The General Practice Podcast

In this episode of the podcast, we look into the world of total triage with Pete Woodward, from Cheadle Medical Practice. Join us as we learn how tailored questionnaires and advanced triage tools have led to a significant leap in diagnosis accuracy and patient satisfaction. Discover the secrets behind their efficient triage process, The Human Touch, which not only heightened patient contentment bu...

Join us this week to discuss  the new CQC revamped Practice Inspection Framework,  brought to you in partnership with Practice Index, with panel regular Robyn Clark & manager partner of a GP practice in North London, Rathai Thevananth. This essential episode of our podcast provides a comprehensive breakdown of the significant changes affecting healthcare practices. Gain an in-depth understanding o...

Jacob Haddad, co-founder of Accurx, returns to our podcast to discuss Accurx's latest report. With a focus on total triage and its impact on the healthcare delivery model, we uncover a system where appointments are a last resort, leading to increased efficiency and a transformative patient experience. The conversation pivots to the day-to-day challenges and triumphs of general practices that are p...

This episode is brought to you in partnership with Practice Index, this week we focus on the topic of annual leave. Ben is joined by Claire Hoston and Robyn Clark to tackle the topic of managing annual leave in general practice. Navigating the peaks of holiday seasons can be a tumultuous affair in any workplace, but it's especially challenging in healthcare settings where patients need surge follo...

We're thrilled to welcome the inspiring Dr. Helen Kingston, a GP and senior partner at Frome Medical Practice, who shares with us her team's unique and effective approach to healthcare that prioritises sustainability. Their journey to green healthcare is quite remarkable, from integrating social prescribing into medical practice to being the first practice to receive the prestigious RCGP Green Imp...

Joining Ben to discuss how they managed to establish a PCN hub in their area is Dr Aravinth Balachandran, clinical director at Folkestone, Hythe and Rural PCN, Andy Gove, digital transformation manager at the same PCN & Adriana Jimenez, Primary Care Transformation Senior Innovation Access Lead, all with first hand experience in establishing a PCN hub. With the discussion rooted in their experience...

Join us this week, as we navigate the complexities of the new provider selection regime and what it means for general practice with our guest, Ross Clark, a partner at Hemsons. The new provider selection regime, he explains, will allow integrated care boards to award contracts to providers including PCNs, GP provider companies, and federations without a competitive procurement process. Ross discus...

This episode is brought to you in partnership with Practice Index, this week we focus on the topic of improving the support that Practices and PCNs can give to care homes. Ben is joined by Lisa Davis, who is the PCN clinical lead for enhanced health and care homes, and Lucy Jones, who is the PCN manager, both at HMG PCN in Hereford. They shed light on how the Living Well in Later Life event has no...

In this episode, Ben is joined by the individuals from Venn Health and People Wellbeing: James Davies, Alasdair Everest-Ford, and Vicky Fytche. Venn Health, an independent agency specialising in problem-solving for the health and care sector, has recently collaborated with People Wellbeing, a provider focused on creating healthier environments and staff wellbeing. Together, they are dedicated to m...

In this episode, Ben and Donal discuss the fascinating world of Metabolic Health. Our special guest, Donal Collins, generously takes us on a journey through his own experience with type 2 diabetes, illustrating his remarkable transformation. Donal elaborates on the modifications he implemented, the exceptional results he attained, and how he turned his personal journey into inspiration for others....

Ben welcomes two special guests, Minal Bakhai and Sheinaz Stansfield, to discuss the General Practice Improvement Programme. Minal delves into the details of GPIP and elaborates on the support it offers to PCNs and Practices. Sheinaz shares her personal experiences with the programme and discusses the transformative impact of data and support on PCNs and Practices. The episode also unveils key ins...

In this episode Ben reunites with NHS pensions expert Paul Gordon to explore recent changes to the NHS pension scheme. Paul last joined us in March 2023, they start by revisiting their previous discussion and the scheme's updates. Paul shares the positive changes, and the popularity around them, as well as the associated restrictions. He provides insightful details, including calculations and thei...

Back by popular demand, we're excited to welcome back Naj Seedat and Andy Pow for another insightful episode. The topic of conversation has come to light due to an ICB that awarded what was an APMS contract, converted to a GMS contract to a PCN, Naj and Andy share their valuable insights and perspectives on this matter. Naj also shares his experience with having both APMS and GMS practices within...

In this week's episode we have the pleasure of welcoming back Hussain Gandhi, for the fifth year running as a PCN Clinical Director. During the conversation, Gandhi reflects on his time as a Clinical Director, sharing both the achievements and the challenges his PCN has encountered. Gandhi and Ben engage in a discussion about the difficulties associated with adapting to the changes of the IIF, the...

In today's episode, Ben is joined by James Catton, Physician Associate in General Practice, host of the Physician Associate Podcast and a PA Ambassador. Together, they deep dive into the role and responsibilities of a PA Ambassador, and discuss James' own creation, The Physician Associate Podcast. Throughout their conversation, James and Ben explore the challenges Physician Associates are currentl...

Returning to the podcast this week is Tara Humphrey, Managing Director of THC. Tara joins Ben to discuss the current priorities of PCNs. Tara shares her insights into the most significant challenges PCNs are currently facing, touching upon various issues and tensions within these networks. Tara emphasises the importance of interactions within PCNs and how this directly impacts the trust levels amo...

It was about time we welcomed back Dr Rachel Morris, speaker, host of 'You Are Not a Frog' podcast, GP, Coach and creator of the Shapes Toolkit Resilience Training Programme for doctors and other professionals. In this episode Rachel generously imparts invaluable insights into the importance of establishing professional boundaries, sheds light on the treatment of general practice, and offers guida...

This week's episode features panel regular Robyn Clark, along with Pete Maynard & Naj Seedat. This episode is brought to you in partnership with Practice Index & this week focuses on the topic of practice managers as partners in GP practices. Robyn and Pete share their personal journeys, recounting their transitions from practice managers to partners. They provide insights into the intricacies of...

Ben welcomes Robert McCartney back to the podcast. Although Robert has been a guest on the podcast before he has now joined Hempsons as an associate where he focuses on aiding GP mergers and assisting PCNs, helping them form entities. This episode revolves around the relationship between GP Practices and PCNs, highlighting its significance for their future. They discuss the existing challenges tha...

In this week's podcast episode, Ben is accompanied by Su Suehr, Amanda Spooner, and Linzi Fisher. The main focus of their discussion revolves around the recent implementation of the new integrated team lead role. Throughout the podcast they discuss the advantages brought about by this role, and share what the integrated model looks like to Su and Amanda. Additionally, they recount the hurdles they...

Today, Ben is joined by Rasha Gadelrab, a GP & Medical Educator & Healthcare Engagement Specialist. Rasha kicks off the podcast by sharing her professional journey and how she arrived at her current position. Rasha possesses extensive experience, ranging from working as a biotechnology recruitment consultant to becoming a GP educator, healthcare corporate trainer, workforce well-being and sustaina...

This week's episode is focused on tackling abuse in general practice and features insights from our esteemed guest, Mike Neville, brought to you in partnership with Practice Index. Mike is not only a panel member but also holds the positions of LMC Manager Rep, and North West England Regional Rep for the IGM. During the discussion Mike discusses his journey into the role of a practice manager and...

In this week's podcast episode, Ben hosts Colin Armstead from George House Trust and Kay Keane from Urban Village Medical Practice, both located in Manchester. The mission of George House Trust is to empower individuals living with HIV, helping them lead healthy and confident lives through the provision of HIV support, advice, and advocacy services. The main topic of discussion revolves around the...

Today, Ben is accompanied by Ben Allen, Partner at a Sheffield GP and Clinical Director for primary care in Sheffield, supporting primary care to thrive. During the podcast, they delve into the document that Ben has worked on, titled 'Another General Practice is possible', a document that has served as a catalyst for initiating change within Ben's practice. Upon joining the practice, Ben immediate...

This week, Ben offers a solo episode where he discusses the future for PCNs and shares his insights on what to expect from March 2024 onwards. During the podcast, he covers various topics, including the NHS long term plan, the 5 year GP contract and the Fuller stocktake report. Ben also addresses the growing unpopularity of PCNs and offers his perspective on the reasons behind this. He sheds light...