Changes to Locally Commissioned Services (LCSs) in Sussex (GPs)
"Further improving access to primary care and supporting general practice resilience is one of the key priorities for health and care partners in Sussex, and overall, NHS Sussex has invested more than £387.7 million this year, which is an increase on 2022/23.
"Locally Commissioned Services (LCSs) (or enhanced services) are services provided by GP practices that are additional to the General Medical Services (GMS) in their core national GP Contract. They are not agreed nationally or mandatory and therefore vary across the country in scope and funding based on local needs and priorities. They include services such as earwax removal and minor surgical procedures.
"NHS Sussex and its predecessor organisations have historically prioritised additional investment in primary care to address local health needs in Sussex and renumerate general practice for activity considered not to be part of its core general medical services contract. This budget represents c.11% of the total spend on general practice.
"This year we have seen a significant increase in activity within these services, and this means the costs for them has also increased.
"Predictions show that without any changes, these services would cost more money by the end of the year than has been budgeted for. NHS Sussex has a statutory responsibility to work within its agreed allocation, and therefore there has been careful consideration of this budget considering this predicted overspend.
"After conducting a thorough clinical review of the Locally Commissioned Services in Sussex, NHS Sussex has had to ask practices to limit activity to essential services in the last quarter of the financial year.
"There is no reduction to the overall budget for LCSs from the previous year, indeed a 2.9% uplift was applied to the 2022/23 budget, and this action aims to ensure there is no overspend in these services in year.
"Of the 85 services, 13 are directly affected, with individual changes that range from capping activity for this financial year where appropriate to do so, to offering an alternative service with a different provider. For the remainder, we have asked practices to limit non-essential work and defer, where appropriate.
"It is important to be clear that this does not affect core services at GP practices, and these remain available for anyone that needs help or support.
"The NHS, like many other services, has seen rising financial pressure and this, combined with industrial action which has added further challenge, this means there needs to be a clear focus on how we prioritise our available resources to support the Sussex population.
"We recognise that the temporary changes to Locally Commissioned Services may have an impact on a small number of patients. For example, some GP practices may have already carried out their activity for an individual service and any new patients may have to wait or be directed to an alternative provider for the specific service or treatment.
"Patients who are affected in this way will receive advice directly for their personal circumstances and NHS Sussex will continue to engage with GP practices to support them to address any concerns and questions."
