Right care, first time Practice managers are launching a major campaign to tackle public frustration at the delays in gaining GP appointments. The “Right Care First Time” campaign, launched by the Institute of General Practice Management (IGPM), aims to encourage patients to recognise that they may get the right care by going directly to other…

The introduction of multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) in general practice was driven by the changing healthcare landscape, the need for more comprehensive and patient-centred care, and the desire to improve coordination and efficiency in healthcare delivery. In short, MDTs represent a strategic response to the challenges posed by complex health conditions and aim to enhance the…

In our latest HR clinic, Robyn Clark (aka JacksonR) and Susi O’Brien (HR Help advisor) explored the issues of managing persistent short-term absence. Here is a summary of the questions we received, and the answers given. Let’s go over some basic principles first before we jump into the questions! Firstly, we have to remember that…

Throughout 2023, employee wellbeing has been a regular source of discussion and debate in GP practices and beyond. The idea of writing about it at Christmas as well seems like such a stereotypically ‘HR’ thing to do – sorry! But, in my experience, this time of year can have wildly different effects on how individuals…

The NHS Long Term Plan, published in January 2019, commits to every patient having the right to be offered digital-first primary care by 2023/24. The various commitments that make up this plan have been introduced gradually every year through the GP Contract since 2019/20, which means GP practices should, among other new requirements, now offer an…

When I used to think of Davina McCall, I’d conjure up an image of an over-enthusiastic MTV VJ (Video Jockey for the youngsters among us) or an excitable host of Big Brother. Now I associate the menopause with her for several reasons – mainly for speaking out about it and removing the stigma. But, also,…

In this month’s HR clinic, Robyn Clark (aka JacksonR) and Susi O’Brien (HR Help advisor) explored the challenge of managing staff who are on long-term sick leave. Here is a summary of the questions we received, and the answers given. How long can someone be off before it’s fair to dismiss them? Great question! This…