Coventry LMC
Welcome Coventry Local Medical Committee.
Coventry LMC consists of elected GPs from across the City.
Every region of the UK has a Local Medical Committee; a local representative body where GPs are proposed by their colleagues and elections are held for these positions.
Like ICBs, LMCs are recognised by law and have statutory duties, but unlike ICBs, LMCs are independent and not themselves statutory entities. They can advocate for and support their GPs with such power because of their special status as independent representative groups that are recognised by law. The Health and Social Care Act strengthens the obligation that NHS Bodies interact with the LMC on matters pertaining to general practice.
The LMC is funded by a statutory levy paid by all Practices in the city, this cost is based on the number of patients registered with the Practice. In addition, there is a voluntary levy which funds the LMC’s non-statutory functions which includes a contribution to the national General Practitioners Defence Fund. Locum GPs can be represented by paying an individual levy.
LMCs are free to speak up on behalf of GPs, practices, and their patients when others cannot because they are answerable to the GPs they represent. The LMC will defend, represent and advise where justified and necessary in the interests of the profession and our patients.
It’s critical to realise that the LMC is not a trade union and cannot act in that capacity; the British Medical Association (BMA) fulfils this function.
Coventry LMC sees itself as the voice of general practice within the city. We represent the interests of, and provide assistance for, specific GPs and practices, as well as the broader professional voice of general practice.
The LMC provides support for member’s health, welfare and careers and we understand the challenges of working in General Practice. This support is provided by the Officers who are experienced in this area and committed to supporting the wellbeing of LMC constituents. There is a variety of support available from other organisations – please go to our useful links page to find details of these. Should you wish to contact the Officers or require further information please contact the LMC at Maggie.Edwards@uhcw.nhs.uk
Member’s term of office is 4 years. Elections for half of the Committee take place every two years as stipulated in the LMC Constitution. There are 22 seats open to all GPs in the city and 2 seats that are specifically reserved for non-principal GPs.
The LMC meets monthly, except in August.
The Officers of the LMC are
Dr Sarah Matthews
Secretary
Dr Gavin Shields
Chair
Dr Rajeev Kolluri
Vice Chair
Maggie Edwards
Executive Officer
TBC
Administrator
Medical Secretary
Dr Sarah Matthews
Chair
Dr Rajeev Kolluri
Vice Chair
Verity Biggs
Executive Officer
Maggie Edwards
Administrator
Kathryn Lowis
The LMC works closely with other local LMCs, the West Midlands LMC Liaison Group and the General Practitioners & committee at the British Medical Association. LMC Officers represent the LMC at the various meetings and committees. This includes the Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board Primary Care Collaborative as well as regular operational and strategic meetings with Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care System. Officers support GPs facing investigations by NHSE relating to their performance. LMC Officers are involved in discussions with local NHS Trusts and attend national medico-political conferences (National LMC Conference and LMC Secretaries Conference). Regular meetings are held between the LMC Officers and local Members of Parliament.