Transgender and non-binary adults face an increased burden of physical and mental ill health, according to a new analysis of patient comments on general practice. Findings come from the annual GP Patient Survey, carried out by NHS England and funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research. The 2021 survey was examined by…

Doctors in the Midlands have launched a new initiative to heal the breach between practices and patients, setting out to explain why it is worth talking to the receptionist. The initiative in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland has provided an online resource, www.GetInTheKnow.co.uk, suggesting that patients consider discussing their concerns with other staff members than GPs.…

GP leaders have threatened industrial action after rejecting the latest “insulting” contract offer from NHS England. The British Medical Association said NHS England had failed to offer adequate funding to cover practice inflation costs and the rising pressures on services. Its GP committee, which met yesterday, said it would consider industrial action and collective action…

The number of qualified GPs working for the NHS fell by the tenth month in a row, according to the latest data published yesterday. The reduction means that an influx of trainees qualifying last year failed to redress the loss of doctors from the profession. The service in England continues to be propped up by…

GP practices should continue to provide vital ear wax removal services, a leading audiologist says. A research team led by Professor Kevin Munro, at The University of Manchester and National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) has highlighted the difficulties people face when they have impacted ear wax. Writing…

Continuing our series of must-have guides for primary care, the Healthcare Assistant Handbook is now available. Packed with 44 pages covering the clinical and administrative processes that HCAs need to know to carry out their roles successfully. Topics include: Professional development Quality and safety Clinical processes Organisational processes This comprehensive guide is the perfect reference…

Proposals from a senior politician to charge patients for GP and emergency department visits are “morally bankrupt”, a leading GP has declared. The proposals were put forward over the weekend by former Health Secretary Sajid Javid. Javid ended his period as Health Secretary last year and claimed he has had time to “think” subsequently. Writing…