Q: How is a concern reported to NHS England?

A: If there are any concern(s) that you wish to report to NHS England then please email the concern(s) to the following generic email address england.northwestprofessionalstandards@nhs.net where it will be reviewed by NHS England.

Q: Does NHS England report / share concern(s) with the General Medical Council (GMC)?

A: NHS England can report / share concerns with the GMC. The decision to report / share concern(s) with the GMC is done a case-by-case basis, and if the decision is made to report / share the concern(s) with the GMC the practitioner will be informed of this by the case manager.

Q: What outside organisations do NHS England have links with?

A: NHS England has connections with the LMC representatives for the North-West and Practitioner Performance Advice (PPA).

Other support is available to practitioners, and this is supplied as part of the information provided when a case file is opened against a practitioner.

Q: Should I involve my MDO?

A: NHS England recommend that if a case is opened regarding concern(s) raised that you actively involve your MDO as they have experience in these matters and can offer support and guidance when required. Having the involvement of an MDO does not change the management of your case with NHS England but it is the practitioner’s choice to involve them or not.

Q: What support is available to a practitioner if a concern is raised with NHS England and how can I access this support?

A: Occupational health support is available, and the case manager can refer if required. This is done on a case-by case basis. NHS Practitioner Health Service supports mental health, including stress. This is not an occupational health service; it is a treatment service and is offered to dentists and optometrists as well as GPs. To contact this service please visit practitionerhealth.nhs.uk or call 0300 0303 300.

NHS England provides a broader package of support for practitioners. The service is an important part of NHS England’s commitment to help retain a healthy and resilient workforce and in supporting practitioners who wish to remain in, or return to, clinical practice after a period of ill health. This information can be found on the below link: england.nhs.uk/gphealthservice. The Sick Doctor Trust provides support and help to doctors, dentists and medical students who are concerned about their use of drugs and alcohol. Further information can be found sick-doctors-trust.co.uk or call 0370 444 5163.

The Society for Assistance of Medical Families – since launching our mutual fund in 1788, we are proud to have supported thousands of doctors and their families when they needed it most. From assisting spouses when a Society member passes away, to financing educational costs for students from medical families facing hardship, SAMF has dedicated more than two centuries to its members.

The Society was founded as the Society for Relief of Widows and Orphans of Medical Men. We are a registered charity governed by a Royal Charter, Supplemental Royal Charter and By-Laws. We now operate under the working title of the Society for Assistance of Medical Families (SAMF). SAMF better describes our work and aims in our third century.  Further information can be found at The Society for Assistance of Medical Families – Doctors Helping Doctors & Doctors Families (samf.org.uk)

Q: Is there a named contact if a concern is raised against a practitioner and a case opened?

A: When a case is opened against a practitioner, that practitioner is allocated a case manager who is the main contact for any advice, discussions, emails, or queries. The case manager is responsible for managing your case at NHS England. The case manager will be supported by a clinical advisor.

Q: If NHS England has to take immediate action against a practitioner (i.e., suspension to protect patients) what happens next?

A: Suspension is seen as a neutral act and NHS England will support accordingly. If this does occur, NHS England advise the practitioner to speak with their case manager about next steps and how to access the support available to a practitioner (as mentioned above). A practitioner may be entitled to suspension payments and information will be provided to guide you through the process of claiming. NHS England also advise that a practitioner contacts their MDO to seek support in this situation.

Q: What happens if a practitioner transfers to a different region?

A: A practitioner would need to log into PCSE online (all practitioners should have been provided with log in details) and complete the necessary transfer request. Once the regional team have received the transfer request it would need to be authorised. If the practitioner has an open case, then that would typically be transferred to the new team (unless there was a specific reason not to do so), as the open case file will follow the practitioner until the case is closed by NHS England.

Q: I am a newly qualified GP working in the North West, how do I get allocated an appraiser?

A: NHS England will normally contact you and allocate you an appraiser automatically when you select the North West region as your designated body.

If you have not been contacted, please contact the local Appraisal and Revalidation team at england.nwappraisal@nhs.net

Q: How do I arrange my appraisal?

A: Once allocated an appraiser, you should receive an email confirming your appraiser and there contact details.  Your appraiser receives the same and they should get in touch to arrange a suitable date and time.

You may also contact your appraiser directly to arrange your appraisal using the contact details sent to you.

If you have any issues in getting your appraisal arranged, please contact the team at england.nwappraisal@nhs.net 

Q: Do I have to have my appraisal in the allocated month?

A: You can complete your appraisal up to three months early if required.  If you are unable to complete your appraisal when it is due, please contact the team to discuss and agree a new appraisal month at england.nwappraisal@nhs.net

Q: I am currently off sick, should I still have an appraisal?

A: You should not compete your annual appraisal if you are not working due to sick leave.  Please contact the team at england.nwappraisal@nhs.net and we can either move your appraisal to later within the year or consider an approved missed appraisal to cover the current year as appropriate.

Q: I no longer provide any clinical sessions, should I still have an appraisal?

A: Given the varied nature of roles of NHS GPs, please contact the team to arrange a discussion with the team who will be able to best advise you on future appraisals and any administrative actions that may be required.

Q: I am currently working abroad, should I continue to be appraised by NHS England?

A: Please contact the team at england.nwappraisal@nhs.net to discuss the range of options available to you and how you can be supported during any prolonged break in NHS GP service.