Alliance Bite Size No.5 Sept 2024

Welcome to the fifth Alliance Bite Size for 2024 - an update from the Dorset General Practice Alliance which aims to provide a brief overview to all our member practices on how the Alliance is working to support you.

General Practice – Alliance survey regarding Collective Action in Dorset

Many thanks to those of you that completed the Alliance survey regarding the collective action that GPs are taking part in across England. The Alliance's position is to support practices in whatever action they choose to take. The Board has had detailed discussions with our members and the LMC over the past few weeks to establish a set of actions that are specific to our local area. A phased approach to implementing a number of actions is being considered and further communications will be sent to all practices in the next few weeks.

Alliance Staff Survey

Thank you to everyone who completed the 2nd Alliance Annual Staff Survey. We had a good response with nearly 600 responses and 17 out of the 18 PCNs. The results were reassuring and there is a definite improvement in the way staff are feeling. However, there is of course more to be done and the Alliance is setting out an action plan based on what people have asked to see happen and to ensure that additional membership events and training are provided to support you. The summary results of the anonymised survey can be found on the Alliance website and each PCN and practice can request their own anonymised results.  

Request for representatives for the Alliance.  

·     Clinical network representatives: The Alliance has been asked for representation on a number of NHSD clinical networks including frailty, respiratory, cardiovascular and diabetes. If you are interested in representing the Alliance at these networks, please send an EOI to the Alliance. See the terms of reference and the Dorset clinical plan.

·     Alcohol related deaths: Public Health Dorset would like a representative to attend a working group with a focus on alcohol related deaths with Dr Lisa Nayler, the ICB lead for mental health. Please email the Alliance if you are interested in joining this group.  

·     Dorset Green Practice Toolkit – the Alliance is launching this toolkit at our next in-person event in October. We’d like a GP and practice manager to review the content and provide feedback – please get in contact by Monday 16th September if you are interested in helping.

 Alliance Membership Events

Our membership events are held online once a month on teams and the next one is September 25th 1-2pm. These are open to anyone working in primary care in Dorset. The agenda will include updates on changes to the CYP programme from Dr Nayler as well as other relevant updates to general practice.

Date for your diary! 30 October 24 Alliance Membership Event Cobham’s Sports & Social Club in Merley - read more below:

·     The Alliance will launch the Dorset Green Practice Toolkit for all practices there will also be an opportunity to hear from a range of speakers about the benefits of implementing a green strategy in your practice, how it can save you money and improve your work environment.

·     We are also asking PCNs, and practices share and celebrate innovative and creative solutions in delivering healthcare – tell each other what is working well and inspire others to make positive changes that do not cost the earth or generate more work. You can vote for your favourite idea on the day! Send in a poster for display or be part of the agenda – we would love to have at least one example from each PCN.

·     Vaccinations - how are you improving uptake in your area? NHSD is providing funding to help your PCN to improve uptake. Come and share your ideas, plans and your progress at the event and hear how the NHSD vaccination team are supporting practices.

 NHSD Comms team also have new vaccinations campaign assets to share and a kick off meeting is being held on 11th September via teams to help you with ideas on how you can increase uptake. Find out more here.

Diabetes and spirometry provision in Dorset

The Alliance is gathering a baseline view of the what the provision is for diabetes and spirometry in Dorset as it is evident there is an inconsistent service across the county. Thanks to those that have completed the short diabetes survey, and we still require a few PCNs to complete this regarding diabetes service. Please also look out for a short survey about spirometry in the coming week.

Please get in touch with the Alliance if you need any further information by email dorsetgpalliance@dorsetgp.nhs.uk or visit the website Dorset General Practice Alliance