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
- 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 - Campaigns and national news
NIHR Research Funding for Greater Manchester Practices and PCNs: Apply by 17 November
GM practices and PCNs can apply for NIHR research funding of £2,000 to £150,000; applications close 17 November.
Read more: NIHR Research Funding for Greater Manchester Practices and PCNs: Apply by 17 November - Prescribing and referrals
Pause on Child Autism and ADHD Assessment Referrals (Oldham and Tameside), 1–30 November 2026
Hold non-urgent autism/ADHD-only referrals to Pennine Care until the new NHS GM pathway opens on 1 December; Glossop unaffected.
Read more: Pause on Child Autism and ADHD Assessment Referrals (Oldham and Tameside), 1–30 November 2026 - Interface and workload
Electronic Requesting Restored for Andrology, Histology and Cytology (Oldham)
Oldham practices can again request andrology, histology and cytology tests electronically and receive results, following the new NCA lab system.
Read more: Electronic Requesting Restored for Andrology, Histology and Cytology (Oldham) - Guidance and governance
New Guidance: Complaints and the Use of AI
Our guidance helps practices handle long AI-written complaints fairly, respond proportionately and update their complaints information for patients.
Read more: New Guidance: Complaints and the Use of AI - Campaigns and national news
Sign the Open Letter: Halt 'Ghost Patient' Removals
Doctors' Association UK asks GPs and patients to back a pause to FP69 removals of healthy patients pending independent review.
Read more: Sign the Open Letter: Halt 'Ghost Patient' Removals - Prescribing and referrals
Antiviral Arrangements 2026 to 2027 — Oldham
Oldham practices: updated eligibility, approved antivirals and referral pathway for high-risk patients this season.
Read more: Antiviral Arrangements 2026 to 2027 — Oldham
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.