Practice Manager Supporter Scheme

We have five Practice Manager Supporters who work in practices across the County in Mid and South Essex, West Essex and North East Essex. They are funded for up to six hours each per month by all Essex CCGs. All support requested is strictly confidential between you and your supporter.

Request Support

What Support is Available?

Practice Manager Supporters can provide ad hoc advice and support for their practice manager colleagues. New, experienced and assistant practice managers can submit support requests via our new online platform.
Peer to Peer Support

Support can be offered in person, virtually or on the telephone. All support requests are strictly confidential between you and your supporter. It is important to note that the supporters are not able to offer any legal advice but can signpost their colleagues towards useful resources and assistance.

Submit a Support Request
Personal Development Review

A Peer to Peer (Practice Manager to Practice Manager) personal development review scheme is now available. This service has been fully funded by all the Essex ICBs so there is no cost to you or the practice. It is a useful professional development tool, and it’s an opportunity that may help you think about what you want to accomplish professionally and help to define your goals.

Request A Personal Development Review

Meet Our Supporters

Get started by choosing any of the five of the Practice Manager Supporters below. The supporter you choose does not need to be specific to your CCG area.
Patricia Lee
Katie Francis
Kerri-ann Lee
Karen Cakmak
Grainne Donnelly
Ellen Hinkley
Jill Lewis

How the Support Scheme Works?

North & South Essex LMCs are delighted to offer support to Practice Managers through our new Essex Practice Manager Supporters Scheme. This scheme has been fully funded thanks to all Essex CCGs. There are five Practice Manager Supporters who work in practices across the County in Mid and South Essex, West Essex and North East Essex.
1
Choose your practice manager supporter

Get started by choosing any of the five of the Practice Manager Supporters above. The supporter you choose does not need to be specific to your CCG.

2
Submit your support or personal development review request

You will need to create an account before submitting a request or if you already have an account simply login to continue. All requests are treated as strictly confidential between you and your supporter.

3
Schedule a meeting with your supporter

Once you have submitted your support or personal development review request, you can schedule a meeting. Meeting options may include in person, virtually or on the telephone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the Practice Manager Supporter scheme?
Essex LMCs have been increasingly aware that there is a burnout crisis in primary care. Even pre-pandemic; the main reasons cited for this are recruitment shortages, retainment issues, funding problems, increasing administration, tightening regulations, growing bureaucracy and ever increasing patient demand. General Practice is stretched beyond its capacity. This has been exacerbated by the Covid-19 virus. However, it is not only clinicians who are left reeling by the pressures within primary care; Practice Managers are increasingly highlighting the impact that their working environment is having on their mental and physical health. More acknowledgement of the importance and vitality of practice managers in the primary care setting is needed and it is hoped that the Essex Practice Managers Supporter Scheme will provide a helpful resource for both new, experienced and assistant/deputy Practice Managers who are struggling to work in this increasingly demanding role.
How do I submit a support request?
Get started by clicking here and you can choose any of the 5 supporters and does not need to be specific to your CCG. Follow the steps online to submit your support request and your supporter will be in touch.
What happens if my supporter cannot help me?
If a supporter receives a request that is outside their competency/knowledge base they have the option to recommend that the support request be referred to the LMC or another supporter as appropriate. Please note that any referral recommendations will need to be authorised by you first.
Are all support requests and personal development reviews confidential?
Yes. Absolutely!
Do I have to be a practice manager in Essex to be eligible for support?
You must be either a Practice Manager or Assistant/Deputy Practice Manager working in an Essex LMC Practice to access this service.
Can I request help on behalf of someone else?
No. Requests to the scheme can only be made by individuals who want to access the service.
Is there a limit to how much help I am entitled to?
Whilst there is no limit to the amount of times you may submit a request for support, there is a limit on the resource available to deliver the service. The scheme has been funded by the seven Essex CCGs, which has enabled its development and the recruitment of the five Supporters across the County. Each practice manager supporter can provide support up to a maximum of 72 hours per annum. However, If you feel the level of support you need goes beyond the limits available, please contact the LMC office for further assistance.