessing and treating patients and advice on day-to-day management. ERROR
Resources to support the Data Accreditation and Improvement Incentive Scheme
The Clinical Effectiveness Group (CEG) at Queen Mary University of London has released a webinar recording and fact file to help you start work on Phase 1 of the scheme. The incentive scheme is jointly led by CEG and the NEL quality team to reward improving your data on practice roles and consultation types as […]
NHSE Controlled Drugs Newsletter – winter edition
Please find below the Winter 2023 newsletter from the NHS England London Region Controlled Drug Accountable Office (CDAO) team. DownloadsControlled drugs newsletter – Winter editionControlled drugs newsletter (summer edition)
Wait well, Stay well site for patients
NHS NEL has recently launched a website for NHS patients, to help them manage their health and wellbeing, called ‘Wait well, Stay well.’ERROR
BHR – Simple Wound Care – updated site information
There have been changes to the available sites in the Simple Wound Care pilot. Please see attached patient leaflet and frequently asked questions with the updated information. Downloads Simple wound care – FAQ Simple wound care – Patient Information leaflet
All GP Clinical Directors now appointed for north east London
We are pleased to update you that all the Clinical Directors for the north east London place partnerships have now been confirmed, following the final appointment of Dr Narinderjit Kullar in Havering. They all began in their new roles in August. The appointments are: Dr Rami Hara, GP and Clinical Director for Barking and Dagenham […]
2023 optometry referral pathway update
NHS North East London will be introducing an alternative NHS referral pathway, for patients registered with GP practices in City and Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest. Note: Optometrists with patients registered Barking & Dagenham, Havering and Redbridge will continue to refer to the current single point of access for those areas provided by […]
Polio patient specific directions
The National PGDs have been published to support the delivery of the campaign; these can be accessed via the following links– hexavalent vaccine, Revaxis and Boostrix IPV. Practices and other providers must complete sections 2 and 7 before vaccination commences. NHS NEL has also published template Patient Specific Directions (PSDs) (Polio vaccine PSD general information for prescribers and […]
Patient choice guidance
Healthcare professionals have a key role to play in helping meet the statutory and policy commitments which support patients to exercise greater choice and control over their healthcare.
Jitsu vax training
This training provides evidence based training to improve confidence and competence when having vaccine conversations. Training includes motivational interviewing to address hesitancy and dispel myths and misinformation.
Six to eight week maternal postnatal consultation
This new NHS guidance, asks family doctors to provide personalised postnatal care for the physical and mental health of new mothers, and to support them with family planning.
Pharmacy opening hours for Christmas and New Year Holidays 2023/2024
Opening hours for pharmacies in London which have been asked to open over the Christmas and New Year Bank Holiday Days.
Junior Doctors Strikes in December and January
Between 20-23 December and 3-9 January, junior doctors who are members of the British Medical Association (BMA) will stage their latest rounds of industrial action.
Homerton Healthcare – General Paediatrics RAS
To provide a better patient experience, the Homerton Paediatric team have proposed introducing a Referral Assessment Service (RAS) on eRS for General Paediatric referrals.
Bank Holiday Opening Hours of Community Pharmacies commissioned to provide End of Life Care Medicines
On Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day, there will be two community pharmacies in operation which are commissioned to provide End of Life Care medicines in North East London
NHSE Primary Care bulletin – 21 December
NHS England and NHS Improvement publish a frequent bulletin for primary care covering all guidance and information published for general practice, pharmacy, dental and optical.
End of the eRedbook in north east London
It is with significant regret that following the decommissioning of the eRedbook across London from 31 Dec 2023
Independent review of all non-coronial deaths
All healthcare providers including GP practices should establish processes for referring deaths to medical examiner offices.
National Primary Care webinar on online consultation
This event will provide critical insights into the evolving model of primary care and is particularly relevant for GPs and colleagues working in primary care.
NEL NHS Reservists Programme is ready to support your workforce requirements!
East London NHS Foundation Trust will continue supporting NHS Trusts, PCNs and Community Pharmacies in North East London by supplying Clinical & Admin staff.
Optometry Referral Pathway update 18 December 2023
NHS North East London has introduced an alternative NHS referral pathway, for patients registered with GP practices in City and Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest.
Prescribing influenza antiviral medicines
UKHSA surveillance data indicates that influenza is circulating in the community.
Primary care prompt sheet re call and recall
Please find attached a help/ prompt sheet from NHSE which you may choose to use when having conversations with parents about missed vaccinations.
Rheumatology Referrals to Homerton
A reminder that since 24 October 2023 referrals to the Homerton Rheumatology Service are via the advice and refer option on e-RS
BHRUT – ‘What a headache’ public event – Wednesday 21 February
BHRUT has organised an event for migraine sufferers, the event will be focusing on sharing tips to manage migraines.
Sites in BHR still offering walk in Covid-19 Vaccinations
The National Covid-19 Booking Service closed last week
Newham: The Michael Palin Centre for Stammering
The Michael Palin Centre for Stammering (MPC) has a contract with Newham CCG to provide a speech and language therapy service to Newham school-aged children who stammer aged 7+.
Welcoming the new national vaccination strategy in NEL
The strategy brings together all vaccination programmes, for the first time, to protect communities and save lives.
BHRUT – Virtual treatment pathways for simple fractures
Virtual Treatment Pathways support people, who would otherwise be booked into the hospital’s trauma and orthopaedics outpatient appointment, to look after their care and treatment they need in their own home or usual place of residence.
Frequent callers briefing from London Ambulance Service
As we approach the winter months, there is an opportunity for LAS and ICBs to support high intensity users and reduce calls to 999 and emergency admissions.
NHSE Controlled Drugs Newsletter – winter edition
Please download the latest edition
Junior Doctors Strikes in December and January
Between 20-23 December and 3-9 January, junior doctors who are members of the British Medical Association (BMA) will stage their latest rounds of industrial action.
National GP awards: Congratulations to Richmond Road Medical Centre
This is the practice’s seventh consecutive year at the awards and they were also shortlisted as finalists for GP team of the year.
NHS NEL GP DPO Newsletter
On the SharePoint site we are also publishing a monthly newsletter to capture a roundup of information governance news and developments which we think may be of help to practices, especially to your IG leads and IG champions.
Please ensure that this email is shared with practice colleagues who work on immunisation programmes – including Borough primary care leads, practice managers, GP clinical imms leads, practice nurses
The details of the 23/24 GP annual immunisation campaign have been published
Waiting list information on e-RS and the NHS App
From Tuesday 12 December, the waiting time to treatment methodology used within e-RS will change to reflect the mean (average) waiting time.
Availability of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RAs) for managing obesity
The prescribing of GLP-1 RAs (Wegovy® and Saxenda®) for obesity in primary care goes against the recommendation of NICE (and is not supported by North East London ICB).
BHR – Weight management services (updated Barking and Dagenham infographic)
The London Boroughs of Redbridge, Barking & Dagenham and Havering have developed infographics to demonstrate what universal services and what Tier 1 and Tier 2 weight management services are available to our residents.
BHR – GP winter pack 2023-24 – updated
This winter pack brings together details for services and pathways in place to help practices access the right care for patients.
NELFT- Catheter advice line
A new advice line has been introduced to provide patients living with a catheter access to care and advice to help them manage any issues they may be facing.
BHRUT: Referrals to GP Direct Access Independent Sector Community Diagnostic Services and Omnes eRS guides
GPs wishing to refer patients to community diagnostic services are reminded that they only need to make the referral through the IS (community services) providers route and should not have to make a ‘duplicate’ referral to BHRUT
Tower Hamlets GP Practice is awarded Gold Green Impact For Health Award
The RCGP Green Impact for Health Toolkit is designed to provide practical advice and tips to general practices across the UK, that want to improve their sustainability.
Updates in Lipid Management in Primary Care webinar
The webinar will provide clinicians with information on identifying opportunities in lipid optimisation.
The NHS App is changing
The NHS App has been redesigned to make it more intuitive and simpler for patients to find and access services. Patients will be asked to update their app from mid December.
Local winter wellness guides
NHS North East London has worked with local authorities in each borough to create winter wellness guides for vulnerable residents.
GP veteran friendly practice accreditation
Become a veteran friendly practice in NEL. Sign up with RCGP takes 20 minutes and it’s free. It helps veterans feel supported, and it’s positive evidence towards CQC inspections as well.
Vaccination UK school-aged immunisations clinics
A list of school age vaccination clinics for flu catch ups, and in some boroughs MMR, HPV and other vaccination catch ups too.
Tower Hamlets: Foundations in Motivational Interviewing Training: a focus on vaccine hesitancy
Do you have conversations with the residents in Tower Hamlets that may help their understanding and decision on uptake of Vaccinations for them and their family?
Redbridge: Thrive Tribe is running 45-minute webinars to explain the new NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme
When you sign up to the webinar you’ll learn how to support patients to prevent type 2 diabetes.
Autumn/Winter 23/24 COVID-19 and Flu Campaign Timing
In the JCVI statement for the Autumn 2023 COVID-19 vaccination programme, it was advised “to optimise protection over the winter months, the autumn programme should aim to complete vaccination by early December 2023.
Decision support tools
These tools help patients to make a shared decision, with clinicians, about their treatment, care and support options.
Dental checks for care home patients
In response to enquiries in respect of how housebound patients access dental services, we have been advised that Kent Community NHS FT are the providers of Community Dental Services.
Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NHS DPP)
The Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NHS DPP) identifies those at high risk of Type 2 Diabetes and refers them onto a free, nine-month behaviour change programme. The programme is a joint commitment from NHS England, Public Health England and Diabetes UK.
Infection prevention and control team newsletter – November 2023
This edition includes: Education training session to promote awareness of MSSA.
Supporting immunisation uptake for the Jewish Community
To support the campaign a series of materials/resources that we would like you to use and display at your centres during the period of the campaign.
Barts – Adult squint/neuro-ophthalmology advice and refer service
Please download Barts Health three minute briefing for specialist advice.
ENT Services replacement at Royal London Hospital
As you are aware Communitas have been providing ENT services across North East London. However, there are Adult and Paediatric Emergency Services at Royal London Hospital site that are still available on eRS. These services will be closed on eRS and replaced with email two day triage service.
Hackney GP Surgery nominated for Sustainability category at the PrescQIPP National Annual Awards
NHS North East London would like to offer congratulations to Pharmacist Uzma Shaikh, GPs Dr Simirit Degun and Dr Darren Baker [pictured], based at Elsdale Street Surgery who were nominated for the PrescQIPP National Annual Awards in the ‘Sustainability’ category.
North East London Cancer Alliance Primary Care update: November 2023
The latest edition has now been published.
Whipps Cross WX Maternity Self-Referral
Whipps Cross Maternity have been piloting an online pregnancy self-referral form and they are are now promoting a full launch.
PCN – ARRS update
There have been a number of queries and issues in respect of the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) claims for this year. We would therefore like to clarify some of these issues and the process and timing for ARRS for 23/24.
Serious Shortage Protocols for clarithromycin – extension/end
Due to the ongoing supply issues, we are extending the Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP053) currently in place for Clarithromycin 125mg/5ml oral suspension, which is due to end on 17 November 2023.
NELFT Psychiatric drug deprescribing clinic
Please download the NELFT Psychiatric drug deprescribing clinic flyer
Transitional Funding to move to a Modern General Practice Model
We are writing both as a reminder to apply and to clarify the process.
North east London wins at the HSJ Awards
Two north east London projects won the “Innovation and Improvement in Reducing Healthcare Inequalities Award” and the “Medicines, Pharmacy and Prescribing Initiative of the Year” at the prestigious HSJ Awards.
BHRUT – GP radiology request form guidance
The BHRUT radiology request form has been shared previously, but we know that not all surgeries can access the updated forms and we get a large number of queries relating to incorrect radiology request forms, so we have listed some points below to help practices.
BHRUT build a new service for patients who have simple, stable fractures
The BHRUT orthopaedics team have been working hard to build a new service for our patients who have simple, stable fractures who do not need to be seen in our virtual or face to face fracture clinics.
Infection prevention and control team newsletter – November 2023
Please download the November 2023 edition.
To action – Updated messaging for your practice website and voicemails
We have developed some simpler messaging for your practice websites and voicemail messages covering how to access urgent and routine appointments.
PH S7A Letter to NHS Professionals re Termination of London eRedbook pilot – NEL plan to extend
We are pleased to advise that NEL is supporting the extension of the eRedbook across North East London.
Wait Well, Stay Well patient site
We are encouraging our GP and hospital consultant colleagues to direct patients to the website while they are waiting, it can provide them with information to help them to manage their condition and stay healthy.
C&H – Competencies for General Practice Nurses and General Practice Nursing Associates
City and Hackney GP Confederation has recently completed a huge project to create a comprehensive competency framework for General Practice Nurses and General Practice Nursing Associates.
Clinicians from North East London join new academy to tackle CVD
Ten clinicians from North East London have joined UCLPartners’ CVD Academy, launched on 7 November.
UCLPartners publishes Proactive Care Framework for Heart Failure
UCLPartners published a Proactive Care Framework for Heart Failure which has been developed to support the circa 600,000 people in the UK living with diagnosed heart failure.
November 2023 – Latest diphtheria briefing note from UKHSA
Please find attached the latest UKHSA briefing note on diphtheria.
Primary Care Update – Multidisciplinary Rapid Access Diagnostic Clinic (MRADC) at Barts Health – November 2023
We are writing to update you on referring to the MRADC clinic (also known as rapid diagnostic clinic, RDC) at Barts Health. We apologise for the confusion in our last communications which informed GPs that this clinic was paused.
C&H – Heads Up – mental health services
Please display this poster in your surgery to highlight the Heads Up NHS mental health service in City and Hackney.
General practice and the use of CVDPREVENT audit data for purposes of the national obesity audit
NHS England’s Long Term Plan commitment to build an evidence base for interventions for people who are overweight and living with obesity.
Infection prevention and control team newsletter – October 2023
Read the latest edition of the Infection prevention and control team newsletter.
New Soft Tissue Sarcoma Hub and Spoke services in London
A new diagnostic pathway has been developed for adult soft tissue sarcoma referrals in London.
Switching to digital telephony contracts
As part of the Delivery Plan for Recovering Access to Primary Care, funding is being made available to all general practices that are still on analogue telephone lines, to transition to new digital telephony systems.
C&H – Vaccination UK school-aged immunisation clinics
For any children that missed their school’s flu vaccination day, Vaccination UK are running five community clinics prior to the end of the school campaign.
C&H – Safeguarding children partnership training
The November edition of the City and Hackney Safeguarding Children Partnership is now available to download.
C&H – Oral Health Training event
Oral health training, provided by Kent Community Health team.
Allergy Clinic
if you are submitting a referral based on concerns about a patient’s potential allergy to covid vaccination, you MUST have read the national green book guidance on contraindications first.
GP Practice Bypass numbers
The NEL Primary Care Team is working through practice telephone and generic email detail records and would like you to provide your practices latest details.
C&H – A look at the Transitional Pain Clinic at Homerton
The Homerton Inpatient Pain team wants to give you a brief summary of their new Transitional Pain Clinic.
e-Referral Service (e-RS) – browser address change
e-RS web-based users should change the browser address (URL) they use to access e-RS by the end of November.
New Medical Certificate of Cause of Death for statutory medical examiner system
The NHS Business Services Authority and the Department of Health and Social Care are developing a digital Medical Certificate of Cause of Death for England and Wales.
Patient Access To Medical Records
The latest information has been summarised into one page.
Shingles Vaccination Programme Technical Guidance published
NHSE confirming the 2023/24 national vaccinations and immunisations catch-up campaign will focus on measles, mumps, and rubella.
Homerton’s early pregnancy service is moving
From Wednesday 1 November, the Early Pregnancy Service and Abortion Care Service at Homerton University Hospital are moving to the Emergency Gynaecology Unit.
BHRUT – Frailty line pilot
Looking for some advice and guidance on how best to manage a frail older patient (>65yrs) presenting in crisis?
BHRUT: Children’s helpline
Details on BHRUT’s children’s advice and guidance line
Pressure in our system
Currently Queen’s is at OPEL (Operational Pressures Escalation Levels) 4 which is the highest level with associated impacts on care, and KGH is on OPEL 3.
Antenatal vaccinations during the autumn vaccine programme
There is no national call/recall system and local services should ensure that all pregnant women are informed of their eligibility as part of routine care.
Giving patients online access to new GP health record entries by 31 October
Nearly two thirds of GP practices provide patients with online access to new health record entries and by 31 October, all practices are required to do so.
New arrangements for supply of COVID-19 tests
From Monday 6 November COVID-19 lateral flow devices will be available free of charge from community pharmacies for patients who are potentially eligible for COVID-19 treatments.
Oxygen safety message for patients
There are several health and safety risks associated with administering oxygen without proper clinical assessment or guidance.
BHRUT frailty virtual ward
The Frailty Virtual Ward team is currently taking referrals from within Queens or King George Hospital for patients who can benefit from an earlier discharge with Virtual Ward support.
BHRUT – ‘Not our Patient’ correspondence
BHRUT now have a dedicated mailbox for GPs to use for correspondence relating to patients that are no longer registered with you.
Optometry Referral Pathway update 20 October 2023
NHS North East London will be introducing an alternative NHS referral pathway, for patients registered with GP practices in City and Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest.
Primary care IT funding update
Info on funding for Covid laptop sim cards and Jayex.
Important information on shingles and flu programmes and vaccines in pregnancy for noting and action
Please note and act on the information given.
National supply shortages of medicines for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
The current availability of different medication is fluid as the situation continues to change.
New pathway and provider: CV-19 Therapeutics for non-hospitalised patients
Download new pathway and provider.
NHS App Guidance for GP Practices.
The document is interactive so you can navigate directly to an area of interest, and use it as a modular tool.
Primary Care Telephony Comms
The use of a cloud-based digital telephone system within general practice provides several benefits, from queue handling and call routing to call-back functionality, whilst allowing for greater integration with clinical systems.
Transforming Cancer Services team – TCST newsletter – autumn 2023
Please download the latest edition of the Transforming Cancer Services Team newsletter.
Vaccination programme: shingles and COVID-19
A new shingles vaccination technical guidance and updated Covid-19 PGD.
BHRUT – updating patient details in practice clinical systems.
When GPs and practice staff are updating patient details and demographics, please ensure this information is entered on the practice clinical system (i.e. EMIS).
Notice to GPs for Information (City and Hackney/Newham/Tower Hamlets/Waltham Forest)
A single point of access (SPoA) for optometrist referrals is shortly to go live on the 30 October. This will allow community Optometrists to refer directly to Secondary care without the need for a GP referral.
Registration Authority Newsletter – October 2023
Read the latest edition.
Reminder of referral process to Rheumatology Service at Homerton Hospital
A reminder that referrals to the Homerton Rheumatology Service is via the advice and refer option only on e-RS from Tuesday 24 October 2023.
4-11 year old MMR/polio catch up clinics during autumn 2023 half term
Details of Vaccination UK NEL flu and MMR catch-up clinic dates and locations for the autumn 2023 school half term.
BHR – Age UK Redbridge, Barking & Havering nail cutting clinic
Many older people find it hard to cut their own toenails. This can lead to a risk of foot problems as well as being uncomfortable. Residents aged 50+ can now have their nails trimmed at the clinic operating from their premises in Ilford.
BCG vaccination within 28 days of birth
Eligible babies should receive their BCG vaccination by 28 days old
National Survey on NHS App and proxy access
The NHS App is the team responsible for proxy access for parents to their children’s GP services are currently undertaking a round of user research to help build and improve proxy services.
Find the right NHS care campaign – winter 2023
NHS North East London is running a communications campaign to help encourage residents to access the right NHS services over the winter period.
Covid-19 treatments and referrals
Positive patients can self refer to the NEL CDMU for treatment
New training to improve access to services for people experiencing multiple disadvantage and co-occurring conditions
New free training course designed to improve health and social care services for people facing multiple disadvantage.
Want to save money on electric vehicle chargepoints?
Information on grants available from the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles.
Asylum Seekers in Contingency Accommodation – Diphtheria enhanced surveillance study
Asylum Seekers in Contingency Accommodation – Diphtheria enhanced surveillance study
Type 1 diabetes peer support tool
Peer support, alongside other support, helps people learn to live with their condition, giving them the confidence, knowledge and support required to manage the complexities of living with a long-term condition.
BHRUT: New non-emergency patient transport service
New service goes live on Sunday 1 October 2023
Access to medication for end of life care from community pharmacies (spreadsheet updated)
Please note that the contact details spreadsheet has now been updated please discard any list that may have been downloaded.
Antenatal vaccinations during the autumn vaccine programme
To ensure as many people as possible are vaccinated by the end of October, our letter asks that vaccinations for flu, COVID-19 and pertussis are offered at the same time.
GP Improvement Programme – Intermediate support offer to help practices implement ‘modern general practice’.
Please note that there are still opportunities for practices to benefit from the GP Improvement Programme Intermediate Support Offer later this year.
Winter vaccinations communications materials
Please find the NEL Covid-19 and flu communications toolkit and links to materials.
Change to Newham foot health service
From 29 September, the Newham Foot Health service will no longer be operating from its Stratford base in Ferns Road. Going forward, the service will be provided from its two other sites.
COVID-19 testing policy update – changes to order and supply
The ordering and supply of Lateral Flow Devices, will transition from UK Health Security Agency o NHS England.
Ensuring blood and organ donation decisions are recorded
For practices using an old patient registration form, it is important not to include questions about blood and organ donation preferences in it.
Launching 2023 NEL Primary care workforce awards
In collaboration across the NEL ICS Primary care team and NEL training hubs we extend a warm invitation for your participation in the NEL Primary Care Workforce Awards 2023.
Primary care professionals in north east London shortlisted for the General Practice Awards
The General Practice Awards recognises the hard work of GPs, nurses, pharmacists, practice managers and professionals who are making real change to their local area. This year, north east London has been shortlisted in an impressive five categories.
QOF Cholesterol Control and Lipid Management guidance
Practices should be aware: At the point data is collected to assess QOF achievement, patients will need to have a prescription for a statin/lipid lowering therapy on their records (CHOL001) and have a non-HDLC or LDLC reading at or below targets within the 12-month QOF Period (CHOL002).
Sexual safety in healthcare – organisational charter
While individual employers need to have measures in place for staff to report their experiences and ensure that support is available, NHSE are also taking action with partners nationally to ensure the NHS is a safe environment for all patients and staff.
UKHSA – Urgent public health message – outbreak of food botulism in France involving a number of British nationals
The outbreak has been linked to consumption of home-prepared sardines served by a restaurant in Bordeaux, France.
BHRUT – Advice and guidance telephone line for Neurology reminder
The advice and guidance service is provided by a Registrar and supervised by a Consultant. This daily line will be in addition to the 24/7 on call consultant via switchboard.
BHRUT – Royal College of Pathologists – Simple laboratory user survey
The core of the survey is just one screen of simple questions with tick-box answers. It is designed primarily to deliver a numeric Key Performance Indicator to assist commissioners and others to judge the quality of their service, and how it changes over time.
bite-sized’ health and social care staff online diabetes training
Based on feedback from diabetes health care professionals we are offering free, ‘bite-sized’ health and social care staff online diabetes training which can be accessed at any time.
RAAC and the primary care estate
Privately owned primary care estate is not part of the national programme. NHSE has issued RAAC guidance to private landlords.
Important Safety Notice: Access to medication for end of life care from community pharmacies
We want to ensure that patients at the end of life are able to access the right end of life care (EoLC) medication when they need it.
Request for information from practices not delivering the COVID-19 vaccination programme
Practices that are not delivering the COVID-19 vaccination service under the current enhanced service specification are reminded to share lists of eligible patients with their local commissioner.
Updated PGD for Smallpox v03.00
NHS England and NHS Improvement London Region has published an updated PGD on its website.
Next Havering Place based Partnership Showcase event: BHR Frailty Virtual Ward
Everyone is welcome to attend the presentation which will focus on the new frailty virtual ward service, that is being launched in September.
Shingles vaccination programme toolkit for GPs
A toolkit that NHSE has created that details the changes coming in and other relevant information and materials, to encourage high uptake of eligible patients.
Legionella cases in Westminster
Urgent environmental investigations are in progress to identify a potential source. In addition, it is important that any other cases are identified, treated and reported promptly.
Innovation to increase equality in MMR campaigns
View a recording of this webinar.
Shaping end of life and palliative care across north east London
Please share this information on your practice website, with your staff and patients in your borough.
Guidance on GP direct access to cancer diagnostic services
GP teams across England can ‘directly request CT scans, ultrasounds, or brain MRIs’ for patients with ‘concerning symptoms’.
Junior Doctors and Consultants Strike at same time – September and October
Junior doctors and consultants in England will jointly undertake four days of strike action in September and October. For the first time in the history of the NHS, there will be four days in which junior doctors and consultants coordinate industrial action. This is in addition to other days on which just juniors or just consultants will be on strike.
Junior doctors will strike on 20, 21, 22 September, and 2, 3, 4 October. Consultants will strike on 19 and 20 September and 2, 3 and 4 October.
Industrial action by junior doctors from 11 – 15 August saw 61,200 rescheduled acute inpatient and outpatient appointments and procedures in England.
The number of staff absent from work due to strikes peaked on 11 August with 23,682. The cumulative total of acute rescheduled inpatient and outpatient appointments and procedures over eight months of industrial action across the NHS now stands at 839,327.
As a system we have put in additional capacity to support front door, emergency care, GP hubs, and community services working with our partners.
We are aware of the sustained additional daily demands that are made upon general practice and that this is likely to be exacerbated by the further industrial action.
We would like to take the opportunity to reiterate the following points to use as a guide to help with your local planning.
As you do throughout the year, report by exception to your local primary care team any practice issues which may impact your ability to run as normal e.g. workforce issues such as sickness.
Continue to make your 111 slots available ensuring there is late morning and afternoon utilisation.
Prioritise calls coming from paramedics when they are on site with patients (or the cover in place for that day).
Checking on care homes and home care providers and proactively managing high risk patients on the days leading up to and after the strike action time.
Supporting same day access by making available any un-utilised appointments within your Enhanced Access sites (which are ordinarily used for routine care).
Please be aware / inform your teams of possible additional request for home visits from patients.
Please encourage your teams to use appropriate pathways when emergency care is needed to improve our patients experience if possible.
Aim to switch as many appointments as possible to “Book on the day” (this needs to be done in advance)
Your actions so far have had an impact in mitigating the risks from strike days. We also appreciate the significant impact these added pressures have had on you and your teams so please let us know if there is anything else we can do to support you.
We will update about the upcoming strike days in the coming weeks.
Update to requirement for recording of flu vaccination events by PCN groupings
A PCN grouping’s constituent practices will now be able to elect to record flu only vaccination events in either their GP IT clinical system or their PCN grouping’s point of care system
Aquatic Activity and Swimming for Health programme
New session promotes health benefits of aquatics and swimming.
Updated PGD for HPV GBMSM v04.00a
Practices should ensure that any registered healthcare professional who is due to administer vaccinations under this PGD should be made aware of this updated version.
NHS App – Resources to support increased usage
A range of resources have been developed to support practices increase patient uptake of the NHS App for repeat prescriptions, including posters, leaflets, patient videos, sms campaigns, process change ideas, how to track usage.
BHRUT – Coffee, Cancer and Conversation meet-up
An informal chat with an advanced care planning nurse.
EPRR annual conference – 30 October
This year’s conference will hold an overarching theme of the lessons and learning.
UCL Partners CVD Academy
UCL Partners launches CVD Academy to tackle premature deaths related to cardiovascular disease
Aspiring to Partnership Programme
LMCs have developed a brand-new and exciting course for those who are aspiring to, or new to becoming a partner in general practice
Update on multidisciplinary rapid access clinic at Barts Health
Barts apologise for pausing the Multidisciplinary Rapid Access Clinic (MDRAC) service at very short notice on 18 August and now have more details.
Winter vaccinations system update
The winter Covid-19 vaccination campaign is being brought forward
BHRUT: Suspected Cancer Pathway (2ww) for Breast referrals is moving to Directly Bookable on e-RS
From 1 September 2023 the process for Breast Suspected Cancer referrals (2ww) will change and become directly bookable on e-RS.
Flu and COVID Sign Up deadlines
We would like to remind all colleagues of the following important deadlines over the next week.
NHS England – London has published an updated imms PGD on its website.
Practices should ensure that any registered healthcare professional who is due to administer vaccinations under this PGD should be made aware of this updated version.
Moorfields at Stratford – Update
A new comprehensive diagnostic and treatment eye care hub in Stratford has been opened. All ophthalmology services and patients previously hosted at the Sir Ludwig Guttman site have been transferred to the new Moorfields at Stratford site
Patient choice
Enabling greater patient choice will require the NHS to respond in a number of ways, and the following sections outline the actions and activities within Primary Care, Secondary Care and ICBs.
Patient Access To Medical Records – Webinar (4 Sept / 3 Oct)
A webinar session which will look at the current process to allow practices to comply with their contractual requirements.
Bart’s Multidisciplinary Rapid Access Clinic (MDRAC) to pause for 3 months
Due to unexpected severe staff shortages the Bart’s Multidisciplinary Rapid Access Clinic, which is also known as the Rapid Diagnostic Centre RDC and Non Site Specific NSS Cancer pathway, is being paused from Friday 18 August 2023 and will not be able to accept any new USC referrals.
NELFT – misplaced clinician mobile
There is an issue with the lead clinician referral mobile for the Community Treatment Team – the phone has been lost. They have a temporary number 07718 271 613.
BHRUT – Important update for GPs on dermatology
BHRUT would like to advise GPs that patients being referred will have to wait longer than 14 days to be seen for their first appointment.
Modernising cancer waiting time standards
The NHS has issued communications today to announce that they are modernising cancer waiting time standards
NEL Diabetes Workforce Education Programme
Diabetes is the fastest growing chronic health condition and equipping our workforce with the right skills and training has never been more crucial.
Staff leavers guidance: IT and Smartcard process
A reminder that practice managers should complete the GP IT leavers form and email it to the NHS North East London IT team at least three working days before a staff member’s leaving day.
NEL Long COVID 2023/24 Training Schedule for Health and Care Professionals
A dedicated online hub of resources and training for all health and care professionals working with long COVID patients in North East London.
Register with a GP surgery service, Practice webinar – 20 Sept 4.30pm – 5.30pm
NHSE are running a webinar for practice staff to learn about the benefits of the service.
COVID-19 Therapeutics for Non-Hospitalised Patients – New Pathways and Providers
Since July this year, the new provider been the Waltham Forest GP FedNet, the main referral pathway has also changed from automated identification after a positive LFT or PCR test result to self-referral.
Delivering operational resilience across the NHS this winter
Setting out the national approach to 2023/24 winter planning, and the key steps we must take together across all parts of the system to meet the challenges ahead.
London Region Health Protection Team contact number is changing
Please note that from Wednesday 30 August the London Region Health Protection Team telephone number will be changing to: 0300 […]
New national online GP registration service used by 1 in 5 practices
All NEL GP Practices have access to registering patients via the NEL Online Registration portal and are encouraged to use this standard process for registering patients and to link this process to their websites.
Becoming an Anti-Racist health & care system: an introductory workshop (Sept and Oct)
The aim is to create an inclusive culture that supports every member of staff to do their best work and thrive.
BHRUT – Gynaecology GP educational session – 16 September 2023
This event is part of the BHRUT series of monthly GP education events which is held the third Saturday of every month (excluding August).
BHR CEPN Primary Care Bulletin – 2 August 2023
Within the latest CPEN news letter your find details of a new training programmes
Webinar – Innovation to promote equality in MMR campaigns Monday 21 August, 5pm to 6.30pm
This webinar will share innovative practice to increase equality of access in MMR catch-up campaigns, including lessons from the COVID-19 vaccine rollout and opportunities to make every contact count.
Constipation in people with a learning disability
To help prevent, recognise and treat constipation in people with a learning disability.
Junior Doctors and Consultants strike (August 2023)
The British Medical Association has announced that junior doctors will take part in strike action for five days from 7am on Friday 11 August until 06.59am on Tuesday 15 August and hospital consultants will be striking on 24 and 25 August 2023.
Be Body Positive tool
Be Body Positive is an essential tool for young people, parents, carers, and professionals.
Wait well, Stay well site for patients
NHS NEL has recently launched a website for NHS patients, to help them manage their health and wellbeing, called ‘Wait well, Stay well.’
Resources to support the Data Accreditation and Improvement Incentive Scheme
The Clinical Effectiveness Group (CEG) at Queen Mary University of London has released a webinar recording and fact file to help you start work on Phase 1 of the scheme.
Havering Crest PCN celebrates first successful community health fair
Havering Crest PCN, with support from the ICB’s Communications and Engagement team, hosted their first community health fair aimed at bringing health and care services to local people in Havering.
Primary Care Antenatal Care – Important Information for Primary and Secondary Care providers
The Health and Safety Board have recently investigated a number of antenatal care cases which involved a potential key risk associated with the primary care-maternity care interface.
Havering – Experiences with Long COVID – residents and primary care professionals
LBH invite primary care professionals working in Havering to complete the survey.
Supporting patients with a learning disability and autistic people
NHSE has produced a clinical guide for frontline staff that sets out responsibilities to ensure that people with a learning disability and autistic people receive good care.
NHSE Controlled Drugs Newsletter – Summer Edition
Please download the latest edition.
BHR – Simple Wound Care – updated site information
There have been changes to the available sites in the Simple Wound Care pilot.
NHS North East London GP and practice staff bulletin: 26 May 2023
Primary care updatesfor GPs in north east London NHS North East London GP and practice staff bulletin: 26 May 2023 […]
GP Practice and Staff Bulletin 19th May 2023
Primary care updatesfor GPs in north east London NHS North East London GP and practice staff bulletin: 19 May 2023 […]
Industrial Action – Primary Care comms
Circulation List: NEL GP Practices, NEL Place Based Primary Care Leads & NEL Primary Care Central Team On behalf of NHS […]
Streptococcus A
Dear colleagues, Please see below for the most up-to-date key information in managing Streptococcus A. This includes an update to […]
NHSE/UKHSA guidance : Group A steptococcus comms to clinicians
Dear Colleagues Please find the NHSE/UKHSA guidance on Streptococcus Group A for clinicians. NHS England » Group A streptococcus communications […]
Information Messages: SPS Using solid oral dosage form antibiotics in children
Dear Colleagues, The SPS Medicines Supply Tool offers up-to-date information on Medicines Shortages and salient medicines information. They have updated […]
Patient Safety Information: Home Enteral Feeding Prescriptions
Dear Colleagues, Please see attached important Patient Safety Information regarding delays in sending prescriptions to Fresenius Kabi Homecare (FK) for […]
Tower Hamlets – Single Point Of Access for Musculoskeletal Conditions Update
Dear Tower Hamlet GP practices, Thank you for all your efforts to make the change over to referrals via eRS […]