NHS staff are to be a priority for COVID-19 vaccination along with care workers and residents of care homes, the government said yesterday. News of apparent success for the Pfizer mRNA vaccine threw into disarray the deal with GPs to lead the vaccination programme because of its requirement for refrigeration at 70 below zero. Government…

COVID-19 vaccination programmes will be delivered mainly through GP practices, it was announced last night. Practices are likely to designate one building in each area as a vaccination centre, sending their patients to it for vaccination, the British Medical Association said. The BMA announced a deal with NHS England, promising that practices would have preparations…

For the multi-faceted, multi-tasking, multi-skilled practice manager, life as a practice manager is something of a rollercoaster ride. One minute you’ll be dealing with the finances, the next preparing for the latest round of appraisals or getting your team ready for the next CQC inspection. Then, just when you think you’re on top of everything,…

The merger of general practices in England to cover more patients at fewer, but larger, sites has failed to produce the intended outcomes, British researchers claim. The findings are based on patient reports of their experiences, such as waiting times, at these practices. Professor Lindsay Forbes of the University of Kent, UK, and colleagues analysed…

Many practices do not feel ready for the second COVID-19 wave, with concerns about protective equipment and premise management, according to a new survey of GPs. The findings led one medical organisation to press MPs yesterday for an urgent review of PPE guidelines and stockpiles. GPs also cited concerns about their own mental health and…

GPs and their staff achieved a huge increase in face to face appointments last month – whilst also increasing the use of telephone, according to new data. GP leaders welcomed the data as giving the lie to claims that practices have been excessively cautious in allowing patients through their doors. The NHS Data figures show…

Overwhelmed hospitals in parts of the UK will face several weeks of growing pressure before the effects of this week’s new national lockdown are felt, a senior doctor has warned. Many hospitals are already busier than in the first wave, NHS England said, while doctors’ leaders called for assurances that NHS would be protected as…