The next steps setting out how local primary care networks will work with partners across new integrated care systems will soon be unveiled, the chief executive of the NHS has said. Amanda Pritchard has appointed GP Dr Claire Fuller, senior responsible officer of the Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care System, to demonstrate how services should develop…

Every year I tell myself it’ll be different this year, and every single year I’m surprised when it isn’t. I should know better by now. The flu vaccine-ordering process has always been a “tad” stressful, but now that we’re told which ones to buy, it should be easier, right? Nope, wrong! Invariably, even though the…

Most practice staff will need to be vaccinated against COVID by next spring, under new rules announced by the government. GP leaders reacted in dismay as the government said it intends to press ahead with compulsory COVID vaccination for all health and care workers. The Royal College of GPs said it remains opposed to the…

We have created a new Governance Handbook [PLUS]. Like the others in the series, this is a useful, encyclopedic-type document. Split into the four major topics of governance within general practice; Clinical, Corporate, Financial and Information, the handbook covers the full spectrum of governance-related topics with hundreds of useful links that take the reader to…

Health secretary Sajid Javid has blamed practices for pressures on emergency care in a parliamentary appearance that caused fresh alarm to professional leaders. Speaking to MPs on the parliamentary health committee, Mr Javid also backtracked on government promises to recruit 6,000 extra GPs, saying “I’m not going to pretend we’re on track when we are…

GP leaders have given new details of their proposed industrial action after the collapse of a deal on the government’s “name and shame” plans. The British Medical Association set out four areas of action which doctors will take if they vote to support the protest in a ballot. It said the actions would mainly have…

Practices have delivered a record number of appointments, according to data published yesterday amid the simmering row over the switch to phone appointments. British Medical Association sources announced a deal to scrap the controversial “name and shame” league tables, promoted by the government. But this was later denied by health secretary Sajid Javid. According to…