When we discuss networking, we’re often talking about networking as individuals, building relationships and sharing experiences, expertise and contacts. So what approach is being taken towards Primary Care Networks (PCNs), and how are you going to ensure your network’s going to succeed? The approach should be very similar. If it’s going to succeed, member practices…

Senior doctors in primary care are to be encouraged to take part in a new range of leadership development programmes. Some £2 million has been allocated to support programmes across 23 areas of England, NHS England announced yesterday. Rather than using national leadership programmes, NHS England says it believes there is strong evidence of local…

In the driving seat Having spent some time back in the driving seat recently in a busy practice, after a few years of being at home on the ranch, I realised that whilst the workload is changing all the time, I suspect that the employers’ attitude to their staff and their practice managers hasn’t changed…

Document process management frees up GP time It’s well documented that general practice faces unprecedented challenges. As a result, probably more than at any other time in recent history, big changes are having to be made, causing plenty of headaches for clinicians and practice managers. Throw into the mix an evermore transparent world of reviews,…

Many practices are moving away from the traditional model and exploring opportunities to work collaboratively with neighbouring practices, or considering a more formal approach and merging – with the overall aim being sustainability! In fact, it was stated in the GPFV that “It is becoming increasingly normal for general practices to work together at scale,…

Many practice premises in England are too small for the number of patients using them, a survey shows today. The online survey, carried out by the British Medical Association late last year and published today (20 February), had 1,011 responses from GPs and practice managers. Seventy-eight per cent of participants said their practice is “not…

So, it happened; we got the dreaded email: “We will be inspecting your surgery in two weeks.” Two weeks! That really isn’t long! So much to do! Re-read those blogs on KLOEs and work out what on earth they’re all about, check that all the infection control stuff is okay, double-check that the HR files…