GP leaders have rejected the latest claims that patients are unable to get appointments because of COVID restrictions. The latest Daily Mail article points the finger at receptionists, accusing them of acting like “gatekeeper guard-docs. Caroline Abrams, chief executive of Age UK, told the paper: “Most experts assume the higher-than-usual deaths at home are people…

In the latest twist, it appears that in general practice, despite urgent comms in the last few weeks, we aren’t going to need to be ready to deliver the COVID-19 vaccine programme from 1st December – or are we? Having read the letter sent out last week to NHS trusts, it appears at first glance…

Guidance issued by NHS England can be found here This information is based on national guidance, available at 9th November, and as no official confirmation has been included of the official vaccine details, or the confirmed final DES, this guidance is to assist with planning only. Deadlines Tuesday 17th November – Designate site(s) to be…

COVID-19 vaccination programmes will be delivered mainly through GP practices, it was announced last night. Practices are likely to designate one building in each area as a vaccination centre, sending their patients to it for vaccination, the British Medical Association said. The BMA announced a deal with NHS England, promising that practices would have preparations…

Many practices do not feel ready for the second COVID-19 wave, with concerns about protective equipment and premise management, according to a new survey of GPs. The findings led one medical organisation to press MPs yesterday for an urgent review of PPE guidelines and stockpiles. GPs also cited concerns about their own mental health and…

Overwhelmed hospitals in parts of the UK will face several weeks of growing pressure before the effects of this week’s new national lockdown are felt, a senior doctor has warned. Many hospitals are already busier than in the first wave, NHS England said, while doctors’ leaders called for assurances that NHS would be protected as…

Following a recent (and growing) spate of “Surgery bashing” correspondence in the press, I have penned a response that some may care to consider if they can be bothered: The Editor Daily Telegraph Guardian Times Independent Lincolnshire Rags (Daily and Sunday Editions)(All of them) Sir I write in response to the many recent published letters…