THE LOCAL MEDICAL COMMITTEE

The Local Medical Committee (LMC) is a statutory body representing all local general practitioners working within the NHS. Its boundaries must be co-terminous with one or more Primary Care Trusts (PCTs). As the local representative committee of NHS GPs, it is recognised in the NHS Acts & Regulations as the body with whom PCTs must consult on issues affecting the administration of GPs’ contracts and remuneration. It also has broader representative functions which are detailed below.

Statutory Functions

The LMC must be consulted on the following issues

• Administration of GP Contracts under The NHS (GMS Contracts) Regulations 2004
• The Pharmaceutical Services Regulations (e.g. applications to dispense or provide pharmaceutical services)
• The Statement of Financial Entitlements
• Professional Conduct and Complaints

In addition the LMC has representative functions with a variety of other local organisations

• PCTs
• Local Hospital Trusts
• SHA
• Local Authorities
• other local craft committees e.g. Local Pharmaceutical Committee

It also has a representative role with the General Practitioners Committee (GPC) to allow local opinions to be heard at a national level through the LMC Conference.

Non-Statutory Functions

The LMC has a number of non-statutory roles relating to the Profession on both a collective and individual basis. The LMC upholds the core values of the Profession in terms of

• Equity and Fairness
• Openness
• Equal Opportunities

It also offers a pastoral role to GPs for a range of professional issues

• Dispute resolution
• Remuneration
• Terms of service
• Complaints
• Premises
• Partnership
• Employment
• Health problems

How the LMC Functions

The LMC is a totally self-financing committee independant of any other organisation. It funds it activities through levies paid by GPs based on list size.

• Statutory Levy-covers the administrative costs of the LMCs’ work, including payments to members, officers and administrative staff
• Voluntary Levy-this is paid into the GPC Defence Fund to finance the national functions of the GPC

Although these levies are deducted at source from GMS practices, PMS practices are asked to make these contributions on a voluntary basis. Sessional GPs working for a substantive part of their time in a levy paying practice are deemed to be levy payers. Other sessional and locum GPs can make a voluntary contribution proportional to their NHS earnings.

Newcastle and North Tyneside LMC formed in 1994 as an amalgamation of Newcastle LMC and North Tyneside LMC. It meets 9 times per year, usually on the first tuesday of the month. The first part of the meeting is open to any local GP and the second part is for members only. Representatives of the local PCTs and Acute Trusts are invited to attend on a rotating basis. Guest speakers are also invited on an ad hoc basis to present on certain important issues. In addition the LMC Executive meets monthly and there are regular meetings between the LMC Executive and the PCT Executive. Elections are held every 4 years for members, and the Executive, consisting of Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary, Assistant Secretary and Treasurer, are elected by the members. The Executive and members receive payment for their time and contribution to the work of the LMC.

Anyone wishing to become involved in LMC work should contact the Chairman or Secretary for further information.