Many practices use locum GPs to temporarily take over the place of a regular partner or team member. Traditionally they’re self-employed and will have numerous GP practices as clients. This includes locums who work through a limited company. However, the law surrounding such contractor status is complicated, which means that, in reality, situations can become…

There’s a dichotomy between the resources that are being put into general practice and the national messages that are being given about the service. Is this deliberate, and is general practice the victim of some elaborate plot against it? Or is it simply the ineptitude and lack of understanding of those making the decisions? The…

Recent political turmoil has led to the appointment of a new health and social care secretary in the form of Steve Barclay and a new Prime Minister is due to be selected by early September. When new people come into such influential posts, there is a brief chance to seek their attention and enlist their…

Practices are being sought to save hundreds of newly qualified GPs being lost to the UK, it has been revealed. Up to 1,000 newly qualified GPs are currently facing deportation because of a loophole in Home Office rules, it has been claimed. The Doctors’ Association UK said it was “utterly appalled” at the situation, which…

As many of you might know, I’m an active participant on social media and regularly add my ‘two penneth’ to comments fired at healthcare providers. I usually try to give a balanced response, avoiding saying anything too contentious that could come back to bite me, while still trying to get my point across. I was,…

Averages in general practice* GP list size is 2,087 patients. Practice list size is 8,757. Number of repeat prescription items issued per patient per annum is 13. Number of GP referrals made per month is 9 per GP. Number of consultations per patient per annum is about 3. As a practice manager and AMSPAR tutor,…

We first heard about the new tool Vaximap in a forum post by one of our members, who found it was useful for planning home visits. We spoke to the developers to find out more about using the tool and how it can help you in practice. So, what is it? Vaximap (https://vaximap.org) is a…