Thanks to all of you who came to the AGM and also to those who completed the survey.
We were very encouraged by the survey results and we will be looking at the areas where we can improve. The slides from the meeting and the survey results are available from the link below:
The AGM will be held on the 18th June at Carseview House, Castle Business Park, Stirling, FK9 4SW between 7-8 pm there will be coffee and biscuits availaible. There will be a presentation by Dr James King and then an open meeting. All GPs welcome
template re hospital fit notes
Here is a new template letter that can be used when you are asked for a med 3 by patients for when they have been in hospital or been seen at a hospital clinic.
Despite DWP guidance quoted in the letter, we are still hearing that GPs are inappropriately being asked to provide med 3s in this situation.
coffee will be availaible from 6.30 to 7.00. The talk will start at 7.00
SGPC negotiators will be joining us to discuss the new contract 2013/14 and why the changes were agreed.
Dr James King will give a Forth Valley perspective
Above is the hospital proforma letter, this provides a template that can be used by different practices when inappropriate requests come in from secondary care. A copy can be sent to the medical director. (remember to remove patient details). It is hoped that this will provide a clear and consistent message.
On 21 June, doctors across the UK will be taking industrial action in response to major changes to the NHS pension scheme.
The BMA called the action reluctantly, following a big turnout and overwhelming ‘yes’ vote in a ballot of members.
It will be the first industrial action doctors have taken in almost 40 years.
More guidance is availaible at bma.org.uk/nhspensionreform
The main message is
The BMA is asking for emergency action only – with doctors attending their place of work – but not doing work that can safely be postponed to the next day
· There are two questions on the ballot paper – including the ‘strike’ question – the BMA are NOT asking doctors to strike
· The BMA has to ask the ‘strike’ question for LEGAL REASONS – to protect the BMA and its members from legal challenge
· If doctors agree to taking the minimal action (ie emergency action only, whilst at work) – it is ESSENTIAL that they vote YES/YES to both questions. The BMA would never ask doctors actually to contemplate ‘strike’ action without a fresh ballot (and I doubt we would ever secure that agreement)
· Even if doctors vote Yes/Yes in the ballot – it does not commit them to actually taking action on the day
· The three messages for the public are
o THE GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSALS ARE UNFAIR – DOCTORS WILL END UP PAYING TWICE AS MUCH AS SOME CIVIL SERVANTS ON THE SAME SALARY
o WE ARE DETERMINED TO PROTECT PATIENT SAFETY – OUR ARGUMENT IS WITH GOVERNMENT, NOT PATIENTS
o OUR PENSIONS WERE COMPREHENSIVELY REVIEWED ONLY 4 YEARS AGO, WE HAVE ALREADY AGREED TO GRADUATED CONTRIBUTIONS, AND INCREASE IN RETIRAL AGE AND IF PENSIONS ARE SEEN AS UNAFFORDABLE IN THE FUTURE – NEW ARRANGEMENTS MEAN THE DOCTORS PAY THE EXTRA – NOT THE NHS OR TAXPAYERS
As you all know the BMA are conducting a ballot re industrial action in response to the governments proposed changes to the NHS pension scheme.
Is it is very important members vote so that the BMA know what you want and the BMA can show it has the profession behind it.
There is a lot of information regarding why the ballot paper has 2 questions and a frequently asked questions secrtion on the BMA website.
Please take the time to have a look!
http://www.bma.org.uk/employmentand contracts/pensions/nhs_pensions_reform/faqfeb.jsp
All GPs in Forth Valley are welcome to a pensions update meeting at Airth Castle Hotel on the 15th March. 6.30-7.00 for coffee and 7.00 for the meeting to start. Dr Dean Marshall Chair of the Scottish SGPC will be coming to speak. Please let Teresa know. links on the contact page.
We would like to say a big welcome to Ewen Mclean who is a GP in Bridge of Allan. He has joined the committee as young principals rep and will represent the views of GPs who have been principals less then 10 years. We still need reps for Stenhousemuir/Larbert and Salaried GPs if you are interested then please contact us