Cloud phones hit practice budgets The BMA has warned that practices are facing rising costs while trying to implement cloud-based telephony. Implementation was included in the GP contract as a key factor in helping practices handle appointments. But some practices are facing huge increases in the costs of phone systems. The BMA has warned that…

Contract proposal would mean “awful choices” The BMA is planning a referendum of GPs if the Government sticks to the proposed 1.9% contract increase. BMA leaders say they will continue talks throughout this month to seek improvements. Practices are desperately worried about their finances, even before they face a below inflation increase in contract payments,…

Alarm over low uplift Practice Managers have warned that practices will close and patients will suffer if it’s correct that the general practice uplift for the 2024/25 is to be less than 2%. According to a report by the Pulse, the uplift to be offered is just 1.9%. The Institute of General Practice Management commented:…

Survey points to Practice Manager earnings Practice Managers earn nearly £50,000 on average, but with significant variations from practice to practice, according to a new survey of the profession in Pulse magazine. The average earnings of a full-time Manager are £48,802. The survey found that salaries range from £20,000 to £100,000 – although this includes…

Practices urged to set out priorities Dr Michelle Drage, Chief Executive of Londonwide Local Medical Committees (LMCs), has urged practices to speak out about the “hamster wheel” of pressures they face and to decide on their priorities ahead of this year’s general election. Dr Drage wrote to members of Londonwide LMCs following the rallying cry…

Practices praised for delivering record numbers of appointments November 2023 was the busiest November ever for general practice, according to NHS England, and this highlights the enormous pressure on GP services. The number of appointments was 30% higher than before the pandemic, and almost 70% of appointments were in person. NHS England Director for Primary…

A weekly round-up of the latest news stories covering general practice across the UK. GPs facing abuse as tension grows over primary care GP leaders have called for an end to “growing abuse” against doctors and practice staff. One GP explained that she was now embarrassed to tell people her profession. Instead of admitting to…