There have been discussions over the last six months with the Scottish General Practitioners Committee (SGPC) following the GMS Contract Agreement in Scotland for 2014/15 about the future direction of the GMS contract in Scotland. An integral part of that agreement was to work  jointly towards Scottish GMS contract arrangements, provided we could agree on a period of stability for general practice that would free up the time to do so.

We are pleased to confirm that and agreement has been reached with SGPC on arrangements that will remain in place until 2016/17, which build on the GMS Contract Agreement in Scotland for 2014/15.

• Find out more about the GMS contract…

There is a current shortage of Chlordiazepoxide (all preparations / strengths / brands) resulting from a problem with the supply of a raw material required for its manufacture.

The report provided below aims to reinforce current guidance and detail a suitable alternative UK licensed product to ensure that prescribers can continue to prescribe detox medications during the shortage:

• Report: Chlordiazepoxide Guidance During Shortage

• View the latest Meningitis C advice for 2014

This is the first edition of the newly rebranded primary care prescribing bulletin, formerly titled PostScript Primary Care.

• MUPC August 2014

A recommendation has been to circulate information on the role of social work in child protection and advice on making a referral. Please find below a short summary of the role of social work in child protection and a copy of the current shared referral form used by agencies to make a referral about any child protection or welfare concerns they may have:

• Role and Remit of Social Work in Child Protection
• Shared Referral Form
• Informational Letter

The NHS charges to overseas visitors regulations has now got a new exemption for all HIV treatment. This change has implications for both Primary and Secondary NHS healthcare providers.

• Read more about this change…

Greater Glasgow & Clyde NHS Board have recently produced a credit card sized leaflet to highlight some of the most important aspects of dealing with people who have been recently bereaved.

• Read the new bereavement leaflet…

You may find the following website helpful regarding services available from the West of Scotland Specialist Virology Centre:

• www.nhsggc.org.uk/virology

In particular, there is a General practice subpage with a user manual with full details on CT/GC testing including illustrations and a GP information poster regarding specimens and containers.

If any GP has other suggestions as to what they would like on the website then please contact Dr Wilson-Davies.

There have been recent changes made to Spirometry guidance, adult pulse oximetry guidance and the use of emergency oxygen & nebulisers. You can find out more about these changes in the documents provided below:

• Pulse Oximetry Guidance
• Spirometry Guidance
• Use of Emergency 0xygen & Nebulisers