Added Value Services
Through our subsidiary company Practice Support Services, Nottinghamshire LMC Ltd is able to offer a range of additional or ‘added value' services, for which we charge a nominal fee (at rates which compare very favourably with those of outside consultants or trainers). Income from such work helps to subsidise the ‘core services' all practices receive from us.
The added value services we offer on request comprise:
- Our copyrighted "Practice Diagnostic"
- IT consultancy and training
- Financial systems consultancy and training
- Advice on preparation of business plans, business continuity and project management
- Media liaison advice and media interview training
- Miscellaneous services
Practice Diagnostic
The ‘Practice Diagnostic' is a structured and confidential assessment of whether a practice, as an organisation and as a business, is "fit for purpose". It is based on a collection and analysis of information from the practice, and additional information gathered through structured questionnaires and interviews with the senior partner(s) and practice manager, and compilation of a report for the "risk bearers", i.e. the practice partners, which:
- clearly identifies strengths and weaknesses, and opportunities and threats to the practice;
- recommends action to be taken to address weaknesses and maximise potential opportunities;
- indicates where help might be obtained in order to address any needs identified
IT Consultancy and Training
Liaising, as appropriate, with the Nottinghamshire Health Informatics Service and GP Systems suppliers, we can organise basic and enhanced IT system training. This training has been welcomed by practice managers, GP registrars, locums, and even senior principals wanting the opportunity for refresher training outside the practice. The training is provided at the LMC office or elsewhere.
Financial systems consultancy and training
Nottinghamshire LMC Ltd is always willing to assist practices with financial queries, but as an ‘added value service', we can offer, where requested, a more in depth look at, and advice on, your practice finances. We currently provide payroll services to outside organisations. It is possible we could provide payroll services to practices if there was sufficient demand.
Advice on preparation of business plans, business continuity and project management
Our Practice Liaison Officers have considerable experience in helping practices with business development plans and business continuity plans. Practices are encouraged to use the ‘Practice Business Continuity Template' which the Nottinghamshire PCTs' commissioned Nottinghamshire LMC Ltd to develop. Basic advice on completion is free, but we can provide more in-depth assistance for a nominal fee. We can also manage, where requested, projects of limited size, either directly or by working in partnership with other experts.
Media liaison advice and media interview training
Nottinghamshire LMC Ltd's Head of Communication provides free ad-hoc advice on press related matters, but is practised in providing bespoke media training. If this is something you think the partners and staff in your practice would benefit from, please feel free to contact us, and we can tailor the training to suit your needs.
Miscellaneous Services
Although it is something we are often asked about, Nottinghamshire LMC Ltd cannot provide HR or employment law advice. However, there are accredited local experts to whom we can signpost constituents on request. We can also arrange introductions to firms providing legal advice on disputes with PCTs, establishing corporate structures, and practice partnership agreement drafting services, and local organisations registered to organise and verify CRB checks, and the new ... required under the Vetting and Barring Regulations.
Remember, if you need professional advice services (outside those we already provide as ‘core services', or those which are available at discounted rates from approved or accredited suppliers recommended by the Trent LMCs Buying Group), feel free to call the Nottinghamshire LMC Ltd office on 0115 955 5440 during normal office hours to see what PSS may be able to provide.