What can general practice do to address the barriers to healthcare that the trans and non-binary community experience? Many have had very negative experiences, which for some patients has led to a real lack of confidence in the healthcare system. Well, the IGPM, Practice Index, LGBT Foundation Pride in Practice and the Indigo Gender Service…

There is something about the phrase “health inequalities” which is intangible and difficult to relate to the day-to-day practice of a GP surgery. We all understand the concept of health inequalities, that some people struggle with access to healthcare and their healthcare outcomes are worse than others, even within a very small geographical area. What…

The world has changed so much in recent times that we now face some fundamental philosophical questions, including, “What constitutes a GP practice?” According to Wikipedia, General Practice is “services provided by general practitioners”. Let’s not dwell on how out of date that is, or how disrespectful it is to all the other clinicians apart…

It’s not easy working in general practice right now. Many have reached this conclusion and decided to seek an alternative career, or head into retirement as soon as possible. Others have been put off joining in the first place. Of course, all this does is place even more pressure on those who are left behind.…

There are some difficult financial challenges coming up, both for practices and their employees, and given the precarious state general practice is already in, there are concerns that they might prove to be a bridge too far for many. In this month’s Practice Index practice manager panel podcast, finance expert James Gransby outlines some key…

The recently published document ‘Our Plan for Improving Access for Patients and Supporting General Practice‘ needs no introduction. It has caused an angry reaction from general practice, which now teeters on the verge of industrial action. Above all, the document represents a failure of leadership from those charged with providing it for the service. For…

It was distressing to hear about the practice in East Manchester that suffered a physical attack recently. All our thoughts are with the staff of that particular practice. It will be tough to recover from an experience like that, and our hearts go out to them. The worry for everyone is that this isn’t an…