Contents
Items covered in this bulletin include:
- Changes to the GP Contract
- Zero Tolerance of Abuse - Campaign
- Core20PLUS5 Survey
- Transforming Primary Care Podcast
- Skin Imaging Service Launches at Montagu CDC
- Sickle Cell Peer Mentoring Scheme
- New Perinatal Pelvic Health App GetUBetter (Pilot) – FREE!
- South Yorkshire Governance Maturity Matrix workshops
- Yes to Quit campaign launches in Yorkshire and Humber
- ME patient information leaflets
- Same System, Different Voice - Sheffield and Barnsley IT service
- Yorkshire Ambulance Service seeks new Medical Director
- Investigation report - Medication not given: anticoagulation before and after a procedure
- Infection Prevention and Control Training Event for General Practice June 2025
- Exploitation and Criminality - Partner Intelligence Requirements Guidance
News
Changes to the GP Contract in 2025/26
The consultation on changes to the GP Contract for 2025/26 concluded at the end of last month and the final arrangements for the new financial year have been confirmed. The changes to the GP Contract for 2025/26 mark a major step forward in the government’s mission to shift care into the community, to focus on prevention and to move from analogue to digital. The changes also provide greater freedom to GPs by cutting red tape and empowering patients by improving digital access to practices. Read the changes to the GP contract 2025/26 here.
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The development of neighbourhood health services
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SDF (System Development Funding) ring-fencing has been removed and is now included in core allocations.
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Improve access to General Practice.
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Action Plans must be in place by June 2025 to improve contract oversight and tackle unwarranted variation.
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Reduce inequalities in line with the Core20PLUS5 approach for adults, children and young people.
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In line with NICE guidelines increase the % of patient’s hypertension treated and increase the % of patients on GP Cardio Vascular Disease register who have their cholesterol levels managed.
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Continue to support the delivery of Modern General Practice and target resources to support practices based on their ability to provide access and a good overall experience for patients as measured by the ONS Health Insights Survey.
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Encourage patients to access the NHS-App for online consultations, accessing patient records, appointment/prescription management also as a communication method for practice messaging.
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Improve access to Urgent Dental Care.
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To commission South Yorkshire's share of the Government's manifesto commitment of an additional 700,000 appointments nationally.
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NHSE to provide National Guidance and evidence-based support tools to assist practices and commissioners in achieving these aims
Zero Tolerance of Abuse - Campaign
NHS South Yorkshire are supporting health and care staff across the region to stop aggressive and abusive behaviour from patients and members of the public under a zero-tolerance approach and public campaign backed by South Yorkshire Police called #NotInADaysWork.
As reported incidences have increased in recent months, frontline NHS primary care workers such as GP practice, pharmacy, dental and optometrist staff across the region are being offered support and advice from NHS South Yorkshire on reporting such behaviour, and guidance on a process for dealing with it.
The campaign assets are available for use below, which you can print and display and publish via your social media channels. Don't hesitate to get in touch with the communications team for more information.
Visit the campaigns section of the website to download the Zero Tolerance campaign resources: https://southyorkshire.icb.nhs.uk/our-information/campaigns
Core20PLUS5 survey - Take part today
You are invited to take part in an important survey about how the Core20PLUS5 approach, which is being carried out in South Yorkshire ICS. All 42 ICSs are being asked to complete the survey.
This survey is designed for all staff who have been involved in any work related to the Core20PLUS5 approach.
To take part, simply click on the link below. We appreciate your time is valuable and limited. The survey is largely multiple choice and should take no more than 10 minutes to complete.
The survey link is here: https://ipsos.uk/Core20PLUS5
Your response to the survey will remain confidential. It will not be possible to identify you in the findings.
This survey, commissioned by the NHS England Healthcare Inequalities Improvement Programme (HiQiP), is part of a wider evaluation of the Core20PLUS5 approach and its implementation. It will be run by the independent research company, Ipsos an independent research company, and the Strategy Unit (hosted by Midlands and Lancashire Commissioning Support Unit). Year one of the evaluation focusses on the Core20PLUS5 Adults approach, therefore, this survey asks about the delivery and development of work targeted at adults.
If you have any queries or need any help filling out the survey, please contact Ipsos at uk-pa-core20plus5@ipsos.com. You can access the privacy notice, which outlines further information about how we will use the data from the survey here: ipsos.uk/Core20PLUS5_Privacy_Notice.
Transforming Primary Care podcast
The new series of the Transforming Primary Care podcast, produced by the North East and Yorkshire region has reached over 600 listens in its first week.
The opening episode was a discussion around the multi-disciplinary team within primary care and the wider community, with other topics to follow including addressing health inequalities using digital ways of working. You can listen to the episode here. To sign up to receive alerts email england.ney.pctransformation@nhs.net.
Skin Imaging service launches at the Montagu CDC
Montagu Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) bring further testing capabilities for patients in South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw region
Montagu CDC is proud to share its recent updates to its service, including two new pathways and the upcoming opening of the new state-of-the-art Imaging Suite.
Working with the Trust’s clinical colleagues, the Montagu CDC service have developed a pathway to support imaging for suspected skin cancer patients.
The pathway will provide dedicated skin imaging for suspected skin cancer patients within 48 hours of a GP referral.
Images are then triaged by a consultant Dermatologist from the Trust alongside the required the 2ww Pr-forma and a clinical decision made for the appropriate course of treatment.
The pathway aims to reduce wait times for patients on Skin Cancer pathways allowing them to be directed to treatment without delay.
How to refer a patient
The service is directly bookable via the Electronic referral service (ERS or Choose and Book) – description Urgent Suspected Cancer Dermatology Imaging Community Diagnostic Centre Montagu.
Please note: This is not available to children, please refer to Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust.
The existing method of referral will still be offered for patients who are unable to attend the Imaging service, however if this proves to be successful we hope to expand the service to offer this at all of our hospital sites.
What is the referral process?
Current pathway:
- Referral of patient
- Appointment given within 14 days
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Patient is offered an urgent or routine operation or directed to a specialty service eg: ENT, OMFS or surgery or discharged with no further intervention.
The new Skin Imaging service pathway:
- Referral of patient
- Appointment for images given within 48 hours.
- Consultant triage within an additional 48 hours
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Patient is directed to a specialty service eg: ENT, OMFS or surgery or discharged with no further intervention.
The new pathway offers the patient a significantly reduced outcome from referral date.
Please note:
For either referral processes, urgent minor ops are within two to four weeks and routine minor ops within six to eight weeks.
Any patients with a tattoo underlying a lesion are not appropriate for dermoscopy imaging, please refer via the normal skin service pathway.
Where is the Skin Imaging service?
The Skin Imaging service is based within the Montagu Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) at Montagu Hospital in Mexborough. Find out more about the Montagu CDC here.
The Skin Service referral information is also available online on the Trust website, referenced on the Montagu CDC patient information page.
Further service developments
Complimenting the range of diagnostic testing capabilities at Montagu CDC, the service now includes Fibroscan, with Cardio MRI also set to join the service later in the year.
In addition, further pathways are in development, you views on these services are welcomed, please contact Shahida Khalele, Project Manager for the CDC, for information on how you can get involved: shahida.khalele@nhs.net
Improvements to signage at Montagu Hospital
The Montagu CDC has invested in new signage to inform patients of the service locations on site at Montagu Hospital.
The Trust has introduced large scale wayfinding signage positioned within entrance areas to the Montagu site. Based on feedback from patients, the new design has been created to help guide them to the various services within the Montagu CDC and others based within Montagu Hospital. In addition, the Trust has updated its site maps online to enable better wayfinding for patients accessing services across all hospital sites.
The hospital maps can be found here: www.dbth.nhs.uk/patients-visitors/how-to-get-here/hospital-map
More information on the Montagu CDC can be found here: www.dbth.nhs.uk/services/community-diagnostic-centre-cdc
New Imaging Suite at Montagu Hospital set to expand diagnostic services and treat more patients
A brand new state-of-the-art imaging suite is set to open in March at Montagu Hospital, enhancing diagnostic services for South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw patients.
This £16.4 million facility, part of the Montagu Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC), is equipped with advanced MRI and CT scanners, an ultrasound suite, and designed with patient comfort in mind, including calming visuals and mood-enhancing lighting.
The suite aims to perform an additional 80,000 diagnostic procedures annually, recruiting an additional 10 radiographers and training 11 more through a degree apprenticeship scheme.
For more information on the new Imaging Suite, please visit: www.dbth.nhs.uk/news/new-imaging-suite-at-montagu-hospital-set-to-expand-diagnostic-services-and-treat-more-patient
Sickle Cell Society Peer Mentor scheme
The Sickle Cell Society is currently piloting a scheme offering trained peer mentors (people with lived experience of sickle cell disorder) to young people aged 10 - 24 years with sickle cell.
Referrals can made through primary care teams, schools, higher education, as well as directly from the young people themselves or their families or secondary healthcare teams. This scheme is now open for referrals.
For further information about this scheme please contact Adélaïde Houlette, Sickle Cell C&YP Mentoring Programme Manager, North West/South Yorkshire or visit the Sickle Cell Society website.
Developed in partnership with local hospitals, this initiative provides essential support, education, and empowerment for children and young people living with sickle cell disorder.
Since its pilot launch in London in 2017, the programme has expanded due to high demand, proving to be a valuable support system for young people. Now, children and young people across Liverpool, Manchester, and Sheffield and surrounding areas have the opportunity to benefit from this proven model of peer support.
In South Yorkshire, we are working closely with Royal Hallamshire Hospital and Sheffield’s Children's Hospital, ensuring that young people with sickle cell receive personalised peer support to help them manage their condition with confidence. While this initiative is part of a wider regional expansion across the North-West and South Yorkshire, its local delivery aims to increase awareness and accessibility for families and healthcare professionals in the Sheffield area.
How does the programme help?
The peer mentoring programme is designed to: ✔ Improve young people’s understanding and management of sickle cell disorder. ✔ Enhance emotional and social well-being through connection with trained mentors. ✔ Provide guidance on accessing healthcare support and navigating available resources. ✔ Support the transition from paediatric to adult services with the help of a mentor who understands their journey.
How does the programme work?
The programme is delivered by a team of trained mentors, all of whom live with sickle cell themselves. These mentors provide one-to-one support over several months, helping mentees set and achieve personal goals related to managing their condition.
Referrals are open to: ✔ Children, young people, and parents (self-referral). ✔ Healthcare professionals (GPs, hospitals, community services).
We are eager to reach more families, healthcare teams, and young people who could benefit from this innovative, community-driven support system.
What do our mentees say?
"If it weren’t for the mentoring programme, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. It has truly been an unforgettable experience."
"During my time being mentored, I’ve really appreciated having a listening ear. My mentor has been incredibly supportive of my goals and aspirations, helping me navigate my education and career while managing my sickle cell."
About the Sickle Cell Society
The Sickle Cell Society (SCS) is the only national charity in the UK supporting and representing people affected by sickle cell disorder. Established in 1979, we work alongside healthcare professionals, parents, and individuals living with sickle cell to raise awareness, provide guidance, and empower families.
Approximately 15,000 people in the UK live with sickle cell disorder, with the condition predominantly affecting people of Black African and Black Caribbean heritage, as well as those from Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, South Asian, and Central/South American backgrounds.
Through advocacy, support, and education, the Sickle Cell Society continues to be a lifeline for individuals and families navigating the challenges of this inherited blood disorder.
Get Involved – Join the Mentoring Programme Today!
Do you know or live with someone aged 10–24 who has sickle cell in South Yorkshire? Submit a referral: NWmentors@sicklecellsociety.org (QR code attached to email) Learn more: www.sicklecellsociety.org General inquiries: info@sicklecellsociety.org
New Perinatal Pelvic Health App GetUBetter (Pilot) – FREE!
South Yorkshire ICB (Local Maternity and Neonatal System Team) have procured and developed the GetUBetter Pelvic Health App to include tailored local service content. The app has 3 modules: Pelvic Health; Pregnancy; Post Birth, and is FREE to all South Yorkshire women. The app has been co-produced with service users. For more information or to request getUBetter posters and leaflets to promote the app in your area, please contact syicb-sheffield.syblmspmo@nhs.net
The getUBetter app includes:
- New Pelvic Floor Trainer fuction
- Perinatal and general Pelvic floor exercise videos
- General exercise videos
- Information, guidance and advice
- Top tips for manging symptoms of pelvic health problems
- Regular surveys to monitor symptoms and progress, signposting to services where needed
- Links to local support services such as physiotherapy, smoking cessation and domestic abuse services
- Videos available in 8 other languages in addition to English AND ‘touch to speak’ functionality in some areas of the app
South Yorkshire Governance Maturity Matrix workshops
Information and one-to-one support for the Adapted Governance Maturity Matrix tool for Advanced Practice in Primary Care
Did you know that you are required to adopt the Governance maturity matrix assessment tool to ensure your practitioners are governed and you have assurance of their practice for CQC inspections? Also, you are required to have started this to access funding for future trainee ACPs.
HEE published in 2023 the first version of the advanced practice governance maturity matrix tool. Feedback from SY stakeholders is that it has been difficult to use and implement. Therefore, a new easier and quicker local version has been created and endorsed by the SY primary care collaborative and medical director of the ICB.
The Adapted governance maturity matrix tool is an offer of a shortened and primary care friendly version to encourage participation and hence strengthen the governance around advanced practice roles.
We would like to invite you to a short in-person meeting where we will demonstrate this and support you in completing this before you go back to practice. This is suitable for AP leads, practice managers and PCN managers. Please see the attached leaflet for more.
Yes to Quit campaign launches in Yorkshire and Humber
The ‘Yes to Quit’ campaign launched this week, taking a region-wide approach to help people across Yorkshire and the Humber quit smoking. Hard-hitting adverts will focus on what 2 in 3 smokers will miss by dying too soon, such as weddings,births and quality time with others. They’ll run over the next 8 weeks on TV, radio, transport links and social media.
You can support the campaign locally through your channels using the resources below.
ME patient information leaflets
Please see below a number of ME patient information leaflets that may be useful for patients diagnosed with ME.
- ME Association https://meassociation.org.uk/ leaflets available to download here Free Literature - The ME Association
- NHS UK website: Myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) - NHS
Updates
Yorkshire Ambulance Service seeks new Medical Director
Are you a practising GMC registered Consultant in Emergency Medicine, Acute Medicine or Anaesthetics, or a General Practitioner with experience in leadership/management? Find out more about the Medical Director Role at YAS. View Job description.
Investigation report - Medication not given: anticoagulation before and after a procedure
The attached report presents the findings of an investigation into a patient safety event at an acute hospital trust and identifies factors relevant to learning in other NHS organisations.
This is the second in a series of investigations exploring why medications intended to be provided to patients were not provided. Patients who need medications can suffer harm if these are not provided.
Infection Prevention and Control Training Event for General Practice June 2025
The next IPC Training Event for General Practice will take place on Monday 6 June, 2025. This outstanding training event is ideal for Infection Prevention Leads, Practice Managers and other Team members. It is suitable for individual or group attendance. Further details can be viewed here.
Exploitation and Criminality - Partner Intelligence Requirements Guidance
South Yorkshire Police has issued updated guidance for partners to share intelligence related to Exploitation and criminality.
Your information helps to create an understanding of the ‘bigger picture’ which allows officers locally and nationally to develop and connect investigations from a whole partnership approach. See the updated guidance here.
