I have also developed a revalidation support package GPReDOC. We have 20 non-principals, and two PCGs signed up, and we are launching it for a new PCT in April

So far I have been able to provide the support from a grant made from 1999-2001, and with the GPReDOC package I make the PCT pay for all GP practitioners in the trust, not just principals.

I have been appointed a GP postgraduate Tutor in the Post Grad Dept Med Ed Leicester University from May, when my undergraduate contract runs out. My brief then is to encourage postgrad support of al GPs, using the revalidation package and any other useful tools.

I joined NASGP not so much for my need, as I am no longer practicing clinically, but so that I might share your enthusiasm and expertise in this field.

Keep up the good work! John H Turner

In theory, could be helpful to some, but Hey! I retired so as to escape the malign influence of PCTs & all that rubbish! They need me; they know where to find me! I have plenty of other [better!] ways to occupy myself - or so I hope! Could be the bills will eventually persuade me otherwise! But they might have something to learn from us, not only about how to support Non-Principals but how to support principal GP's. Partnership practice is now in its death throes. Almost no one can find new/replacement partners. Everywhere there are practices 1 partner short out of 3 or 4 or 2 short out of 5 or 6, some are worse off even than that. No one can recruit nurses either [They all all working for NHS RE-Direct!] No one can sustain small, partnership practices in those circumstances, bigger teams are essential. But for the time being, I get better FAR better support from SEMA [the benefits people] for whom I work sessions than from the PCT or the HA [Not hard as they give me none at all!] Nasty old SEMA whom the BMA hate, but actually, they are quite possibly the future of General Practice. And why not?

Good wishes, Eric Webb

Think this is an excellent idea. I would be interested in being involved locally should it come into fruition. Finally would just like to add my thanks for all the excellent work you do on behalf of us non-principals - I'm very impressed by what you have managed to achieve.

Best wishes, Kate Walters

I think this is a very good idea. I work as a retainee and find the support provided through our regional network very effective. I previously worked as a principal and think everyone should have a sabbatical as a retainee to focus on clinical practice and training and learning needs - it's very refreshing and the support makes sure that you carry through the personal learning plan etc.

Elaine Turner

Looks like a good idea but perhaps you need to be more ‘hard-nosed’ about the clinical governance /risk management responsibilities of the PCTs - will it deliver these & if so you may get some funding - and also the ambivalence which some SGPs may feel about fitting into any structures and requirements - gone are the days of being an independent spirit. Signing up to an accredited system protects you individually and gives the organisation (PCT) some certainty and external quality measure.

This may seem like a game but each side (SGPs & PCTs) has to perceive themselves to gain if you are looking for any investment. You can’t have investment without commitment!

Hope this is meaningful.

Have browsed the SGPST document which came out of the Way Forward Meeting and am interested in the possibility of this being developed in our area. I hope to be able to raise this at our next LMC Meeting and hope that I will be sufficiently well informed so to do. Have downloaded the pages which were conclusions to the meeting but may need to meet up with our GP Tutor as well. Will see how things develop. In order to proceed these sort of things time is also money for SGP's and this will need to be taken into account.

Regards. Michael Uprichard

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