For the attention of General Practitioners / Practice Managers
Gateshead and Newcastle General Practices
Dear all
We are aware that many of you suffered a substantial financial hit from the QOF vaccs/imms changes that affected the years 21-22 and 22-23. A scheme to rectify this was lobbied for and Newcastle Gateshead CCG agreed to compensate practices who had made registering migrant children easy, and had been affected adversely by these vaccination changes. We asked for practices to be paid for work done, even if it was outwith the timescale demanded by QOF, and the CCG agreed.
Unfortunately, we now have confirmation from NENC ICB that their board have killed this scheme and that the QOF underspend has been used to deliver other ICB responsibilities (it is not clear whether in primary care or not). This is despite the rationale for the scheme having been made clear, current ICB leaders at Place level having approved it, the issue mostly affecting practices in deprived areas and the knowledge that many practices have taken two years of five-figure-sum hits.
We deeply regret having to deliver this news to you. As LMCs, GST and NNT have lobbied for you relentlessly but could not persuade the ICB, who have essentially concluded that losses on these metrics are a failure of practices to achieve, rather than the result of practices falling victim to circumstances outwith their control. Sad to say, this decision cannot but provide insight onto their views on health inequalities and the value of General Practice.
Should you have any questions, please ask and we will answer, IN FULL. Please feel free to ask these questions directly of the ICB leadership and your MP also.
Paul Alan
Dr PA Evans Dr Alan McCubbin
Chair Chair
Gateshead & South Tyneside LMC Newcastle & North Tyneside LMC
Jane
Dr Jane Carman
Honorary Secretary
Gateshead & South Tyneside LMC
Newcastle & North Tyneside LMC
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