Talking to a practice manager who also happens to be a CQC inspector – expect an outstanding rating for that practice! – it seems that one of the areas practices frequently fall down on during inspections surrounds Significant Events. “The variation in how these processes are managed in practices is stark,” we were told. “Yet…

So, you knew this was coming, this rant, it’s no surprise really. Yes, CQC has finally decided what they’re going to do in terms of fees for the 2016/17 year. They had a consultation which was pretty one-sided to be frank…”Responses expressed strong preference for achieving full chargeable cost recovery over four years…” Yet, not only…

GP leaders are pressing for greater investment in practice IT to meet government targets for patients moving on-line. The government has made improving on-line access to GPs a priority – and says that 10% of patients should be using internet-based services by next year. But Royal College of GPs chair Dr Maureen Baker warned this…

Practices will face a tripling of fees for inspections in the coming year, it has been announced. GP leaders condemned the increases – although government sources claim they are covered by changes to the practice contract. Some NHS Trusts will also face a near doubling of fees over the next two years. The move has…

Three practices in Somerset are to become subsidiaries of the local hospital trust in a complex arrangement aimed at integrating primary and acute care, it has been reported. The practices will remain partnerships – but their partners will be “nominee” doctors on the board of a new company, wholly owned by Yeovil District Hospital. The…

PERMANENT HEALTH INSURANCE AND AGE DISCRIMINATION In the case of Smith v Gartner UK Limited UKEAT/0279/15/LA the Claimant, Ms Smith, had been employed by her employers, Gartner UK Ltd, since 1989. In 1996 a benefits package, referred to as a “Disability Plan”, was introduced and accepted by the Claimant. The plan included: Life Assurance Private…

Practices have achieved a big reduction in antibiotic prescribing amid concern about the spread of drug resistance, it was announced yesterday. Last year total prescribing of antibiotics fell by 5.3% in England – a reduction of more than two million prescriptions. The sharpest reduction followed changes to the GP contract in April. In the last…