May 2026 Update
AGM
Thank you to everyone who attended the AGM on Monday 18th May. We are happy for information discussed at the AGM to be discussed with fellow GP’s in practice teams. For anyone that would like information and doesn’t not have access to an attendee then please feel free to email info@borderslmc.co.uk. View the agenda.
A discussion was had around the strength of representation the LMC is currently providing with some strong opinions expressed. The feedback is, as always, accepted. There are many questions and concerns raised by practices which we work on and aim to communicate back to those involved, however accept that wider sharing of outcomes would be beneficial to everyone and will highlight some of these here and endeavour to share more going forward.
Committee
With recent resignations there are 3 partner/salaried GFP positions free. We need representation for general practice at a local level. Members of the LMC sit on the GP Subcommittee and have an opportunity to attend the Area Medical Committee. There is a continuing ask for us contribute to a wide range of other work streams from IT, governance, PCIP work streams and many others. We need people to represent our profession in these spaces. All positions are remunerated, many required a commitment of only an hour or a session every 2-3 months and all provide an opportunity to understand more about the primary secondary care interface as well as having an impact of future GP workload. As ever I encourage anyone to contact us about involvement.Without adequate representation, we are not as able to fulfil our role representing Border GPs and this should be a serious concern to all practices.
Clinical Interface Group (CIG)
Primary and secondary care clinicians come together at CIG to discuss pathways of working together. The LMC provides representation but overall GP representation is light. We are keen for voices from all regions of Borders general practice to be included in these discussions. Although governance of the outcomes of discussions may take place elsewhere, it is important to have motivated interested GP’s in these discussions. Without representation, decisions will be made by secondary care and work load to general practice will inevitably increase. For anyone interested in this space then please contact either the AMD Dr Rebecca Green or myself.
LIVE Borders Referrals
Some practices have fed back the views on workload coming from GPs being asked to refer patients for an ‘Exercise referral programme’. We want to remind you that this is not a core GMS role and not something you have to undertake. The strong feedback provided from the LMC to Borders Public Health and LIVE Borders was that we are invested in public health and promotion of healthy lifestyle but putting barriers in the way of patients accessing these services will discourage some from attending. These programmes should be willing to accept a patient’sself-declaration of medical issues. If medical information was to be provided by general practice they have been unable to provide reassurance that it is being assessed by someone with the qualifications and expertise to interpret it. Self-referral from patients to the wellbeing service and referral to exercise programmes from there is also an option for patients.
NDD Diagnosis In Adults
The health board’s decision not to offer a diagnostic service for ADHD/ADD in adults has added to workload and complaints in primary care. We highlightedthat the cessation of monitoring of current patients on medication was a break in their shared care agreement and left unacceptable risk with general practice. They accepted this risk had not been considered and this was reinstated. Despite the issues it causes general practice they are firm in their position of not offering diagnostic services. We have encouraged them to provide patient a facing statement from NHS Borders and share it with general practice so we can also pass on to patients unhappy about the situation. For reference: NHS Borders Position Statement | GP Communication ADHD Assessments
Private Prescribers
There are different opinions and approaches to continuation of prescriptions from private providers. The LMC recognises that patient movement can occur as a result of different approaches which in turn can be destabilising for practices. We also recognise that as independent prescribers GP’s can make their own decisions as to whether to prescribe. Last summer we shared guidance from the committee on things we feel you should be aware of when making this decision. The health board have also shared their position on this from Nov24. Attached both for reference. For reference: Borders LMC Private Provider Views | Guidance for Prescribers Following Private Consultation
PCIP
The health board are finalising their timeline for an ‘options appraisal’ and we expect all GP practices to be able to comment and contribute a list of streamlining ideas that will be presented in the coming weeks. Following the initial feedback there is clearly parts of all services that are valued and we will not advocate for the complete cessation of any one work stream.
We are well are that the contract we were promised in 2018 is not delivered and not funded appropriately. Ultimately we have taken the position to engage in discussion around what happens in each work stream to avoid one sided decisions being made, to make sure the GP view is heard and that as much inefficiency as possible is cut to provide the most beneficial service for us.
FCP
There were concerns raised FCP services were being used by secondary care orthopaedic teams as a short cut to physio. We have had specific reassurance from the physio lead Wilna-mari Pottage this should not happen so please feedback any specific examples to Wina-mari or myself.
Please continue to contact with questions or suggestions and please do consider contributing to the representation – we are keen to hear from enthusiastic GPs who are interested in this great opportunity to help shape general practice in the Borders.
As a reminder the GP Role Document gives indications as to work sitting within and out with GP: GP Role Document March 2024
