Join GPnetworks

Any UK based GP can join GPnetworks for free. You simply need a valid GMC number and UK postcode.

GP signup

Any UK Practice can join GPnetworks for free. You just need a working nhs.net email address and valid UK postcode.

Practice signup

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How to maximse your chances of finding session work with GPnetworks

There are a number of factors that can affect your ability to find sessional cover via the system:

1. the amount of availability you have in your calendar
The more you have the better

2. The frequency of your calendar updates
Updating puts your name to the top of the list for each day (for a while). the longer you take to update the further down the list your name falls. After 14 days it is removed (this is to ensure all sessional availability shown to practices is up to date)

3. Your work radius and surgery list
the more practices in your list the more likely it is that one will request you. I can see you only have 7 practices in your list – its not really enough. You live on the periphery of our network coverage. You can either increase your work radius to encompass more practices or help to expand the network by telling local practices about us (a free account is available to practices in new areas)

4. the note you leave in your profile
Practices see this note at the top of your details screen.

5. Your rate(s)
Do you publish a day/hour rate ? Publishing a reasonable one might encourage practices to contact you

6. make sure you are not missing request via email

Practice can call GPs or email GPs directly – but there is also a Request process built into the system, so they you might receive automated emails from us that relate to a request from a practice. (Check you junk folder if you think you should have received one)

When you login to your account, any requests made via the system will show up as a different colour in your calendar – click the session and the details of the Request appear on the left side of the screen. Here you can respond to the request and add notes.

How can GPnetworks help ensure quality cover for practices?

We know that the issue of quality is very important to practices and finding a locum through a DIY system like GPnetworks can be a bit hit and miss. However, we have some tools to help you ensure your locum will be competent and reliable.

 1. Governance documents
The GP profile allows doctors to upload all their important professional documents as well any additional documents that relate to specific skills, experience or qualification. Practices are able to view and download these documents from within their GP details view. As well as this, when you book a GP via the system, these documents are automatically sent to you in the confirmation email.

 

2. Confirmed booking reminders:
We send automated email reminders to GPs for any Confirmed bookings made through the system. These go out 3 days before the booking date.

 

3. Trusted GP lists:
Your account lets you create and manage your own Trusted list of doctors from the wider GPnetworks pool. For each GP in your list you can retain your Governance information. You can also filter the general sessional availability calendar by your Trusted list, removing all other doctors from view (you can switch back at any time).

Enhanced account holders can invite any GP in the system to join their Trusted list, there is no additional cost to either party.

 

4. Ratings:
Any locum that has worked for you can be rated by you, using a very simple tool, found in each locums details screen. Click the locums name to access their details screen. Then click the ‘rate this GP’ tab at the top.

GP ratings will be seen anonymously by other practices as accumulated scores. They can help all practices to judge whether or not a GP is a safe bet.

Ratings cover 5 key areas:

  • Did the locum GP turn up for work on time?
  • Completion of tasks
  • Handover of patients
  • Significant Patient complaints
  • General attitude

*You can modify your answers at any time by re-visiting the GPs details

Working in partnership for better business and health outcomes

Date: Thursday 17 November 2011
Location: Victory Services Club, London
Event organised by: PCC (www.pcc.nhs.uk)
Cost: FREE

Summary:
GPnetworks has been offered 30 free places at the event (normal price £195), available to our practice members, on a first-come-first-served basis. Email admin@gpnetworks.co.uk if you wish to attend and we will send you a registration code that will allow free registration.

Event description:
With practice mergers increasing and increasing pressure on practices to think and behave collectively in the transition to CCGs, practice managers and partners need to be aware of the consequences of change. This event looks in detail at the benefits and pitfalls of working in partnership whether through merger or federation with other providers or less formal routes.

One session looks at the business considerations of practice mergers and splits, and the potential consequences of incorporation. What are the financial consequences for a high-performing practice of merging with an average achiever? What non-financial factors do practices need to consider before merging – eg population profile and performance against patient survey indicators? What are the risks if it goes wrong?

Other sessions look at:

• How to federate and the benefits of federation, including group purchasing
• Working with patient reference groups, particularly in light of the PP DES
• Working with community pharmacy to reduce costs and improve service deliverables
• A pilot scheme to increase choice and reduce the cost of online procurement designed with and aimed at practice managers

The event also covers real-life examples of federation, considering how the risks can be mitigated and the benefits optimised for the benefit of all stakeholders from purchasing to patient participation.

The new patient participation DES makes explicit the link between more effective patient representation and practice income, but the connection needs to be hard-wired to the strategy. If the needs of patients are not permanently aligned with business development plans, your aspirations to grow the business and better serve the local population could be compromised.

PCC event info and registration here

To register for free, contact admin@gpnetworks.co.uk for an event registration code

Delegates attending: GPs, practice managers, other practice staff and PCT primary care leads.

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Categorized as Discussion

How to use an iCal feed in your calendar applications

All GP accounts contain a feature to create an iCal feed from your GPnet Calendar

iPhone / iPad:
Click the iCal feed address link created for you below the feed generator tools, in your Work & Availability screen. This link is generated for you after you click ‘Generate’

Android:
First install Giraffe from the Market then click the iCal feed address as above

iCal
goto: Menu: Calendar: Subscribe – paste feed address into area provided. Or follow the instructions for iPhone above and choose iCal from the options given

Google Calendar
goto: Other Calendars: Add by URL – paste feed address into area provided

Outlook:
Click the iCal link in the menu above – paste feed address into area provided

Thunderbird (+Lightning addon):
goto: File: New: Calendar: Choose ‘on the network’ then ‘continue’ – add feed address into Location field and ‘Continue’