History Of LMCs
The LMC is arguably the longest-lived organisation operating in the NHS today. The origins of LMCs go back to the National Insurance Act of 1911, through which the government of Lloyd George established panels of local doctors paid by the state to provide a range of medical services to the population. The Local Medical Committees were set up to represent the independent contractors who agreed to provide those services.
When the NHS was established in 1948, LMCs were recognised as the representative voice of GPs and the body through which the executive councils, which administered the family doctor services, and the regional hospital boards, which administered the hospital services, were obliged to consult GPs.
The main responsibilities of LMCs have remained largely unchanged through successive NHS reorganisations, although the new contract in 2004 provided us with a number of new responsibilities involving enhanced services, QOF, practice contracts, contract review, dispute resolution, commissioning, premises, GP vacancies/practice splits and practice lists and assignments.
As autonomous bodies, LMCs are variously constituted but have to be formally recognised by the Secretary of State's local representatives, the PCTs. A great many LMCs have, like ours, set up limited liability companies to carry out their responsibilities.