LMC NEWS MAY 1999
The first meeting of the newly elected LMC was held on Friday 16 April 1999. The LMC was pleased to learn that Mayday would become the site for the NHS Direct Centre for South West London.
The Dolphin Unit and Physiotherapy Department at Mayday have received a Charter Mark award.
Long waiting time for radiological investigations and the delay in receiving reports would be over soon as extra money would be allocated to improve services in the Department.
Concern was expressed by many Practices about the extra workload generated by the influx of refugees into parts of Croydon which has been recently exacerbated by the crisis in Kosovo. Public Health have produced a document assessing the needs of the refugees which was circulated to all GPs. It was agreed by Health Authority to take up this issue with the PCGs during their budget allocation discussions in the near future.
Next LMC meeting: Friday 21 May 1999
Please Note: The AGM will be held on June 17th at the Croydon Postgraduate Medical Centre, Mayday University Hospital commencing with supper at 7pm.
LMC NEWS APRIL 1999
At the preliminary meeting of the LMC held on 19 March, 1999, Dr James Gillgrass and Dr Rajan Namasivayam were returned unanimously as Chairman and Vice Chairman of the LMC.
The Chairman welcomed the new members and thanked the outgoing members, particularly Dr Paul Charlton and Dr Jeremy Shindler for their long and valued contribution. He also thanked Mr Austin Banner who retires as Chairman of the Consultants Committee. He will be replaced by Mr Greg Ward.
There was discussion about how the modernisation fund should be allocated. This is to be decided at a later meeting. Concerns were expressed by members about the delay in receiving cervical smear reports. Concerns were also raised about the delay in receiving reports and patients receiving appointments for X-rays and ultrasound scans requested by General Practitioners.
It was announced that Mayday Healthcare Trust will receive �11.3 million for redevelopment. The focus of this project is to improve the building infrastructure of the Mayday site.
Next LMC meeting: Friday 16 April 1999.
Dr Rajan Namasivayam Vice Chairman, LMC
LMC NEWS MARCH 1999
The penultimate meeting of the present LMC was held on Friday 19 February 1999. The Chairman reported that elections had been necessary in two of Croydon’s three constituencies. He also reported on a very well attended meeting on the future of primary care in Croydon, which had been held the previous evening. The committee considered a paper on GP representation and a letter from Mr Keith Ford responding to a number of issues raised by the LMC about services at Mayday.
Dr Paul Cundy, regional representative on GBC, described the new Health Bill and a new Data Protection Act to be implemented later this year. The LMC decided that the response to the latest version of the Services and Financial Framework should now be the responsibility of the PCGs.
Dr Paul Charlton presented a paper on the proposed computer reimbursement policy. After some discussion, Dr Charlton agreed to make the LMC’s view known to Croydon Health Authority.
The final meeting of the LMC will be held on 19 March 1999 and will be preceded by a short meeting of the newly elected LMC.
Dr J W Gillgrass 10 March 1999
CROYDON LMC NEWS FEBRUARY 1999
At the first meeting of 1999, the Chairman reported that he had attended the LMC Secretaries’ Conference in November 1998. At the meeting there had been a number of suggestions about how LMCs should consider working with Primary Care Groups. He was pleased to note that many of the suggestions had already been discussed and implemented by Croydon LMC.
He also reported on the quarterly meeting that he and the Vice-Chairman had had with the Chairman, Chief Executive and Directory of Primary Care and Community Commissioning at Croydon Health Authority.
The Chairman had also met with the Chief Executive and Medical Director of Mayday to discuss a number of areas of concern raised by the LMC about services at Mayday.
There was a discussion about the Annual Report and the Primary Care Investment Plan.
During the second part of the meeting, the committee heard about three new consultant appointments at Mayday. The committee again raised its concerns about the Dermatology service at Mayday. The Salaried Doctor scheme in New Addington was discussed and there was a report on the financial position at Croydon Health Authority.
Dr James Gillgrass – LMC Chairman
LMC NEWS DECEMBER 1998
At the 36th meeting of the LMC the Chairman reported that he and the Vice Chairman had a constructive meeting with Mrs Pat Massey, the new Chair of the Croydon Community Health Council and Miss Ethel Dixon, Group Leader for Community and Primary Care for Croydon Community Health Council. This meeting reinforced the fact that the relationship between the LMC and Community Health Council has improved.
The Chairman bid good bye to Sir John Wickerson and Ms Sue Machell who were leaving the Community Health Trust; having made enormous contributions during their terms in office.
Dermatology – The members expressed their disappointment at the delay in filling the two dermatology Consultant posts.
Members expressed concerns about the delay in receiving reports from the Radiology department.
It was reported that the Mayday waiting list initiative is on target and centralisation of the pathology service will be completed by the end of April 1999. Mayday would be a pilot site for links with General Practice computer systems.
The Chairman wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Next LMC meeting – Friday 15th January 1999.
Dr Rajan Namasivayam
LMC NEWS OCTOBER 1998
The Chairman at the 35th Local Medical Committee meeting congratulated all those elected to the PCG boards. He hoped that the non-elected would put disappointment behind them and make positive and constructive contributions to Primary Care Groups. The Chairman went on to congratulate Dr Tony Welch, LMC Secretary, for being elected to the GPC. Agnelo Fernandes, Assistant Medical Manager of CROYDOC made a presentation about the NHS Direct and the profound effects it would have on the NHS in general and for GPs in particular. He said that by April 1999 40% of England would be covered by NHS Direct services. The LMC extended its support in principle and expressed their wish to see the Consultation document in any "Croydon-led bid for third Wave". The Chairman welcomed the Chief Executive of Mayday, Mr Keith Ford, to the second part of the meeting. In an upbeat mood he made a brief presentation outlining some of the new initiatives, such as, improvement in the underlying maternity services, opening of the new Cardiac Catheter Laboratory, progress in the new Energy Centre and MRI scan.
Next LMC meeting - Friday 20th November 1998
Dr Rajan Namasivayam Vice Chairman Croydon LMC
LMC NEWS SEPTEMBER 1998
The LMC held an additional meeting in August to discuss a number of pressing issues. The LMC were extremely disappointed that Region had rejected Croydon Health's decision to form a Primary Care Group based on Norbury/Woodside (North) and New Addington. Confirmation had been received that the reason for the rejection was that the areas were not geographically confluent and that the decision was therefore in breach of guidance which had been issued by the NHS Executive, but which had not been made clear to Croydon Health. The LMC will be writing to Region expressing concern at the inadequacy of information relating to the development of PCGs. New Addington GPs told the LMC of their concerns over the decision but recognised that the only alternative option was to join the Central Croydon Commissioning Group. Both groups of GPs agreed that they would work to ensure the success of the PCG. The GP Tutor, Dr Alex Trompetas, gave a presentation about Postgraduate Education in Croydon. The presentation was based on the interim analysis of the questionnaires on Education which had recently been completed by many Croydon GPs. There was discussion about the draft Service and Financial Framework - a letter will be sent to Croydon Health detailing the LMC's views.
Dr J W Gillgrass - LMC Chairman
At the 34th meeting of the Local Medical Committee held at Purley Downs Golf Club, the Chairman, in his opening remarks reiterated the need to give appropriate resources to bring New Addington to the level of the Central Primary Care Group. There was a brief report from Dr Paul Cundy, the GPC representative, who said that there were still gaps in the guidelines concerning the setting up of Primary Care Groups. As time goes on clearer guidelines will be released to clarify the position. The Chairman congratulated all the Award of Excellence winners and he paid particular tribute to Dr Barbara Counsell, GP, for winning a bronze award. Dr Syamala Thomas, Medical Director of Mayday Health Trust and her Deputy, Mr Paul Hurley were welcomed to the LMC meeting. Mr Hurley reported that at the recent South West Thames Review Forum they discussed proposed changes to the vascular services which included Mayday, St George's and St Helier Healthcare Trusts. It was proposed that all vascular services, except varicose veins, be carried out at St George's Hospital. However, concerns were expressed about St George's being able to cope with the excess work generated from District General Hospitals such as Mayday. In the changing world of vascular services the radiologists are taking on more interesting interventional work. As a result it was felt the vascular surgeons' work loads were decreasing, hence there was a need to consolidate their work to a central unit. No final decision was made. The following consultant appointments at Mayday were announced. A third urology consultant, Mr P.S. Raju and a gynaecological consultant, Miss Rosal Hamid, who would be involved in high risk obstetrics/feto-maternal medicine. Dr Syamala Thomas reported that the resources from part of the land sale at the Queen's Hospital site will be utilised to centralise the pathology department. She also reported that the cytology service had improved. They are now following national guidelines where 90% of patients with severe dyskariosis are being seen within four weeks and 80% of patients with mild to moderate dyskariosis are seen within four weeks. They have set up an additional clinic on a Saturday to clear some of the back log.
Dr Rajan Namasivayam Vice Chairman, Croydon LMC
Next meeting of the LMC will be on the 23 October 1998.
LMC NEWS AUGUST 1998
At the 33rd meeting of the LMC the passionate debate where New Addington should fit continued but the Chairman and the LMC unanimously supported the stand taken by colleagues in New Addington to join with Woodside and Norbury to form a single Primary Care Group (PCG). It was announced that the Health Authority will make its final decision on 23rd July 1998. Mayday Health Trust will join St. Thomas'/St. John's Dermatology Unit to appoint two full-time Consultants to provide a comprehensive dermatology service for Croydon. The post will hopefully be filled in January 1999 but from October until the appointments, two locum Consultants will provide cover. It was also announced that two further appointments will be made; one in Urology and the other Obstetrics & Gynaecology. Furthermore, the current Diabetic Clinical Group made up of two General Practitioners and two Consultants will be expanded to represent three PCGs. They are as follows:
Dr. Rajan Namasivayam, co-ordinator, North & Woodside
Dr Alison Slater, Purley
Dr. Tony Brzezicki, Central
Dr Mohan Pawa, New Addington
Stop Press: New Addington will be joining the North PCG
The next LMC meeting will be held on Friday 28th August 1998.
LMC NEWS JUNE 1998
The Chairman congratulated Dr Syamala Thomas on her appointment as the Medical Director of Mayday Healthcare Trust. She succeeds Mr John Bootes who retires as Medical Director and Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at the end of May 1998. The Chairman thanked Mr Bootes for his services and wished him well on his retirement. Dr J Shanks, Director of Public Health announced the launch of routine "Antenatal HIV testing". He confirmed that pre-test counselling will be the responsibility of Mayday. At last MRI will be with us! The Contract has been signed. Discussions are taking place between the General Practice Link Office and Mayday Postgraduate Medical Centre to house both in the PGMC building. UCL have decided to pull out of the Dermatology Contract by the end of September 1998. Mayday Healthcare Trust is negotiating to bring back Dermatology Service to Mayday and hope to have it in place by 1 October 1998.
Next LMC meeting will be on 19 June 1998.
Dr Rajan Namasivayam Vice Chairman Croydon LMC
THE NEW NHS: MODERN AND DEPENDABLE
LMC Meeting Tuesday 5 May 1998
Thirty two Croydon GPs attended a meeting on Tuesday 5 May 1998 to discuss the white paper "The New NHS: Modern and Dependable". Croydon LMC Chairman James Gillgrass gave an overview of the white paper and highlighted some of the important themes within it. Mention was made of the many new terms which GPs will need to understand - Primary Care Groups (PCGs), National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE), Commission for Health Improvement (CHIMP), Health Improvement Programme (HIP) and Clinical Governance. LMC member Christobel Barretto then gave a presentation about Primary Care Groups, outlining the criteria for their formation and describing the implications of a unified budget. Presentations were then made by Dr Ravi Sondhi on behalf of the Norbury and Woodside Group, Dr Tony Brezezicki on behalf of the Central Croydon Commissioning Group, Dr Pat Phillips on behalf of the Purley Group and Dr Oscar Salerno on behalf of New Addington. After a lengthy and stimulating discussion about the many points raised by the presentations, the meeting supported the amalgamation of Woodside and Norbury with New Addington to form one Primary Care Group and that the other two groups should be based on the present Purley Group and the Central Croydon Commissioning Group. I would like to thank all those who contributed to the discussion and in particular to Dr Christobel Barretto, Dr Ravi Sondhi, Dr Pat Phillips, Dr Tony Brezezicki and Dr Oscar Salerno for their presentations.
Dr James Gillgrass Chairman - Croydon LMC
LMC NEWS MAY 1998
Following two busy meetings during the winter, the April meeting was low key. Dr Paul Cundy was re-elected unopposed as the GMSC representative. He reported that discussions were still continuing on how the additional �60 million awarded to General Practitioners by the Review body (as from 1.4.1998) should be distributed. The LMC learned, with regret, the resignation of Miss Helen Seward as the Marketing Manager of Mayday Healthcare Trust. The Health Authority announced the allocation of �1.9 million towards reducing waiting lists. High health gain procedures are likely to get priority e.g. CABG, hips. The next LMC meeting will be held on Friday 15 May 1998. Dr Rajan Namasiayam Vice Chairman Croydon LMC
LMC NEWS APRIL 1998
The Chairman welcomed Dr Ash Chada and Dr Richard Bamgboye at the March meeting.
Approval has been granted for the LIZ Workplace Flexibilities Scheme to be continued until 30 June 1998.
A meeting to discuss the White Paper "The New NHS Modern, Dependable", has been arranged for the evening of Tuesday 5 May 1998. The meeting will be held in the PGMC at Mayday Hospital and will be open to all GPs in Croydon. Further details will follow.
The PMS Pilot to cover Valley Park generated a robust discussion. There was unanimous concern expressed about the ‘value for money issue’ of this project. It was felt that the budget allocated should be reviewed.
The Chairman welcomed Helen Seward in her role as Director of Marketing at Mayday Healthcare. Her main theme was to encourage ‘more work back to Mayday’. She recalled how the eye unit had changed since the 80’s, when a considerable proportion of work was provided by other units but is now the sole provider for Croydon. Mayday was very close to appointing a second full Consultant in Urology ending the stalemate!
The next LMC meeting will be held on Friday 17 April 1998.
Dr Rajan Namasivayam – Vice Chairman LMC
LMC NEWS MARCH 1998
At the February meeting of the LMC, the Chairman welcomed Dr Mike Clementson as a co-opted member to represent Central/Purley and Dr Ash Chada as a representative of the young practitioner.
Dr Richard Bamgboye’s name has been proposed and accepted to fill the vacancy in New Addington.
It was announced that the LIZ Assistant scheme would be extended for a further three months to help the single and two-handed practices after March 1998.
Representatives were received from GMSC. There was a brief discussion about review body recommendations to pay GPs �60 million in 1999/2000 which would represent a further 4% increase in remuneration. This sum would be payable in addition to future awards.
In part B of the business, the Chairman welcomed Dr Cath Jensen, Public Health Registrar, who is a GP by training, and who attended as an observer.
Croydon Community Health Trust will be appointing a Community Geriatrician who shall work closely with General Practitioners. Mayday Health Trust announced the appointment of four new Consultants. Dr Anthony Newell, a second HIV Consultant, Dr Val Jones, a Stroke Consultant and replacements Dr Arun Kumar, a Paediatric Consultant and Dr Newnam Saunders, a Radiology Consultant.
The work in MRI scanning will soon commence and the work on a new Energy Centre is underway. The Energy Centre is expected to save money and generate extra income for the Trust in the region of �700K.
The LMC in principle approved the computerisation of the Diagnostic Imaging Department (Radiology Department) at Mayday.
The Colposcopy waiting time for severe cervical dyskariosis will be reduced to four weeks. Croydon Health expressed its concern over the unresolved second Urology Consultant’s post. There was a need to secure this post urgently in order to repatriate both acute and elective surgery actively from neighbouring hospitals to Mayday Health Care Trust. The repatriation policy would help to overcome the �1 million deficit.
Next LMC meeting – Friday 20 March 1998.
Dr Rajan Namasivayam – Vice Chairman LMC
LMC NEWS FEBRUARY 1998
At the January meeting of the LMC, the chairman welcomed Mr Sigurd Reinton, chairman Mayday Healthcare, who made a presentation about Mayday, the problems which he faced when he took office and of the ways in which he was trying to rectify those problems. Such was the interest that he generated, a number of members remained for some time after the meeting to continue discussions with him. Reports were received from the GMS Working Group, from GMSC and from the Co-ordinating Committee meeting held in December 1997. There were also reports about the new arrangements for the forthcoming GMSC elections and about the AGM held the night before. A paper was presented about banding for IT development which recommended a logical progression which practices should follow. There was general agreement that computers in general practice were not used to their full potential. Responses would be prepared to discussion papers on the future role of the Emergency Bed service, the Service and Financial Framework and to a letter about tertiary cardiology referrals. Terminations of pregnancy were again discussed and a response would be sent on behalf of the LMC to the Health Authority about their document Retendering the Termination of Pregnancy Services. Ms Sue Machell reported that Croydon Community Trust had been successful in their application for a PMS pilot to cover Valley Park and that she would like to discuss the development of that pilot with the LMC chairman. It was reported that at the December meeting of the GP/Mayday Liaison Group, proposals for the development of an MRI scanner on the Mayday site were discussed. The LMC had been pleased to support one of the proposals which was to be presented to the public meeting of the Mayday Trust Board the following week.
Dr James Gillgrass Croydon LMC Chairman
LMC NEWS JANUARY 1998
Croydon LMC AGM 1998 On Thursday 15 January 1998, Croydon LMC held its first AGM. At the same time the opportunity was taken to present a report on its activities from 1995 to 1997. The meeting was attended by 35 GPs who listened to presentations by Dr Tony Welch, secretary to the LMC, Dr James Gillgrass, chairman Croydon LMC, and Dr Rajan Namasivayam, vice-chairman Croydon LMC before taking part in a discussion about a wide range of issues.
Dr Tony Welch made a presentation on the role of the LMC, the role of the secretariat and explained in detail how the LMC is funded through the Statutory Levy and how that money is used to finance the secretariat and honoraria paid to members for attending meetings. He also discussed how the Voluntary Levy was used to make contributions to the GMS Defence Fund and a number of medical charities.
Dr James Gillgrass in his presentation spoke about the many achievements and activities of the LMC during the past two and a half years. He explained how constitutional changes had been introduced to allow GPs greater opportunity to discuss important matters in private. He then went on to describe how the development of liaison groups with Croydon Health, Mayday Healthcare, Croydon Community Trust and the Mental Health Unit had lead to improved relations and a greater understanding between GPs and these organisations. The role of the LMC as a co-ordinator of various GP activities in Croydon and the way in which the LMC responded to many consultation documents were outlined. Dr Rajan Namasivayam's presentation looked at the way in which the LMC could better represent its constituents. He spoke about the cell system which had been introduced by the LMC, linking each of its members to specific practices and emphasised the need for good communication between GPs and the LMC and the LMC and GPs. As no questions had been received in advance from the audience., the chairman spent the discussion time putting questions to the audience. The proposals for terminations of pregnancy generated a lively debate and a number of useful points were made.
There was a feeling that Croydon was well placed with regard to the recommendations in the White Paper and that the current locality structure would naturally develop to form three Primary Care Groups. Services at Mayday Hospital including neurology and gynaecology, the development of the MRI scanner on the Mayday site and Dermatology services in Croydon were also discussed.
I would like to thank Drs Welch and Namasivayam for their presentations and all the GPs who attended and contributed to the discussion.
Dr James Gillgrass
LMC NEWS DECEMBER 1997
The Chairman rubbed shoulders with Gladiator star, Sharon Davies, at the
opening of the impressive new front entrance of Mayday Hospital.
James Gillgrass was invited to a meeting with Dr John Chisholm, Chair of the GMSC,
organised by the Medeconomics.
The Health Authority is facing significant financial problems way over what they had
anticipated.
Croydon Health will be receiving �969,000 as part of the �3 million awarded by the
Health Secretary. The major part of this money will be spent on Purley Rehabilitation
Centre; Social Care for elderly and frail; loan of medical equipment.
Mrs Toni Wilkinson, General Manager of Warlingham Park Hospital and the Acting Chief
Executive of Bethlem & Maudsley was welcomed by the Chair to make a brief presentation
on current and proposed Mental Health Services. Some of the new developments would provide
an efficient and enhanced service, eg. Young People's Centre; Eating Disorder In-Patient
and Community Services; setting up of a Crisis Response Nursing Team providing crisis
support over a 24 hour period supported by Duty Psychiatrist. Ring helpline on 0800 318721
24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
We wish all our colleagues a MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!
The next LMC Meeting will take place on 16 January 1998.
PS: Due to unforeseen circumstances, the AGM has been postponed. It will now take place on
Thursday 15 January 1998 in PGMC at Mayday Hospital at 8.00 pm.
Dr Rajan Namasivayam - Vice Chairman Croydon LMC
LMC NEWS OCTOBER 1997
The Chairman congratulated Dr Alex Trompetas and the twenty practices which gained approval for the Central Locality Commissioning Pilot scheme.
The LMC Chair and the Locality Chairpersons met with Mr Geraint Davies, MP at Dr James Gillgrass’ practice. The Group emphasised the success and the benefits of the "LIZ Assistant" scheme and the need to continue this scheme after March 1998.
The same group had a productive meeting with all the Consultants and Ms Paulette Lewis, Director of Women’s Services from the Maternity Department. All the issues highlighted in the recent Public Health Report were discussed. Mr Greg Ward and the lead Consultant accepted the need to make radical changes in the Department.
Due to spiralling costs, the transport services at Mayday have appointed a Transport Officer to monitor the service and to make it more efficient.
Mayday has frozen all service developments in the coming financial year including the appointment of the second GUM Consultant.
REMINDER- The LMC AGM will be held on Thursday 4 December 1997 at 7:30pm at the P.G.M.C.