Further to the system letter of 22 June 2022, NHSE have published today new Enhanced Service Specifications (ES) for General Practice and Community Pharmacy Contractors for the period from 1 September 2022 to 31 March 2023 (phase 5).

From today, new legislation comes into force which allows nurses, occupational therapists, pharmacists, and physiotherapists to legally certify fit notes, in addition to doctors. 

New menopause practice standards have been launched to help guide and support health professionals delivering menopause care.

The purpose of the standards is to provide evidence-based recommendations and guidance on best menopause practice in line with current national and international guidelines and recommendations.

Click here to read the standards in full.

Healthwatch has launched a national campaign to understand peoples experiences whilst they wait for treatment following the Covid Pandemic. They understand many people have had  their operations, treatment and appointments cancelled or delayed, in fact the latest data shows that the number of people waiting for routine operations and procedures in England is at its highest level since 2007 – currently at 5.45 million.

The LMC finds there is a misconception amongst many that their GP Practice is either responsible for the delay, or have the ability to reduce their wait. As GP practices are one of the few familiar faces for patients, they often encounter the understandable  frustration  patients have when waiting for an appointment or surgery from what is often a 'faceless' organisation.