Resources for newly qualified GPs
Congratulations if you have recently qualified as a GP!
You will find here a range of resources as well as a list of useful contacts.
There is also a wealth of information available aroung starting as a sessional on this website
Starting work with a Practice
There are a number of documents that a practice should request from you before you start work with them:-
Proof of GMC License to practice as a GP
Proof of Inclusion on the NI Primary Medical Performers List (NIPMPL)
Proof of Medical Indemnity for GP practice
Proof of satisfactory Hepatitis B titre
Before your first session, you should ensure your motor car insurance is valid for home visits and carrying drugs.
The practice should provide all the passwords you may need e.g. EMIS, Vision, Healthy, Docman/Apollo, CCG, ECR.
What Medical Indemnity do I need?
It is vital that you have the correct indemnity for the work you do.
There are a number og indemnity providers in the UK, and it is worthwhile getting several quotations as prices vary.
Always check whether your employer provides any indemnity for the role, and provide full details (if this is the case) to your indemnity organisation.
Opportunities for GPs recently qualified in Republic of Ireland
Did you know that if you have qualified as a GP within the past 2 years in the Republic of Ireland, you can now follow a Streamlined Process to be able to work in Northern Ireland? This avoids the need to sit any exam and allows you to do a short orientation placement in a training practice in the area where you might wish to work
To find out more click HERE
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You are required to have Indemnity for all 'in hours' work you do. Providers differ in how they cost this, and it is worth obtaining several quotes particularly if you are changing the way you work.
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OOH providers in Northern Ireland do not currently all provide the same level of indemnity. It is important to check what cover (if any) is being provided by them, and then speak to your indemnity provider to see what additional cover is needed. For more information on OOH work, click here
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Don't forget to notify your indemnity provider of all other work you do as this may influence your premium and, more importantly, you may not be covered.
Organisations that support Newly Qualified GPs
The transition from being a GP specialty trainee to working as a qualified GP can be demanding. For many, the reality of life after training is not quite what was expected. Partnerships, salaried posts and locum work are all available, and portfolio careers are increasing. It is important to keep up to date with CPD and prepare for appraisal (and revalidation). It is also important to balance the stresses of a challenging career with a home life, and achieving a good “work/life” balance is not easy.
There are a number of organisations that can support you.
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If as a newly qualified GP you wish to continue Small Group Learning but have diffciulty finding people in your area, then NIMDTA can help find a group nearby. Please email gpcpd.nimdta@hscni.net. NIMDTA can also offer you guidance through the GP Mentoring Scheme.
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GPNI has a range of resources that will assist as you familiarise yourself with new practices at this LINK
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GPs in their first five years after completing training are supported and recognised by the College through specific events and the RCGPNI First5 Network. The College is always keen to hear how they can best support you in NI. There are a wide range of First5 support resources available on the RCGP website. These include a range of excellent videos https://www.rcgp.org.uk/First5 The Northern Ireland First5 representative is Dr Jonathan Fee and can be contacted at NICouncil@rcgp.org.uk
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NextGen GP is a funded national leadership programme for trainees and new GPs. The aim is to engage a new generation of leaders in primary care, equipping them with the skills and networks to succeed, and empowering them with the belief that they can translate insight into impact.
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Your local LMC can provide practical, confidential advice and support for both practitioners and practices on a broad range of issues. They utilise many different forms of communication to help GPs to prioritise the information and keep abreast of the main issues impacting on general practice. As an independent body with no political constraints, they can act as an advocate and can offer help on all matters relevant to general practice. GPs are welcome to contact them for help and advice to assist steering through the NHS.