c

New ‘face-to-face’ rules from NHS England put GP locums on the spot

24th May 2021 by NASGP

New ‘face-to-face’ rules from NHS England put GP locums on the spot

GP locums report being asked to do up to 90% face-to-face appointments following controversial new guidance from NHS England.

Last week NHS England wrote to practices to instruct them to give face-to-face appointments whenever patients asked for them, causing outcry throughout the profession.

It has now emerged that NHS England will monitor rates of face-to-face appointments and will ask practice to justify ‘low’ levels.

The GPC passed a vote of no confidence in NHS England’s executive directors and refused further meetings with them, Pulse reported last week.

The NASGP advises members to use LocumDeck to set clear terms before booking work, advising on whether they set any limits about the balance of remote or face-to-face appointments they offer.

Dr Richard Fieldhouse, chair of the NASGP said: “As fully qualified GPs with a licence to practice independently, locums must maintain control over both the terms and the conditions within which they work. It’s essential that we do not get distracted by top down imperatives like this or not feel cornered into working in a way that we feel puts us at risk.

“If you haven’t already done so, now is a good time to make sure all your bookings include a confirmation email that incorporates your terms and conditions within them. LocumDeck, which all our members have full access to, includes this as standard.”

Try LocumDeck today as part of our free three-month membership trial.

"LocumDeck is easy to use for both clinicians and practice managers. It’s well-designed, well-implemented and well-supported. It’s our go-to product for managing GP locum requests, bookings and invoices."

Nick Regaard, Practice Manager, The Abingdon Surgery, Abingdon, Oxfordshire

See the full list of features within our NASGP membership plans

Membership