Talking General Practice

<p>Emma talks to Dr Liz Dapré, an academic GP and co-chair of the group GPs Championing Perinatal Care (GPCPC) about the vital role of primary care in maternal and perinatal health.</p><br><p>In this conversation Liz and Emma discuss the key problems in perinatal care across the NHS and what needs to happen to address some of these issues.</p><br><p>Liz explains how GPCPC is working to ensure the voice of general practice is heard by national policymakers and what it does to support GPs.</p><br><p>She also talks about health inequalities in maternal health, the role GPs can play in tackling these and provides practical advice on delivering high-quality 6-to-8-week postnatal checks – explaining why these should be seen as a holistic review of a woman’s transition to parenthood rather than just a series of clinical boxes to tick.</p><br><p>And they talk about how GPs can better identify and support women following birth trauma, as well as managing gestational diabetes and the ongoing risks for women affected by this.</p><br><p>This episode was presented by GPonline editor Emma Bower. It was produced by Czarina Deen.</p><br><p><strong>Useful links</strong></p><p>●     Women with gestational diabetes should be referred to the <a href="https://www.england.nhs.uk/diabetes/diabetes-prevention/healthier-you-nhs-diabetes-prevention-programme-gdm/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Diabetes Prevention Programme</a></p><p>●     <a href="https://gpcpc.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">GPs Championing Perinatal Care</a></p><p>●     <a href="https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/gp-six-to-eight-week-maternal-postnatal-consultation-what-good-looks-like-guidance/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NHS England 6- to 8-week postnatal check guidance</a></p><p>●     <a href="https://clinicsearchonline.org/article/improving-maternal-postnatal-check-uptake-in-general-practice-using-an-opt-out-equitable-model-of-access-results-of-a-12--month-quality-improvement-project" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Improving maternal postnatal check uptake in general practice using an opt-out equitable model of access: results of a 12- month quality improvement project,</a> by Dr Dhiviya Tharan</p><p>●     <a href="https://www.citybirthtraumascale.com/about" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">City Birth Trauma Scale questionnaire</a></p><br><p><br></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Emma and Nick discuss the results of the BMA referendum on the GP contract and what happens next, including whether GPs will take action and what health and social care secretary Wes Streeting has said about this.</p><br><p>They talk about this year’s GP contract deal after the DDRB recommended a 3.5% pay increase for GPs and practice staff and updated contract guidance for PCNs was published - highlighting some of the key challenges facing practices as the new financial year begins.</p><br><p>Our good news story this week is about the annual British Social Attitudes survey, which showed satisfaction with general practice has risen to its highest point since 2021.</p><br><p>This episode was presented by GPonline editor Emma Bower and deputy editor Nick Bostock. It was produced by Czarina Deen.</p><br><p><strong>Useful links</strong></p><br><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/gps-vote-overwhelmingly-reject-2026-27-contract/article/1952911" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">GPs vote overwhelmingly to reject 2026/27 contract</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/gps-start-collective-action-april-contract-talks-fail/article/1953056" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">GPs could start collective action in April if contract talks fail</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/gp-pay-rise-could-fall-short-amid-rising-inflation/article/1953095" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">GP pay rise 'could fall short' amid rising inflation</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/government-reveals-details-2026-27-gp-contract-funding/article/1953514" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Government reveals details of 2026/27 GP contract funding</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/gps-already-hired-pcn-cash-move-new-practice-level-scheme/article/1952973" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">GPs already hired with PCN cash can move to new practice-level scheme</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/lack-detail-new-gp-reimbursement-scheme-completely-unacceptable/article/1953214" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Lack of detail on new GP reimbursement scheme ‘completely unacceptable’</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/public-satisfaction-general-practice-highest-2021/article/1952646" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Public satisfaction with general practice highest since 2021</a></p><br><p><br></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>This week Emma speaks to the RCGP’s registrar co-chairs, Dr Tom France and Dr Molly Dineen about the issues currently facing GP registrars across the UK.</p><p>Tom and Molly talk about the ongoing GP jobs crisis and the intense frustration surrounding underemployment and unemployment at the end of training.</p><p>They explain their concerns about the GP jobs available under the additional roles reimbursement scheme and stress the importance of a fully funded, detailed workforce plan from the government to address the mismatch between rising training numbers and available jobs.</p><p>Tom and Molly also outline their key priorities for the year ahead, including the need for greater consistency in training and the urgent requirement for better visa sponsorship support for international medical graduates.</p><p>And they discuss how GP training might need to change and what they would like to see from policymakers to ensure that general practice remains an attractive and viable career for the next generation of doctors.</p><p>This episode was presented by GPonline editor Emma Bower. It was produced by Czarina Deen.</p><p><strong>Useful links</strong></p><p>●     <a href="https://www.rcgp.org.uk/about/communities-groups/gp-registrar-community" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">RCGP registrar committee</a></p><p>●     <a href="https://www.gponline.com/education/training" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">GP training resources on GPonline</a></p><p>●     <a href="https://www.gponline.com/why-heartbroken-new-gp-gave-dream-career-uk-general-practice/article/1945470" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Why a 'heartbroken' new GP gave up his dream career in UK general practice</a> - Former RCGP registrar co-chair speaks to GPonline</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>This week Emma, Nick and Kimberley talk about the government’s plans for neighbourhoods - after the long-awaited neighbourhood health framework was published this week - and what it all means for general practice.</p><br><p>They also look in more detail at how GP contract changes to advice and guidance link into this and whether these changes could impede GPs’ right to refer, what they could mean for workload in general practice and concerns about patient safety.</p><br><p>And they discuss the results of our annual GP locum rates survey and what it tells us about rates of pay for locum GPs and how the jobs crisis has impacted on locums.</p><br><p>Our good news story this week is about a new ADHD service set up by the GP federation in Leeds which is helping to cut waiting times for assessment and treatment.</p><br><p>This episode was presented by GPonline editor Emma Bower, deputy editor Nick Bostock and senior reporter Kimberley Hackett. It was produced by Czarina Deen.</p><br><p><strong>Useful links</strong></p><br><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/government-reveals-neighbourhood-model-will-fit-gp-contract/article/1951987" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Government reveals how neighbourhood model will fit with GP contract</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/neighbourhood-plans-ramp-focus-gp-access-advice-guidance/article/1951990" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Neighbourhood plans ramp up focus on GP access and advice and guidance</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/minister-outlines-timetable-new-carr-hill-formula/article/1951919" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Minister outlines timetable for 'new Carr-Hill formula'</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/mandatory-advice-guidance-adds-patient-safety-risks-warns-lmc/article/1951220" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mandatory advice and guidance adds to patient safety risks, warns LMC</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/gp-locum-rates-fall-england-rise-rest-uk/article/1949156" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">GP locum rates fall in England but rise in rest of UK</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/locum-gp-earnings-hit-struggle-find-enough-work/article/1951468" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Locum GP earnings hit as most struggle to find enough work</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/uncoordinated-nhs-reforms-causing-widespread-disruption/article/1951579" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Uncoordinated NHS reforms causing 'widespread disruption'</a></p><p><br></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>This week Emma speaks to the co-chairs of the BMA sessional GP committee Dr Amy Small and Dr Kim Rollinson about the jobs crisis and how they hope to better represent sessional GPs.</p><br><p>In this conversation they discuss how the shortage of jobs is affecting locum and salaried GPs across the country and what needs to be done to address this issue.</p><br><p>They explain what salaried GPs should look out for when signing contracts, and what GP partners can do to be good employers and ensure their staff and locum GPs feel valued. They also talk about the push towards a neighbourhood NHS and what that could mean for sessional GPs, as well as how the rise in portfolio working is helping many doctors manage the intense pressures associated with being a GP.</p><br><p>This episode was presented by GPonline editor Emma Bower. It was produced by Czarina Deen.</p><br><p><strong>Useful links</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.bma.org.uk/what-we-do/committees/general-practitioners-committee/sessional-gps-committee" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BMA sessional GP committee website</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/gps-scotland-end-dispute-531m-funding-deal-agreed/article/1937542" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">GPs in Scotland end dispute as £531m funding deal agreed</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/raid-pcn-cash-fund-practice-level-recruitment-arrs-rules-changed/article/1949455" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Raid on PCN cash to fund practice-level recruitment as ARRS rules changed</a></p><br><p><br></p><br><p><br></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>BMA England GP committee chair Dr Katie Bramall speaks to Emma about the 2026/27 GP contract and the BMA’s referendum on the deal, which launched this week.</p><br><p>Katie explains why she thinks the 2026/27 contract is a bad deal for general practice and some of the problems around same-day access, advice and guidance and practice funding.</p><br><p>She talks about what happens if GPs reject the deal in the referendum, which may mean the profession begins taking action from as early as 1 April. Katie raises the prospect of a ballot on more serious action that could put practices in breach of their contract later in the summer if there is no movement from the government on the contract.</p><br><p>She also talks about the government’s plans for a neighbourhood NHS and how this will affect general practice and explains new BMA guidance on what practices and GPs should be doing now.</p><br><p>This episode was presented by GPonline editor Emma Bower. It was produced by Czarina Deen.</p><br><p><strong>Useful links</strong></p><p><a href="https://bma-mail.org.uk/t/c/AQiEtRUQvr8hGOHMsxcgs9j_BmY8OVSZecaCcGsSKuVJb3il5tD_3OrS4l6fZmd-G3oO" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BMA briefing paper on neighbourhoods</a></p><br><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/whats-gp-contract-2026-27/article/1949446" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">What's in the GP contract for 2026/27?</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/gp-referral-change-revealed-nhs-plays-down-same-day-access-impact/article/1950265" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">GP referral change revealed as NHS plays down same-day access impact</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/viewpoint-why-mandatory-advice-guidance-risks-patient-safety-fiasco/article/1949842" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Viewpoint: Why mandatory advice and guidance risks a patient safety fiasco</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/why-2026-27-contract-risks-increased-financial-pressure-practices/article/1950080" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Why the 2026/27 contract risks increased financial pressure for practices</a></p><p><a href="https://mimslearning.wavecast.io/mims-learning-live-digital-2026" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>MIMS Learning Live Digital 2026</u></a></p><p><br></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Nick and Emma explain how the GP contract for 2026/27 in England is set to change, how it will impact on practices and what it means for the current dispute between the BMA and the government.</p><br><p>In this episode they talk about what the contract changes mean for practice and PCN finances, and whether the funding increase will make a difference, or boost jobs available for GPs.</p><br><p>They also look at a new requirement for same day access for urgent patients, plus changes to the QOF, additional roles reimbursement scheme and how practices are paid for advice and guidance.</p><br><p>And they talk about the reaction to the deal and what happens next in the ongoing dispute with the government.</p><br><p>This episode was presented by GPonline editor Emma Bower and deputy editor Nick Bostock, It was produced by Czarina Deen.</p><br><p><strong>Useful links</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/whats-gp-contract-2026-27/article/1949446" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">What's in the GP contract for 2026/27?</a> - full details of all the changes</p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/contract-uplift-leaves-practices-treading-water-risks-cashflow-crisis/article/1949490" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Contract uplift leaves practices 'treading water' and risks cashflow crisis</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/gp-contract-funding-rise-485m-2026-27/article/1949437" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">GP contract funding to rise by £485m in 2026/27</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/raid-pcn-cash-fund-practice-level-recruitment-arrs-rules-changed/article/1949455" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Raid on PCN cash to fund practice-level recruitment as ARRS rules changed</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/new-targets-same-day-access-obesity-2026-27-gp-contract/article/1949346" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">New targets on same-day access and obesity in 2026/27 GP contract</a></p><p><br></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>The GPonline team discusses the latest news affecting general practice.</p><br><p>This week Emma and Nick look at how the GP workforce is changing across England and which areas are moving quickest towards what’s considered a safe GP patient ratio.</p><br><p>They also discuss what we know and don’t know about this year’s GP contract, rounding up a number of stories GPonline has published recently that cover issues including childhood vaccinations, staff pay rises, the GP funding formula review and what forthcoming guidance on neighbourhoods could mean for general practice.</p><br><p>For this week’s good news story senior reporter Kimberley Hackett highlights the winners of the London General Practice Awards, which were presented in the Houses of Parliament earlier this month.</p><br><p>This episode was presented by GPonline editor Emma Bower, deputy editor Nick Bostock and senior reporter Kimberley Hackett. It was produced by Czarina Deen.</p><br><p>Useful links</p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/areas-moving-fastest-towards-safe-gp-patient-ratio/article/1948610" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Which areas are moving fastest towards a safe GP-patient ratio?</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/nhs-ramp-gp-contract-focus-diabetes-child-vaccination/article/1948635" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NHS to ramp up GP contract focus on diabetes and child vaccination</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/parts-england-furthest-behind-child-vaccine-pr-campaign-begins/article/1948544" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Which parts of England are furthest behind as child vaccine PR campaign begins?</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/funding-cuts-force-gp-practices-pull-flu-jab-campaign/infections-and-infestations/influenza/article/1948775" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Funding cuts could force GP practices to pull out of flu jab campaign</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/gp-contract-uplift-meaningless-without-clarity-future-pcns/article/1947843" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">GP contract uplift 'meaningless' without clarity on future of PCNs</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/mps-raise-concerns-gp-funding-formula-review/article/1948227" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">MPs raise concerns over GP funding formula review</a></p><p><a href="https://www.lmc.org.uk/news/londonwide-lmcs-london-general-practice-awards-2026/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Londonwide LMCs award winners</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Emma speaks to Professor Bola Owolabi, a practising GP in the Midlands and the chief inspector of primary care and community services at the CQC. Before this she director of the National Healthcare Inequalities Improvement Programme at NHS England, where she led the Core20PLUS5 approach to tackling healthcare inequalities.</p><br><p>Bola took on her role at the CQC in July last year at a particularly turbulent time for the regulator.</p><br><p>In this conversation, she discusses how the CQC is working to turn things around after facing significant criticism about its work, the development of a new sector-specific assessment framework for primary care, and how she hopes inspections will become a less stressful experience for GPs, practice managers and the rest of the practice team.</p><br><p>Bola also talks about her own experience of leading the turnaround of a GP practice in a deprived area that was rated inadequate, the role of the CQC in improving care and tackling health inequalities, and how the regulator views the move towards neighbourhood health and the use of AI in general practice.</p><br><p>This episode was presented by GPonline editor Emma Bower. It was produced by Czarina Deen.</p><br><p><strong>Useful links</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.cqc.org.uk/news/working-national-voices-and-point-care-foundation-regulators-pioneer-fund-project#rpf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CQC regulators pioneers’ fund information</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/lack-investment-community-services-will-hit-plans-shift-care-hospitals-says-cqc/article/1937215" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Lack of investment in community services will hit plans to shift care out of hospitals, says CQC</a></p><p><a href="https://www.cqc.org.uk/guidance-providers/gps/gp-mythbusters/gp-mythbuster-109-artificial-intelligence-gp-services" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CQC mythbuster on AI in general practice</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Nick and Emma discuss how the BMA plans to respond when details of the 2026/27 GP contract are published, which are expected at some point this month, confusion about the time frame for neighbourhoods and how plans to ramp up advice and guidance could bring even more work to general practice in the coming year.</p><br><p>They also look at a couple of stories GPonline has published over the past week or so that show the increasing pressures GPs are under, including the difficulties many doctors have managing childcare arrangements as a result of work.</p><br><p>This episode was presented by GPonline editor Emma Bower and deputy editor Nick Bostock. It was produced by Czarina Deen.</p><br><p><strong>Useful links</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/bma-reveals-stance-2026-27-gp-contract-referendum-collective-action/article/1946689" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BMA reveals stance on 2026/27 GP contract referendum and collective action</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/nhs-reveals-commissioning-plan-multi-neighbourhood-providers/article/1947253" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NHS reveals commissioning plan for multi-neighbourhood providers</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/why-advice-guidance-pile-unsustainable-work-gps-next-year/article/1945206" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Why advice and guidance could pile more unsustainable work on GPs next year</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/uptake-80m-advice-guidance-des-falling-short/article/1946615" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Uptake of £80m advice and guidance DES falling short</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/health-survey-england-shows-pressure-gps/article/1946488" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">What the Health Survey for England shows about pressure on GPs</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/sixth-gps-quit-job-childcare-pressures/article/1946389" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sixth of GPs have quit a job because of childcare pressures</a></p><p><br></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p><strong>Emma talks to Robert McCartney, a senior associate in the corporate commercial team at the law firm Hempsons to discuss the shift toward a neighborhood NHS and what this means for the future of general practice.</strong></p><p><strong>In this conversation, Robert outlines the potential impact new single and multi-neighborhood provider contracts could have and discusses the growing trend of PCNs incorporating as limited companies in response to possible changes and the practicalities of doing this.</strong></p><p><strong>He also sets out some practical steps practices and PCNs can take now to prepare for the the reform ahead. </strong></p><p><strong>This episode is an extract from a recent video Robert and I did for our sister site GP Business’s Monthly Briefing series. You can watch the full video, which also includes Roberts thoughts on the future of the partnership model, by visiting </strong><a href="https://www.gpbusiness.co.uk/article/1945845/video-neighbourhoods-will-affect-practices-gp-contracts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>https://www.gpbusiness.co.uk/article/1945845/video-neighbourhoods-will-affect-practices-gp-contracts</strong></a><strong> If you are a registered user of GPonline you can use the same login details to access a limited amount of content on GP Business each month.</strong></p><br><p><strong>This episode was presented by GPonline editor Emma Bower. It was produced by Czarina Deen. </strong></p><br><p><br></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>This week Emma and Nick discuss a significant fall in the number of young GP partners, the reasons behind this and what the long term impact of this workforce shift might be.</p><br><p>They look at the exodus of UK-trained international medical graduate doctors to other countries and talk about why this group has been particularly hard hit by the GP jobs crisis. They also highlight the impact new legislation that will prioritise UK-trained doctors for specialty training posts could have in general practice.</p><br><p>And they discuss the latest on legal actions physician assistants are taking against GP practices, the RCGP and the BMA, after new scope of practice guidance lead to many practices reviewing their PAs’ roles and responsibilities.</p><br><p>Our good news story this week is about the national rollout of the WorkWell scheme which could help to reduce demand for GP appointments.</p><br><p>This episode was presented by GPonline editor Emma Bower and deputy editor Nick Bostock. It was produced by Czarina Deen.</p><br><p><strong>Useful links</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/young-gp-partners-freefall-risk-uncertainty-toll/article/1944758" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Young GP partners in freefall as risk and uncertainty take toll</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/why-heartbroken-new-gp-gave-dream-career-uk-general-practice/article/1945470" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Why a 'heartbroken' new GP gave up his dream career in UK general practice</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/prioritising-uk-graduates-will-transform-competition-gp-training/article/1945114" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">How prioritising UK graduates will transform competition for GP training</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/dozens-pas-bid-75m-damages-practices-rcgp-bma/article/1945375" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dozens of PAs bid for £7.5m damages from practices, RCGP and BMA</a></p><p><br></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Emma speaks to Patrick Denston about how GP practices can make the best use of new tech and what the next five years could hold.</p><p>Patrick is a PCN digital transformation and change manager and a practice business manager based in Farnborough, Hampshire, as well as an NHS England AI peer ambassador.</p><p>He has a proven track record of successfully introducing new technology into general practice. In this conversation, Patrick explains how his practice has moved away from manual, paper-based processes to embrace digital and AI tools and advanced data analytics.</p><p>He discusses how these tools are helping to improve access and address other challenges in the practice and also shares some very practical advice for other practices looking to embrace new tech, including how to navigate the busy market of tech suppliers.</p><p>Emma and Patrick also look ahead to the future of general practice, discussing the government’s 10-year plan and how AI and data-led population health management could fundamentally change the way practices operate over the next five years.</p><p>This episode was presented by GPonline editor Emma Bower. It was produced by Czarina Deen.</p><p><strong>Useful links</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/viewpoint-general-practice-best-use-ai/article/1942135" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Viewpoint: How can general practice make best use of AI?</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/ai-tools-general-practice-liability-advice-gps/article/1926965" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">AI tools in general practice and liability - advice for GPs</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/using-ai-transcribing-software-general-practice-medicolegal-considerations/article/1920111" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Using AI transcribing software in general practice - medicolegal considerations</a></p><br><p><br></p><p><br></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Emma and Nick talk about some key news stories from the end of December and the start of this year linked to issues where we are expecting some major developments in the early part of 2026.</p><br><p>They talk about the 2026/27 GP contract, what the BMA and RCGP have said the contract needs to address, as well as some of their own predictions about what could happen.</p><br><p>They look at what comes next with neighbourhoods and how general practice can ensure it is protected against big changes that could be coming down the track.</p><br><p>And they discuss the impact the ongoing jobs crisis is having on the profession in England and what the government could do to address this in both the GP contract and the forthcoming workforce plan.</p><br><p>This week’s good news story is about the GPs and other general practice staff awarded new year honours.</p><br><p>This episode was presented by GPonline editor Emma Bower and deputy editor Nick Bostock. It was produced by Czarina Deen.</p><br><p><strong>Submit your case studies highlighting good work in your practice to </strong><a href="https://www.gpbusiness.co.uk/article/1938158/submit-case-studies-examples-good-practice-gp-business" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>GP Business here</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>Useful links</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/gps-practice-nurses-practice-manager-recognised-new-year-honours/article/1944046" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">GPs, practice nurses and practice manager recognised in New Year Honours</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/bma-reveals-gp-contract-demands-2026-27/article/1943860" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BMA reveals GP contract demands for 2026/27</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/new-rcgp-chair-outlines-college-response-gp-contract-consultation/article/1943862" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">New RCGP chair outlines college response to GP contract consultation</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/gps-forming-huge-companies-bid-neighbourhood-contracts/article/1943851" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">GPs forming huge companies to bid for neighbourhood contracts</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/registrars-delay-qualifying-gps-amid-bleak-job-market/article/1943830" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Registrars delay qualifying as GPs amid 'bleak' job market</a></p><p><br></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Emma speaks to the new chair of the Royal College of GPs Dr Victoria Tzortziou Brown, who took on the post at the end of November.</p><br><p>Victoria is the first international medical graduate to chair the college and has worked as a GP in East London for 20 years.</p><br><p>In this conversation, Victoria sets out her priorities for her time as chair, including defining the role of general practice in a changing healthcare system, tackling workload pressures and ensuring new technology supports GPs in practice - and why the college is running a consultation with members on these key issues.</p><br><p>She explains why she wants to bring hope back to the profession and help make general practice a sustainable and fulfilling career once again and highlights the importance of the college championing continuity of care as part of this.</p><br><p>Victoria also talks about the college's relationship with the government, her views on plans for a neighbourhood NHS and the current jobs crisis facing GPs, as well as the college's ongoing campaign to secure better visa rights for IMG GP registrars.</p><br><p>This episode was presented by GPonline editor Emma Bower. It was produced by Czarina Deen.</p><br><p><strong>Useful links</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.rcgp.org.uk/about/governance/new-council-priorities" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Details of the RCGP consultation on its key priorities</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/low-pay-force-img-gps-quit-uk-doctors-warn/article/1943647" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Low pay could force IMG GPs to quit UK, doctors warn</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/quarter-gps-use-ai-wild-west-rollout-sparks-safety-fears/article/1942027" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Quarter of GPs use AI but 'wild west' rollout sparks safety fears</a></p><p><a href="https://www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/research/how-are-gps-using-ai-insights-from-the-front-line" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Nuffield Trust/RCGP report on how GPs are using AI</a></p><br><p><br></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Emma speaks to Dr Vish Ratnasuriya, a GP partner and the elected chair of Our Health Partnership, one of the UK’s largest super partnerships. Vish was also recently appointed as a member of the newly formed National Commission for the Regulation of AI in Healthcare.</p><br><p>In this episode, Vish explains how Our Health Partnership;s ‘decentralized’ super partnership model helps support practices while retaining local autonomy. He discusses the advantages of working at scale and the shift towards neighborhood working - and shares his views on why general practice needs to lead on this work and the opportunities for moving more care out of hospitals and into the community.</p><br><p>He also talks about the huge role technology and AI will play in the future of the NHS. Vish explains what the new national commission aims to achieve and the vital importance of establishing clear rules on liability and safety for new technologies.</p><br><p>This episode was presented by GPonline editor Emma Bower. It was produced by Czarina Deen.</p><br><p><strong>Useful links</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.ourhealthpartnership.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Our Health Partnership</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/national-commission-into-the-regulation-of-ai-in-healthcare" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">National Commission for the Regulations of AI in Healthcare</a></p><p><a href="https://primarycareaccelerator.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Primary Care Accelerator</a></p><p><a href="https://wmhtia.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator</a></p><br><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/quarter-gps-use-ai-wild-west-rollout-sparks-safety-fears/article/1942027" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Quarter of GPs use AI but 'wild west' rollout sparks safety fears</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gponline.com/viewpoint-general-practice-best-use-ai/article/1942135" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Viewpoint: How can general practice make best use of AI?</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>