Rationing health care is not and will never be a politically popular concept. And as some Clinical Commissioning Groups have been reported in the media as considering excluding certain treatments from their contracts with hospital providers it may prove unpopular with the public too. For example, headlines include “CCG’s considering limiting IVF courses to three”…

By Robert Campbell Tired of Change? Over the last 50 years I have experienced many NHS reorganisations with new ways of working within GP practices that I think I could be forgiven for saying that I’ve had my fill of change! And I think I’m not alone. I’ve discovered that many people can be bribed…

By Robert Campbell Visiting my local dental surgery recently I was impressed by the content of the picture frames on the walls. There were practice staff training certificates in abundance and, importantly, a large collection of framed certificates issued by the General Dental Council to all the staff employed by the practice except the receptionists.…

By Robert Campbell As the Government and the BMA wrangle with the NHS, the latest decision by junior doctors to continue with strike action continues to hit the headlines. There are always two sides to every argument but it seems that public sympathy in many households, including mine, is fading rapidly, as the protagonists appear…

By Robert Campbell  This is the third ‘blog’ in a series looking at the pay and conditions ‘enjoyed’ by GP Practice Staff. In particular, this ‘blog’ will discuss sick pay, statutory and employers. As an ‘employer’ a GP Practice must pay Statutory Sick Pay to staff but it is not required to continue to pay normal…

By Robert Campbell In academic fields, the role of research is essential, and believe me having spent years writing articles and preparing lectures I have done plenty. But surprisingly these research skills are transferable to the role of GP Practice Management. The ability to research important, up to date information on current issues, concerns and…

By Robert Campbell In 2015, the minimum wage was just £3.87 at 18 – but £6.70 at 21. Is an age-based system right? It makes assumptions about younger people and their circumstances – or abilities… The recent Living Wage also uses age, applying only to those over 25. Currently £7.20 per hour – or 12p per…