Supporting GP Practices Across West Pennine
West Pennine LMC represents and supports GP practices and primary care teams across the West Pennine area. We are here to help you navigate challenges, access guidance, and make your voice heard.
Latest News
- Prescribing and referrals
NCA Electronic Prescribing Disruption at Bury, Rochdale and Oldham: Discharge Update
NCA's electronic prescribing system remains down at Bury, Rochdale and Oldham. Patients should bring a paper discharge prescription, a 14-day supply starts from 9 November, and queries go to epmadischargequeries@nca.nhs.uk.
Read more: NCA Electronic Prescribing Disruption at Bury, Rochdale and Oldham: Discharge Update - Contract and QOF
GPC England Meets 12 November: Collective Action Escalation Possible from 1 December
GPC England meets on 12 November; it will escalate collective action on 1 December, or sooner if talks break down, unless enough progress is made.
Read more: GPC England Meets 12 November: Collective Action Escalation Possible from 1 December - Prescribing and referrals
Levemir (Insulin Detemir): Complete Switching by End of November
Switch remaining patients off Levemir by the end of November; stocks are expected to run out in December.
Read more: Levemir (Insulin Detemir): Complete Switching by End of November - Prescribing and referrals
CMO Warns Against Overuse of Advice and Guidance as Single Point of Access Starts
England's CMO warns that overusing advice and guidance risks the wrong outcomes, as referrals for 10 local specialties move to a consultant-led single point of access.
Read more: CMO Warns Against Overuse of Advice and Guidance as Single Point of Access Starts - Interface and workload
Theatre Industrial Action Ballot: NCA Offer Rejected
NCA theatre colleagues have rejected the latest offer; further talks continue and more disruption to operations is possible.
Read more: Theatre Industrial Action Ballot: NCA Offer Rejected - Prescribing and referrals
NCA Pathology Handbooks and Contacts – Use These External Links
Some NCA pathology links may not work; use these external pages for handbooks and contact details.
Read more: NCA Pathology Handbooks and Contacts – Use These External Links - Contract and QOF
Check Your Appointment Mapping for Clinically Urgent Same-Day Care
Since April 2026 clinically urgent patients must be dealt with the same day; check your appointment mapping now.
Read more: Check Your Appointment Mapping for Clinically Urgent Same-Day Care - Prescribing and referrals
MHRA October Safety Roundup: Xeal Pharma Clopidogrel Liquids Recalled and New Antidepressant Advice
All Xeal Pharma clopidogrel oral liquids recalled as under strength; new MHRA advice on discussing antidepressant risks.
Read more: MHRA October Safety Roundup: Xeal Pharma Clopidogrel Liquids Recalled and New Antidepressant Advice - Interface and workload
Silicon Practice Enters Administration: Practice Websites Taken Down
Silicon Practice has entered administration and some GP websites have gone offline; users need a fallback and new provider.
Read more: Silicon Practice Enters Administration: Practice Websites Taken Down - Workforce and wellbeing
Free Being Well Leadership Training Supports BeCCoR Wellbeing Target
Free two-part GMPCB Being Well leadership training on 25 November and 9 December supports the BeCCoR wellbeing target.
Read more: Free Being Well Leadership Training Supports BeCCoR Wellbeing Target
Current LMC Engagement
Inappropriate Work Transfer
A new reporting system is in place from September 2026 and data is being collected and reviewed regularly.
Report inappropriate work transferCardiac & Vascular Site Location Proposals
We have raised various concerns about this process and the information and evidence used and have submitted our consultation response and asked for a formal reply to our concerns.
Read our consultation responseShared Care of Medicines Consultation
We have raised our concerns and contributed to this important future way of working.
Download our feedbackBeCCoR
Ongoing queries raised about how data is captured and counted towards referrals.
Download governance letterGP Contract 2026/27
Supporting practices to understand and implement the new contract changes, including the revised global sum and enhanced service requirements.
Read our guidanceRent Reimbursement
LMC support for a practice with a rent dispute with the ICB is ongoing, with support and guidance provided.
LMC in Action
Here are some of our recent actions and achievements
Issue
FP69 - NHSE List Cleansing
What the LMC did
Provided awareness and clear guidance on what practices need to do.
Outcome
Practices informed.
Issue
Inappropriate Workload Transfer
What the LMC did
Engaged with NCA and other providers and worked with other GM LMCs to collaborate.
Outcome
Online reporting live and ongoing monitoring.
Issue
Practice & PCN Dispute
What the LMC did
Provided support and mediation to resolve a long standing issue.
Outcome
Mediation resulted in collaboration and productive bilateral engagement.
Issue
QOF: OB004/5 Guidance
What the LMC did
Clarification and advice on this capped QOF to aid practices in making an informed decision on participation.
Outcome
Practices informed and updated subsequently on the wrap around service provisions in GM.