Herefordshire and Worcestershire Local Medical Committee

The LMC is democratic body consisting of GPs elected by constituency in both Herefordshire and Worcestershire respectively.  Other members are co-opted to support particular areas of interest such as rural dispensing.  Practice Managers, Non-Principal GPs and GP Registrars are also represented on the committees.  Close links between the national General Practitioners Committee and the LMC are maintained.

Each county’s committee meets monthly and the office for both counties is based in Redditch.  Worcestershire LMC is incorporated and has merged with Herefordshire LMC, all services and the website are now provided by Worcestershire and Herefordshire Local Medical Committee Ltd.

Each committee is an independent body representing the interests of general practice alone, acting as an advocate for general practice, free of political constraints and of the need to satisfy the interests of others.  LMCs are recognised and defined by statute in the NHS Act 2006, (as amended by the Health and Social Care Act 2012) and are a self-financing body, paid for by a levy of GPs earnings. 

Worcestershire and Herefordshire LMC Ltd are involved in three key areas:

Representation – The LMC represents the views of GPs to a variety of bodies, including CCGs, NHS England, local authorities, social services, NHS Trusts, WMAS, HEE, CQC, GPPB, MPs, national bodies such as the General Practitioners Committee of the BMA (GPC), General Medical Council (GMC), the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP), and local and national media.

They canvas the views of GPs and use the knowledge obtained to promote sustainable and thriving general practice.  To ensure the GP voice is heard they collaborate and build relationships with other organisations, upholding standards of professional practice and ensuring GPs are valued within the healthcare system.

LMCs influence the policies of the GPC on a national level, particularly through submission of motions to the National Annual Conference of LMCs to which Worcestershire and Herefordshire LMC actively contribute. 

Advisory - GPs and PMs are kept informed of local and national developments through the monthly newsletter and the circulation of guidance on local issues and initiatives.  Colleagues received regular updates on local issues via email and Twitter.  Practices can contact the LMC for advice on a wide range of subjects, including matters affecting professional activities, all areas related to GP contracts and funding (essential and enhanced services, QOF, premises funding issues).  Advice is available on practice and partnership mergers, working at scale, new models of care, the STP and ICS.  Regular local events are hosted to keep GP colleagues informed on issues affecting them. 

Pastoral - The GP Support Team provides support to practices needing a bit of extra support.  By connecting colleagues and sharing ideas they aim to support the sustainability of general practice.  There is also support available to mediate practice disputes, support colleagues facing complaints and attending NHSE Performance Advisory Groups.

 The LMC provide:

• a Wellbeing Service to support doctors with their mental and physical wellbeing. 
• GP mentorship
• Support to VTS and educators with lectures and talks on issues that concern the GP trainees
• Collaboration on initiatives to build and improve the workforce with other organisations.

 Doctors experiencing difficulty with their physical and mental health should always consult a medical professional for help and avoid "corridor consultations" and self-treatment.

If you are interested in finding out more about the LMCs in Herefordshire and Worcestershire or have any enquires contact the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Training Hub-Team and we will direct your enquiry traininghub@taurushealthcare.co.uk