1st November 2005
Out-of-Hours
work for Devon Doctors
New
Chairman for the Exeter Sessional GP Group
Frankie Phillips, Press Secretary for the British Dietetic
Association, gave an informative talk on the prevalence, aetiology, management
and complications of obesity. The website for the BDA, which is an excellent
resource for all nutritional matters with excellent patient information
leaflets, is www.bda.uk.com
Many Sessional GPs, who value the out-of-hours work they do,
have noticed a significant reduction in availability of out-of-hours sessions.
Following on from this, an open discussion was held on various Sessional GPs’
experiences of working alongside some of the GPs that Devon Doctors have
employed from overseas to fill sessions.
Vik reported back to the group that he had had a discussion
on this issue with Chris Wright from DDOC. Chris stated to Vik that he was keen
to support local GPs, including Sessional GPs. DDOC’s
decision to employ 5 overseas doctors was taken in response to difficulties
they were having in filling various sessions. He admitted that there had been
teething problems with some of these doctors, and that he had no intention of employing
any more overseas doctors above and beyond this 5. Chris stated that the main
reason for the reduction in availability of out-of-hours sessions was a general
increase in interest in working out-of-hours from all GPs on the patch. He is
happy to discuss offers from Sessional GPs, either individually or as
consortia, to cover regular sessions or to act as a pool of doctors to fill
sessions at short notice, and suggests Sessional GPs consider putting in
requests for sessions well in advance.
The long awaited Skin Forum will be held on Wednesday 25th January at the Student Health Centre at 7.00pm
followed by dinner at St Olaves. The meeting will
be fully sponsored. Places are limited and on a strictly first come first
served basis. For those intending to come, please keep a look out for
interesting patients. Contact Vik - mobile 07974 807195. Email: mohanvik@hotmail.com
Jo Fearon has kindly organised a wine tasting event to be
hosted by celebrity TV wine expert Susie Atkins, followed by a buffet supper,
on Thursday 15th December, at
Bar 38 on Southernhay East. The evening will be sponsored (a small
contribution may be requested). Jo will need definite numbers by 9th
December, and can be contacted on 07990
970955 or by email mohanvik@hotmail.com
After 3-4 years of chairing the group Vik has decided not to
stand for re-election in January - the Group will therefore be looking for a
new chairman! Vik is keen to provide a thorough handover and will liaise with
prospective chairpersons on the best way of doing this. The post of chairman is
a rewarding and challenging one, and offers an excellent opportunity for anyone
interested in developing leadership and management skills.
Please note that the meetings are now scheduled to start at 7.00pm and food arrives at 7.15pm with
the guest speaker planned to commence at 7.45pm.
Dr Diane Baker......................................................................................... Email:
diane@belbury.freeserve.co.uk
Dr Jo
Fearon............................................................................................. Email:
Jofearon@doctors.org.uk
Dr Liam
Kinsella ..................................................................................... Email:
lkinsella@doctors.org.uk
Dr Peter Kennerley (LMC Representative) ...................................... Email: peter.kennerley1@btopenworld.com
Dr Prue
Mitchell....................................................................................... Email:
prue.mitchell@biscituk.com
Dr Vik Mohan ........................................................................................... Email:
mohanvik@hotmail.com