Projects, Engagement, and Looking Ahead to 2026
As we enter 2026, it provides a good opportunity to reflect on 2025 and look to the year ahead. The Borders LMC AGM will be in May however for those not fully familiar with the LMC and the roles it has, here is a summary of what has been happening in recent months.
The Borders LMC has been actively involved in supporting and representing the GP community through a range of key projects and activities. After an initial flux in the committee early in 2025, focus turned to establishing new links and in developing opportunities for General Practice in the Borders.
An exciting and much welcomed project was the redevelopment of TIME sessions which will commence in 2026 making use of funding allocated for the benefit of General Practice. Progressing various PCIP workstreams including Pharmacotherapy and CTAC has perhaps been the topic of most discussion. Asignificantportion of GP involvement in this project had been developed by the hard work of colleagues before us but it required GP presence to continue to the point of delivery. Progress has been made around ADHD prescribing and further work will continue in early 2026 with a view to developing more robust systems. The LMC was actively involved in responding to issues arising from LIMS and we have planned how we better place ourselves in the future to avoid a repeat of problems of this nature.
Work has also focused on strengthening communication links between Primary and Secondary Care to support more effective joint working and improve patient pathways. This will be further supported by the new AMD, Dr Rebeca Green. The Clinical Strategy meetings, which many of you kindly attended, raised the importance of the need to work collaboratively with General Practice and our community AHP colleagues.
GPs are now invited to attend Grand Rounds each week. We have the chance to present in each 6-month cycle so please do consider delivering a presentation if there are topics of interest you wish to share.
The DNACPR pathway project was commenced, reflecting ongoing commitment to clarity, consistency, and patient-centred decision-making. For GP’s keen to be involved in Quality Improvement, opportunities exist. This role is not limited to those on LMC, GP-Sub, or in Cluster Lead positions. If ideas exist then do not hesitate to raise them.
National and regional engagement has remained a priority, with Borders LMC attending UKLMC and SLMC conferences, as well as SGPC meetings, ensuring local perspectives are represented and national developments are shared with practices.
Borders LMC has content now present on the Right Decisions site and we have been driving forward the recruitment of a GP to oversee this resource from a Primary Care perspective, ensuring guidance remains relevant, accessible, and clinically appropriate. The Borders LMC website has been developed further but will require ongoing review over the year to bring PCIP information up to date. The meeting agendas are uploaded here in the public domain for you to access. Links to the Benevolent fund applications are accessible here too.
Throughout the year, Borders LMC has sought to foster positive, constructive interactions with the GP community, working collaboratively to address challenges, share learning and support sustainable general practice. This work is underpinned by a shared commitment to the NHS core values, which should remain at the centre of all NHS activity. By placing respect and dignity, compassion, improving lives, working together for patients, and a commitment to quality of care at the heart of our work, we aim to support both colleagues and patients across the system.
As we move into 2026, Borders LMC does so with optimism and a clear focus on continued collaboration. By approaching the year ahead with openness to new ideas, strong teamwork, and constructive partnership across the system, we can continue to support one another through ongoing change. With a shared common goal of delivering the best possible care for our patients and sustaining general practice, we look forward to working positively together in the year ahead.
We must remember that the LMC exists first and foremost to represent GPs, and through this role, it provides GPs to integrate with health board committees, always acting for the greater good of the GP community. We strive to make a positive impact for GPs and the wider health system, and while not everyone may agree with every decision, it is essential that we approach issues with civility, respect, and constructive dialogue.
To support this work, we actively encourage colleagues to consider becoming involved in the committee. We are keen to hear from GPs who would be interested in contributing as committee members, including those who may wish to move into office bearer roles in the future. There are currently positions for 1 GP representative and a Sessional GP representative. Please contact Dr Claire McLean by the 31st January if you would like to take this further. Bringing new voices and perspectives is vital to ensuring strong representation and shared leadership. We are pleased to confirm that the GPST representative position has been filled, further strengthening the breadth of representation within Borders LMC.
Happy New Year to everyone. Let us hope 2026 is kind to us all.
