What is the General Practice Assembly??

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In June 2022, the Leeds GP Confederation, in partnership with the LMC and CCG, will launch the new General Practice Assembly.

The General Practice Assembly is an evolution of the Members Meetings that you may have been to in the past. This new-look forum is open to anyone working in general practice. It will convene a minimum of four times a year, providing a space to share your views and ensure your voice is heard on a range of relevant topics. Watch our 2-minute video below to find out more.

The first General Practice Assembly will take place virtually on the 22nd June, 12.30 – 14.30. Please email [email protected] if you have not received your invite.

Why is there a General Practice Assembly?

It’s a bit of a long story, but an important one, so keep reading…because things are changing in Leeds and beyond and this is creating new opportunities for general practice.

As part of our strengthened Health and Care Partnership in Leeds, Population Boards and Care Delivery Boards have been established. These bring health and care partners together to improve outcomes by collaborating, rather than competing, with each other around the things that make a difference to people’s lives. These Boards have strong clinical leadership and will take decisions on how resources in the city are used in accordance with population needs. This means it’s largely about collectively determining where the cash goes and for what purpose whilst maintaining quality of care.

Money will flow into the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership (our Integrated Care System) and the majority will pass to the local places in the partnership. For our city, this means the Leeds Committee of the ICS and its associated infrastructure, including these Boards. The Committee and each of these Boards will have a general practice representative, who will guide decisions based on the likely view of general practice and engage with relevant forums outside of the board where these may need consultation.

You made it! Here’s the reason we are launching the General Practice Assembly. Colleagues who have the mandate to represent general practice need to hear from you. We need to listen to the issues that are important to you. Your voice will inform the representation of general practice when decisions about priorities and spend are being made. The General Practice Assembly is one of the forums available to you access the latest information and provide your opinion.

Why should I share my views?

Because this is a chance to participate in decision-making. General practice has a seat on the Leeds Committee of the ICS and each of the associated boards and it’s vital that those representing you understand and can adequately reflect your perspectives. We have more opportunity than ever before for general practice voice to inform the improvement of outcomes, experience, and value of NHS spend, as well as action to reduce health inequalities. Come along to the General Practice Assembly and be part of it!

What will happen as a result?

The range of views and experiences shared in the General Practice Assembly will be collated by the Voice Committee. This Committee is not a representative or decision-making body. Rather, it carries out the specific function of processing this intelligence and passing it to those with a mandate to represent general practice in the health and care partnership. To support this function, the Voice Committee sets the agenda for the General Practice Assembly and communicates what has happened as a result of the opinions shared there.

I’m not a GP, can I come to the General Practice Assembly?

Yes! This is a forum for anyone working in a general practice setting or capacity, not just for GPs (although they are very welcome too). Whether you’re a practice manager, practice nurse, AHP, receptionist, or in any other role, we want to hear from you.

How else can I share my opinions?

Acting as a collective voice of general practice in Leeds is one of the chief purposes of the Leeds GP Confederation. You can reach out to us any time by speaking with a member of the team, visiting our website, or giving us a call on 0113 2217393.