Three weeks after Labour’s landslide victory in the general election and there’s no let-up in the chat about primary care in the UK. From Wes Streeting’s visit to a GP practice on his first full day in the role – and his commitment to increased funding for the “family doctor service”, as he likes to say, to the return of Alan Milburn to the fold, and even talk of a 5.5% pay rise for certain NHS staff – our day-to-day world is never far from the headlines.

So, as the dust settles after the election, we thought it was time to ask Practice Managers what they’d like to see from the new administration over the coming months. Keeping your comments anonymous as usual, here’s what you told us. Feel free to share your wants and wishes in the comments section below.

A ‘proper’ pay rise

“Of course, a pay rise, especially an ‘above inflation’ rise, would be very welcome. If the 5.5% increase being discussed materialises, that would be fantastic. However, amidst all the talk about pay rises, the crux of the matter remains: the previous government, the majority of the public and possibly the new government fail to understand how practices are funded and the pay situation for many staff members. It’s not just about GP salaries. What I want from this government, more than anything else, is for them to understand the full picture and adjust pay accordingly.”

More money… of course

“Discussing pay rises is one thing; being able to fund them is another. If I could wish for one thing, it would be a proper, ‘inflation plus’ funding increase for general practice. This would allow us to deliver pay rises and cover the other costs that have skyrocketed over the past few years.”

“Addressing underinvestment in general practice should be a priority to prevent GPs from returning their contracts and to bolster other parts of the NHS. I understand the new government faces financial constraints, but it must explore ways to reduce the risk of more GP practices handing back their contracts. This involves supporting funding for the core contract in England and through the devolved budgets in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, which pay for GP premises, running costs, management, reception, nurse and GP staff at the practice level.”

To start pulling together

“To be honest, if I have only one wish, it’s that the rift between primary care, NHS England and the government is resolved. It would be great to work together towards our common goal rather than having contract terms imposed as if we’re difficult and unruly.”

“For once, I agree with the BMA’s call for creating a period of stability for general practice. The BMA wrote to Mr Streeting, expressing their desire for a new contract to be mutually agreed upon between the government and GPs. This is essential if we’re to resurrect the idea of the family doctor and deliver the continuity of care in general practice that I think we would all like to see.”

Map out the future of MAPs

“I wish for clear guidance on the future of medical associate professions (MAPs). We urgently need a clear nationwide scope of practice for them to succeed and avoid patient risk. Additionally, we must determine how these roles best fit into general practice to maximise their benefits.”

Keep the staff we’ve got, please

“I’m fed up with hearing about targets to train new GPs when we’re constantly losing qualified people, and the rate seems to be increasing. Yes, we need new people coming through, but we shouldn’t lose sight of what will retain our current staff. Mr Streeting, give us a plan!”

Sort out the elective care backlog

“It might seem obvious, but in the short to medium term, efforts should focus on reducing the elective care backlog. This would ease so much pressure on my practice and our team, making it a much happier place to work.”

A greater focus on our health and wellbeing

“Much is said about the lack of funding driving GPs away, but from experience, I wish for more emphasis on our own health and wellbeing. A relatively young GP at our practice recently became seriously ill from burnout because they loved their job and couldn’t say no to demands. Like many other PMs, I’ve seen admin teams decimated by the job becoming too much. People don’t necessarily join general practice for the money; they do it because they genuinely like to help. We need to recognise this and start prioritising support for their health and wellbeing.”

And finally…

“It’s less about what I do want and more about what I don’t, but I really hope we’re not forced into change for change’s sake.”

What do you want to see from the new government? Share your views in the comments below or over on the forum.