I had a conversation the other day that led me, emphatically, to realise why the ‘powers that be’ don’t understand what actually happens in general practice. Like most practices, we’ve been inundated with patients not being able to get a COVID Passport. One patient in particular was having terrible problems not being able to get…

Many of you, by now, will be aware that I’m one of the co-founders of the Institute of General Practice Management and that (behind the day job) we’re steaming ahead, making sure we’re recognised as THE ‘go-to’ organisation – We want to become the first place that anyone who’s anyone will come to, to get the…

I’ve been pondering the kinds of errors that are made when submitting the annual pension returns to NHS Pensions, the dreaded SD55. As a retired person, but still doing the odd practice management job, I fully understand the importance of accurate NHS pensionable service records and up-to-date contributions being recorded correctly. “Here’s another fine mess…

Over the last ten years, I’ve worked for a number of practices, helping them out during difficult times, and have been involved in the recruitment of new practice managers. So, during that time, I’ve come across a variety of situations, which on reflection make me think about the salaries offered for the job in hand.…

What bank holidays mean to the rest of the nation: Time off Lie-ins Gardening Walks Sunshine (hopefully) Beach trips Picnics Take-outs Relaxing Reading DIY Going to the park Enjoying a bike ride Camping A short break away What the public think the bank holiday means for anyone working in a GP practice: NONE OF THE…

Life, as we know, is a challenge in general practice.  But will 2021/22 prove to be the biggest challenge so far? Now, 2020/21 was challenging enough!  It is not every year that practices have to completely change the way they do things, cope with a pandemic, run the biggest ever flu vaccination programme, and then…

Well, it’s been a while dear reader, but the rant is back, and I hate to say it’s all things COVID! But, there’s nothing else going on in the world after all! Earlier last week, I sat down with my nurses and worked out a plan of action to sort out second doses of our…