Nigel Swift on LinkedIn: The BMA has told C&D that GPs are not reluctant to engage with Pharmacy… (2024)

NHS urges practices to adopt online GP registrationThe NHS has urged surgeries to sign up for the national online service enabling patients to register with a GP digitally. The platform launched in August and is intended to reduce the need for manual processing of paper forms - which is still relied upon by many of England's 6,500 GP surgeries. Patients can access the service online and via the NHS app or, where applicable, through the websites of individual GPs. Since its creation last year, about 900 practices are accepting registrations via the service. This represents about 14% of the overall total - meaning six in seven are still yet to adopt the system. The NHS is encouraging more surgeries to join up.The NHS is encouraging more GP surgeries to join the online service to reduce the administrative burden and increase convenience for patients. With 30 million people having already registered for the NHS Login system, and functionality updates planned for the rest of 2023, there's never been a better time to take advantage of this digital tool. #NHS #GP #DigitalRegistration #GPRegistration #generalpractice #digitalhealthMenlo Park Recruitment Menlo Park HealthTech and Medical Devices

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🚀 Exciting news for healthcare accessibility in England! The government's commitment to modernizing primary care is gaining momentum, with all GP surgeries set to have digital phone lines by March 2024.Backed by a £240 million investment, over 1,000 general practices have already signed up for digital upgrades. This initiative aims to eliminate the frustration of engaged tones and streamline appointment booking for patients, aligning with the Prime Minister's primary care recovery plan.The transition to digital systems not only enhances patient experience but also supports major workforce reforms. By empowering pharmacy technicians and dental therapists to take on more responsibilities, dentists and pharmacists can focus on delivering crucial clinical services.With improved access to care and simplified appointment processes, patients can expect quicker responses and tailored support. Care navigators will play a pivotal role in directing inquiries efficiently, ensuring patients receive timely assistance from the right professionals.The government's dedication to optimizing primary care extends beyond phone system upgrades. Consultations are underway to enhance pharmacy services and streamline medication access, further alleviating pressure on GP appointments.This comprehensive approach is expected to unlock approximately 15 million GP appointments over the next two years, addressing long-standing challenges in healthcare accessibility.Let's continue to champion progress in healthcare accessibility and innovation! #HealthcareModernization #PrimaryCareReform #DigitalHealthcare #NHSExpansion 🌟

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💊👩⚕️Boots launches NHS Pharmacy First Service in England💊👩⚕️Offering convenient access to advice and treatment for seven common conditions without the need for a GP appointment. Patients can consult with pharmacists at Boots stores, receiving appropriate advice or prescription-only medicines. The initiative aims to streamline healthcare services, reduce pressure on GP surgeries, and leverage pharmacists' expertise. This move aligns with similar successful initiatives in Scotland and Wales, marking a significant step in enhancing patient care. Kudos to Boots UK for fostering accessible and efficient healthcare solutions! 💊👩⚕️ #BootsPharmacy #nhs #healthcareinnovation "

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A new era in long-term condition management: The inclusion of pharmacists in primary care and chronic condition management represents a transformative step. By encouraging collaborative efforts between GP surgeries and pharmacists, the aim is to achieve superior patient care. Read how this step, as part of NHS England’s Long Term Plan, provides benefits at Practice, PCN and ICS level: https://lnkd.in/eJ6scCM4#HealthcareInnovation #PharmacistIntegration #DigitalHealthcare

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✅ IN THE NEWSCMS is proposing reduced physician payments in 2024. The proposed anesthesia conversion factor is $20.4370, showing a decrease of 3.26%. The 2024 proposed RBRVS CF is $32.7476, representing a decrease of 3.36%. These massive cuts with affect physician payments directly and we urge anesthesia practices to support the ASA’s initiative.Read more on this subject from the ASA at https://lnkd.in/epHY4Pkw

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🎉 One Million Milestone Achieved!In the past 18 months, a revolutionary shift for patient convenience has reached a new height—over a million registrations have been made through the 'Register with a GP surgery' online service.🩺 Bridging the Gap Between Patients and PracticesAn astounding one-third of GP practices across the nation have embraced this digital leap, simplifying access to healthcare. It's a testament to how we're moulding a healthcare system that values patient time and adaptability.🚀 Exceeding Targets & Elevating Expectationsh*tting 2,000 GP practices ahead of schedule, this service is not just meeting but surpassing expectations—and it's only the beginning. With a goal for universal offering by all GP surgeries in England by October 2024, we're on a fast-paced journey to comprehensive accessibility.🤝 Making Life Simpler for Both Patients & PracticesDr Amanda Doyle recognises this as a dual win; it's a significant step towards lessening administrative strain for practices while granting patients the flexibility they seek. The rise in onboard GP practices is a shining example of how technology can make healthcare more efficient.💡 Integrated with the NHS App, this service is a closer step towards a seamlessly digital NHS experience.🌐 Ease of Access, Regardless of Language or TimeThe service can be accessed through various portals and offers translation for ease of use. No NHS number or proof of address required—this is healthcare made uncomplicated.📣 Hear it from the front lines—Nicola Davies from Roseland Surgeries shares the positive impact on both staff and patients, truly encapsulating the essence of progress.It's a digital milestone that heralds a more connected, patient-centric future. Let's hear your thoughts on how this shift is redefining your healthcare experience!I'd like to know your thoughts in the comments!#DigitalHealthcare #NHS #PatientCare

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In July, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) faced several significant developments that will impact ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs):1. Pressure on Prior Authorization Overhaul: A bipartisan Congressional majority has urged CMS to finalize a federal regulation that aims to overhaul the prior authorization process within Medicare Advantage. The push is for CMS to incorporate real-time electronic prior authorization decisions, which would lead to faster approvals for ASC procedures.2. Addition of Dental Surgical Codes: CMS is planning to include 26 dental surgical codes in the list of procedures payable for ASCs starting in the next year. However, CMS rejected 62 other surgical codes proposed by the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASCA) for non-Medicare patients, including total shoulder replacements.3. Proposed Conversion Factor Decrease: CMS has put forth a 3.34 percent decrease in the conversion factor for the Medicare physician fee schedule in 2024.4. Average Rate Increase for ASCs: CMS has suggested a 2.8 percent average rate increase for ASCs in the 2024 hospital outpatient prospective payment system. Additionally, the proposed changes involve modifying the quality reporting program and extending the five-year interim period of using the same pay update factor for both ASCs and hospital outpatient departments (HOPDs) by two more years.These updates signal potential changes in regulations and reimbursem*nt rates that could significantly impact ASCs' operations and revenue in the coming year.#ambulatorysurgery #ASC #CMS #ASCA #healthcareleadership

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Delighted to have been recently elected as chair of North West London Local Medical Committees (LMCs) network, which is part of Londonwide LMCs. This follows on from being elected as chair of Harrow LMC last September.LMCs are statutory bodies across the UK, representing GP practices and GPs within geographical areas, usually coterminous with boroughs.As statutory bodies, LMCs need to be consulted on proposals to local changes affecting GP practices, and LMCs also represent GPs on any issues they face both locally or via the BMA's GPs committee regarding national policies.In England, the move to regional Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) has resulted in LMCs working together, and where I practice LMCs across North West London are part of a network that has direct dialogue with NW London ICB.It’s refreshing for me to move from national representation in the BMA's GPs committee (including being a former chair) which has occupied the majority of my professional life, to try and achieve change on the ground. Since returning to my practice after concluding my BMA Council chair tenure in July 2022, I’ve been struck at the degree to which local working arrangements and funding of GP practices are determined by the ICB, over and above the national contract. This requires a clear and coherent voice for GPs in practices within their local ICBs. I represent GPs practices as NW London LMCs network chair on three groups in NWL ICB:1. Primary secondary care interface group. This aims to end dysfunctional barriers between general practice and hospitals, which is wasting millions of GP appointments nationally annually, due to patients inappropriately attending their GP practice for issues such as chasing up hospital appointment or queries, or being asked to carry out bureaucratic tasks such as internal hospital referrals, and which is causing distress and inconvenience to patients themselves. Tackling this could significantly expand GP access by freeing up appointments for GPs to see patients for their medical needs.2. Digital transformation group. This is an exciting time where technological changes and digital transformation can make a significant impact on reducing GP practice workload, empowering patients, and also assist in improving outcomes.3. GP access task and finish group. This has been a contentious issue in NW London, which had earlier this year proposed implementing a contract for “same-day access hubs”. I’m pleased that as part of the NW London LMC negotiating team, the ICB has retracted from this simplistic proposal, so that we can now hopefully more meaningfully look at how GP practices can be resourced and supported to optimise access, notwithstanding that ultimately we have a mismatch between escalating demand and inadequate workforce capacity.As with everything in the NHS, change is painfully slow...even when some changes are no-brainers in terms of their value and productivity. I'll update with examples in due course....

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https://lnkd.in/gDRYiVs9CPSA highlights how PAs contribute to patient care across various medical settings, including emergency departments, primary care, and specialty clinics in Alberta's healthcare. PAs are described as valuable additions to healthcare teams, providing support to physicians and helping to improve access to care for patients. The article emphasizes the importance of recognizing and integrating PAs into Alberta's healthcare workforce to address the growing demand for medical services.

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Community pharmacies play a pivotal role in providing accessible healthcare services to patients, and the introduction of the Pharmacy First service has further amplified their impact. This initiative offers patients the convenience of receiving treatment and advice for minor ailments directly from their local pharmacy, without the need for a GP appointment. The benefits of this service are evident, with patients experiencing improved access to timely care and a reduction in unnecessary visits to overstretched GP surgeries.One of the primary advantages patients are seeing with the Pharmacy First service is convenience. By utilizing the expertise of community pharmacists, patients can receive prompt assessment and treatment without the need to wait for a GP appointment, thereby saving both time and resources.Moreover, the Pharmacy First service promotes patient empowerment and self-care. Pharmacists offer valuable guidance on managing minor health concerns, including lifestyle advice and appropriate medication usage. Empowering patients to take control of their health not only improves their overall well-being but also reduces the burden on primary care services, allowing GPs to focus on more complex medical issues. However, despite the evident benefits of the Pharmacy First service, pharmacists encounter challenges when GP surgeries are not fully supportive. Lack of collaboration and communication between community pharmacies and GP practices can hinder the seamless delivery of care to patients. Pharmacists may face reluctance from GPs to endorse the Pharmacy First service or refer patients appropriately, leading to missed opportunities for patient care and inefficient use of healthcare resources.To truly maximize the impact of the Pharmacy First service and enhance patient outcomes, collaboration between community pharmacies and GP surgeries is essential. When healthcare professionals work together seamlessly, patients receive holistic and coordinated care that addresses their needs comprehensively. Shared protocols, regular communication, and mutual respect between pharmacists and GPs foster a culture of collaboration that benefits all stakeholders involved.Pharmacy First service has demonstrated its effectiveness in improving access to care and empowering patients to manage minor ailments more effectively. However, to realize its full potential, it is imperative for all stakeholders in primary care to work together collaboratively. By fostering strong partnerships between community pharmacies and GP surgeries, we can ensure that patients receive the highest quality of care and support their journey towards better health outcomes. Together, we can strive towards a healthcare system where collaboration and patient-centric care are the cornerstones of our practice.

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