Find out more information about what the Freedom of Information Act is, When you need to respond, any exemptions, and Public Interest within the provided pack below:

• Glasgow LMC Advice on Freedom of information – what to publish

GPs need to be aware that from 6th August 2014, there will be a new “Death Certificate” or Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD). There is a local implementation group that has been set up with LMC and practice manager representation.

This is extremely important information for all GPs and practice managers. Please ensure that all doctors and key practice staff are aware of the information provided below:

• New Death Certificates

Urgent update from Prescribing advisers on supply problems with venlafaxine.

• Read More…

The May issue of the Child Protection Unit Newsletter is now available to download here:

• New May issue of the Child Protection Unit Newsletter

The Home Office has announced changes in the legal classification of Tramadol which come into effect on 10 June 2014.  It has not been classed as a controlled drug to this point, but will become a Schedule 3 CD.

More information:

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Memorandum (details of the change)

Letter from Dr Aileen Keel:

It has been drawn to our attention that the letter sent out by Sir Harry Burns dated 11 July 2013 regarding trans-vaginal meshes has not been forwarded to all consultants who carry out procedures using mesh implants in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, and GPs who may have patients who have received such implants.

I would be very grateful if the original letter could be circulated to all relevant clinicians in primary and secondary care.

Can I also take this opportunity to remind you of the possibility that women may have complications following insertion of these mesh implants, and that adverse events should be reported to the MHRA.

Scottish Government is in the process of finalising a revised patient information leaflet and consent form for these procedures and this will be available at the end of June.

Yours sincerely,

Aileen Keel

Traveling to the Middle East? Important information about Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)

A new disease called MERS has been identified in some countries in the Middle East including: Lebanon, Palestinian Territories, Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Israel, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, UAE and Oman.

The risk to most travellers is very low, but you should take these steps to help protect yourself and others:

• regularly wash your hands
• avoid close contact with sick people and sick animals
• avoid contact with camels
• avoid consuming raw camel milk or camel products, or eating undercooked camel meat

If you become unwell with a fever and cough, or shortness of breath within 14 days of being in the Middle East, call your doctor and tell them where you have travelled.

More information:

• Informational Leaflet
• Health Protection Scotland Poster
• Fit For Travel Website

Read the latest Glasgow LMC Newsletter…

• May Newsletter

A new agreement has been agreed between the BMA and the Scottish Government on payments for locums covering maternity, paternity and adoptive leave. This letter provided below clarifies the Scottish Government’s understanding of the Statement of fees and allowances especially as it relates to internal locum cover:

• Read the letter from David Thompson about Maternity Paternity and Adoptive Leave…

A letter from Alan McDevitt (Chair SGPC), to all GPs in Scotland on the GP contract uplift for 2014/15.

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