Dozens of practices in Northern Ireland remain at risk amid a spate of closures, senior doctors have warned. So far this year partners at 16 practices have resigned from their contracts with the NI Department of Health – and the British Medical Association says another 30 practices are at risk. In some parts of the…

When you think back to the reason why you started working in general practice, was it because it was well paid? You loved the hours? Was it convenient geographically? Perhaps those suggestions are part of the answer, but I bet most of you wanted to make a difference. It’s what drives so many of us – having an impact…

This year’s contract includes a new QI QOF module on staff wellbeing and retention, and we cover this topic in this month’s Practice Index podcast. A key question that emerged was whether there’s anything we can realistically do about staff wellbeing given the parlous state general practice now finds itself in. There’s something innately galling…

The thought of having to tackle potential bullying or inappropriate behaviour is enough to get the pulse racing of any practice manager. However, these things do crop up – and even more so these days when everyone is feeling pressure and stress. But what constitutes bullying? And what is the definition of workplace harassment? And…

GP leaders have challenged government claims that doctor numbers have improved – as new appointments data showed a worrying drop in activity in primary care. Health ministers claimed a 500 increase in GP numbers last week – but the Royal College of GPs said there was “simply not enough” doctors. The increase in doctors in…

Practices are to keep their panic button, it has been announced. The “button” was to have been phased out of the EMIS management system used by many practices. It was available for use by staff facing a security crisis or clinical emergencies. EMIS had said the third party technology that supports the button was “no…

parkrun is a global organisation whose mission is to create a healthier and happier planet. It seeks to unite people across the world under the shared banner of free community-led, socially-focused, physical activity. There are more than 750 parkrun events all over the UK. Participation is through volunteering, walking or running (or a combination of all three) and…