Each Health Board around the UK has LMC representation, whose members represent the interests of General Practice. In Scotland, unlike England, the LMC is not a legally recognised negotiating body. Its membership is voluntary and the advisory body to the Health Board is the GP Sub Committee. In Highland membership of LMC and GP sub committee is currently made up of the same members (a current list of members can be found in contacts).
Once a GP has been elected as a committee member, their usual term of office is three years. Guidance and Proforma for members 2023 pack is provided to each member in which information is provided about the role of a committee member, and how they claim for meeting attendance for both LMC and GP Sub Committee LMC and GP Subcommittee Expenses Policy 2024
Members of committee are also elected to represent the GP body on various other health board committees. The list is extensive and changes year by year. GPs coming out of their practice to present GPs on these work streams are entitled to claim for meeting attendance in the same way as GP sub. (GP Sub Committee Claim Form, LMC Claim Form)
GP Sub members attending other Health Board committees are asked to submit a brief report to each GP sub meeting outlining the main points discussed during the meeting and alerting the Business Coordinator to any points that need to be taken forward. There is a template that can be used to submit reports.
Becoming a committee member can be hard work but can also be a very rewarding experience, exposing GPs to the wider health care agenda and the ups and downs of Health Board life. The work members do is vital to the development and stability of general practice and your colleagues around the Highlands really do appreciate the work that you are all engaged in.