Here’s the latest round-up of news from Coventry & Warwickshire IPC for October and November
Introduction
In recent weeks, we have been working with the ICB to understand future commissioning arrangements, particularly considering the ICB Blueprint, NHS 10 Year vision and the significant changes facing the health sector. This is a challenging landscape for us all, but we are actively working to enhance opportunities for primary care to provide more services for patients where these services will be commissioned at scale.
Another key area of focus has been preparing for CQC registration which we hope to complete by the end of the year.
Referrals to Primary Care Dermatology are on the rise and we are keen to see this continue so that patients can be treated more quickly. The increase has created an opportunity for more GPs to join the service – more details below.
Plans are progressing well for the Primary Care Awards, which will take place in late spring/early summer next year. Keep an eye on our website for the official launch.
Service updates
Digital Champions
NHS App webinar: The C&W Digital Champions recently hosted a webinar on the NHS App. The session was led by James Butcher, Programme Lead for the NHS App, who shared insights into the App’s roadmap, upcoming innovations, and how it will continue to play a central role in patient engagement within the NHS 10-Year Plan.
Work programme: The champions continue to support a diverse work programme across Coventry and Warwickshire, based on the needs of different PCNs and practices. Current and recent activity includes:
- Attending a Warm Hub session in Wellesbourne, supporting Hastings House vaccination clinics with the NHS App
- Supporting Nuneaton & Bedworth PCN’s digital inclusion project with hands-on support at several locations across the PCN, including running an NHS App session at large local employer, Greencore, in Nuneaton
- Successfully deploying and integrating MS Teams across a Coventry PCN following a request from their Practice Manager and Digital Transformation Lead
- Configured and enabled content to be loaded on practice reception TVs in Stratford and Coventry
- Working with the Training Hub to deliver ‘Bytesize’ training sessions to all practices designed to improve confidence and skills using common software applications. Dates will be published through Training Hub and Digital Champion channels.
Primary Care Dermatology
Last month saw the highest number of referrals in one week – thank you for working with us to provide faster care for patients within primary care.
We have expanded the number of clinic sites – read more here.
More specialist GPs wanted: Due to the increase in referrals, we would like to hear from GPs wishing to join the PCD service in the role of Dermatology Assessor. The following qualifications are required:
| Qualification/experience | Requirement |
| Diploma in dermatology | Compulsory |
| Dermoscopy training completed & experience in use | Compulsory must have a certificate for recent Dermoscopy course completed in last 3 years |
| Experience in dermatology assessor role | Compulsory |
| Secondary Care Experience | Desirable |
| Minor Ops Certificate | Desirable |
| Minor Ops Experience: | Desirable but not essential for assessor role. |
| 2 references of dermatology experience | 2 references of dermatology experience |
| GMC registration confirmation | GMC registration confirmation |
Primary Care Gynaecology Service
Demand continues to be strong for Primary Care Gynaecology. We have welcomed some new clinicians and we have introduced new sites to provide more local care:
- Alcester Medical Centre
- Chapel End and Manor Court in Nuneaton
- Beech Tree in Rugby
Referrals continue to be processed far quicker than hospital appointments and we encourage GPs to refer eligible patients to the service via ERS.
Primary Care Surge Service
A reminder that all Primary Care Surge sessions are now being offered as face-to-face although practices can choose to have a remote session if they prefer.
The service is available from 8am-6.30pm Monday – Friday and can be booked by contacting:
Email: crgpa.pcsurge@nhs.net Tel: 02477 710977
Respiratory@Home for Covid positive and respiratory patients
Respiratory@Home is open for both respiratory patients and for clinically vulnerable patients with Covid. Clinically vulnerable/Covid positive patients can self-refer via
https://selfreferral.happyhealthylives.uk
Last financial year (2024/25) A total of 180 patients were triaged and received anti-viral therapy, with the vast majority (160 patients) successfully managed through oral medication prescribed directly by Respiratory@Home GPs.
Ophthalmology Coordination Service
The Ophthalmology Coordination Service (OCS) is performing well and has continued seeing an increase in the monthly referral numbers. September saw a 10% increase above the expected referral volumes, handling 2438 referrals from Coventry & Warwickshire Optician practices.
Coventry & Warwickshire Training Hub
The latest Training Hub newsletter is now available to view here: https://www.cwtraininghub.co.uk/october-newsletter-2025-cwth/
