Talking General Practice

GPonline is the media partner for the RCGP annual conference and this is the second of two special episodes of Talking General Practice from the event Newport in Wales this week.In this episode we look at what health minister Stephen Kinnock said about overhauling the Carr-Hill formula and the BMA dispute over online consultations and what delegates thought about this. We also highlight what RCGP chair Professor Kamila Hawthorne had to say in her speech about primary care funding and GP retention.Emma talks to RCGP vice chairs Professor Margaret Ikpoh and Dr Thomas Patel-Campbell about the results of the college’s latest member survey, the importance of investing in primary care and how the increase in anti-immigration and right-wing rhetoric is affecting GPs.She also speaks to RCGP Wales chair Dr Rowena Christmas about being the subject of a book that tells the story of rural general practice and the college’s manifesto for next year’s Senedd elections and talks to outgoing RCGP president Dr Richard Vautrey.Useful links●     Find all of GPonline’s coverage from this week’s conference at gponline.com/rcgp●     Health minister describes online consultation dispute as ‘phoney war’●     Government launches review of 'not fit for purpose' GP funding formula●     GPs face unsafe workload and fear neighbourhoods will make it worse, RCGP warnsSupported by SymproveThis episode of Talking General Practice has been supported by Symprove. Based on an external survey of 432 healthcare professionals, Symprove was the number one probiotic, recommended by gastroenterologists, dietitians and GPs. The unique water-based solution delivers live bacteria to the colon and is proven in randomised controlled trials by leading institutions. 92% of people report a benefit within 12 weeks in real-world.Healthcare professionals can trial Symprove for free. Visit professionals.symprove.com and sign up for a virtual meeting to hear more about the research behind Symprove and get your free 12-week pack. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emma speaks to Royal College of GPs chair Professor Kamila Hawthorne ahead of the RCGP’s annual conference in Newport in Wales, which starts on Thursday this week.GPonline is the media partner for the annual conference, and this is the first of two episodes that we’ll be producing from the event.Kamila is nearing the end of her three years as RCGP chair and in this interview, she reflects on the highs and lows of her time in the post. She talks about the experiences of dealing with multiple health secretaries and navigating the contentious issue of physician assistants in general practice.She also discusses the government's 10-year health plan and what it could mean for general practice, her fears about the future of the partnership model, and what the RCGP wants to see in the new NHS workforce plan. And she explains why she believes there is still a bright future for general practice despite the challenges.This episode was presented by GPonline editor Emma Bower. It was produced by Czarina Deen.Read all of GPonline’s coverage from the RCGP annual conference this week at https://www.gpponline.com/rcgp  Supported by SymproveThis episode of Talking General Practice has been supported by Symprove. Based on an external survey of 432 healthcare professionals, Symprove was the number one probiotic, recommended by gastroenterologists, dietitians and GPs. The unique water-based solution delivers live bacteria to the colon and is proven in randomised controlled trials by leading institutions. 92% of people report a benefit within 12 weeks in real-world.Healthcare professionals can trial Symprove for free. Visit professionals.symprove.com and sign up for a virtual meeting to hear more about the research behind Symprove and get your free 12-week pack. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Emma and NIck talk about the BMA’s decision to re-enter dispute with the government in England, the online access plans that have led us to this point and what both the BMA and the government have to say about all of this. They also look at what re-entering dispute could mean for the profession.They talk about the upcoming NHS workforce plan, which is due to be published before the end of the year after the government launched a call for evidence. And they discuss the BMA’s latest survey on the state of GP premises and what’s required to fix the crumbling primary care estate.Our good news story this week is about a GP who has this week been attempting to break the record for running round the perimeter of Cornwall in an effort to raise money and awareness of early-onset dementia, which has affected her mum.This episode was presented by GPonline editor Emma Bower and deputy editor Nick Bostock. It was produced by Czarina Deen.Complete our survey looking at online access and other issues affecting GPs here Useful linksDr Elsey Davis fundraising pageTrack Dr Davis’s progressGPs are standing up for patient safety by declaring dispute, says BMAStreeting dismisses GP fears over online access as 'forces of conservatism'Government 'mystified' over GP stance on online accessMouldy, cracked and cramped: BMA poll exposes GP premises crisis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Emma speaks to Professor Brendan Delaney, a GP in London and Professor of Medical Informatics and Decision Making at Imperial College London. Brendan’s research work covers artificial intelligence in medical diagnosis and learning health systems and he is a real expert in this field.Artificial intelligence is likely to have a huge impact across society and its role in healthcare is expected to grow exponentially in the coming years. But what will this mean in practice for GPs on the ground?In this conversation, Brendan talks about the research he is involved with that is looking at how AI can be used to support diagnosis in primary care. We also discuss whether developments in AI in medicine could de-skill doctors, the vital importance of medical device regulation when using these new tools, and the key issues of clinical liability and data security.Brendan also shares his thoughts on the government's vision for an AI-enabled NHS and how realistic this vision is as well as his hopes for how this new technology could shape general practice in the coming years. And he has advice for how GPs can prepare for a future where technology will play an even greater role in medicine.This episode was presented by GPonline editor Emma Bower. It was produced by Czarina Deen.Useful linksTransformer-based deep learning model for the diagnosis of suspected lung cancer in primary care based on electronic health record data - the study Brendan mentions in the interviewMore of Brendan’s research workIX - Imperial College London’s cross-department AI initiativeAI tools in general practice and liability - advice for GPsUsing AI transcribing software in general practice - medicolegal considerations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The GPonline team discusses the key news stories affecting general practice.This week Emma and Nick talk about the BMA special representative meeting on the government’s 10-year plan, which happened last weekend. They look at what health and social care secretary Wes Streeting had to say, some of which enraged many of the GPs in attendance, as well as the key votes on motions about general practice and what BMA representatives had to say about the 10-year plan.They also discuss the roll out of neighbourhood health in England as the government announced the 43 sites that will form the first wave of its national programme to shift the NHS to this new way of working.And they look at a piece of work Nick has done over the past couple of weeks looking at the number of GPs the NHS in England needs over the coming years if it is to keep pace with the predicted population rise, including which parts of the country have the furthest to go to reach the levels required.Meanwhile Kimberley explains our good news story, which this week is about an initiative in Wales that is aiming to support women GPs into senior leadership roles.This episode was presented by GPonline editor Emma Bower, deputy editor Nick Bostock and senior reporter Kimberley Hackett. It was produced by Czarina Deen.Useful links●     Streeting dismisses GPs concerned over online access as 'laggards'●     BMA rejects 10-year plan and demands protection of GP model●     Can England double its GP workforce by 2040?●     Map: Which areas face the steepest GP recruitment challenge?●     Third of licensed GPs in England lost to NHS, study reveals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Emma speaks to Dr Helen Thomas, a GP in Hampshire and a member of the group Healthcare Professionals for Safer Screens.Helen has been involved with developing screening tools and training resources to help clinicians identify problematic smartphone use in young people which might be affecting their mental health.In this conversation Helen explains the evidence linking excessive screen time to worsening mental health outcomes, poor sleep, and developmental delays, and highlights the harmful content algorithms push to young users.She explains why it's vital for GPs to ask about device use when consulting with young people presenting with mental health issues and the screening tools and resources that can help clinicians do this.And she discusses the wider changes needed to tackle this issue, including what the government should be doing.This conversation includes discussion of self harm and suicide.This episode was presented by GPonline editor Emma Bower. It was produced by Czarina Deen.Useful links Health Professionals for Safer ScreensHealth Professionals for Safer Screens resources - including screening tool, health intervention information and training worldsHow TikTok harms boys and girls differently - the Guardian video that Emma mentions in this conversationDetails of Esther Ghey’s campaign to ban smartphones in schools - from BBCJonathan Haidt’s Let Grow movement, which Helen mentions in this conversation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The GPonline team discusses the latest news affecting general practice. This week Emma and Nick look at the latest GP earnings and expenses data and what it tells us about income for both partners and salaried GPs and regional variations across the UK.There’s also a quick round up of some other data published last week on the GP workforce and practice workload.They also discuss the BMA’s recent analysis of the 10-year health plan and look at some of the union’s concerns with the plan - and whether some of those issues could lead GPs back into industrial dispute with the government.Our good news story this week is about the GP workforce in Scotland.This episode was presented by GPonline editor Emma Bower and deputy editor Nick Bostock. It was produced by Czarina Deen.Useful linksGP income variation across England blamed on local funding gapsExperts question data showing double-digit GP partner income riseGeneral practice facing 'busiest summer ever' as appointments spiralNeighbourhood contracts must stop hospitals taking over GP patient lists, warns BMABMA preparing for return to GP industrial dispute as red lines ignoredScottish GP workforce reaches six-year highFor GPonline, GP Business, MIMS and MIMS Pharma practice and corporate subscribersSpecial report: The 10-year Health Plan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Emma speaks to Adrian Down, who is the managing partner of a practice in Lincolnshire and a director of the Institute of General Practice Management (IGPM).Adrian discusses the vital role of the practice manager and the work the IGPM is doing to give managers a stronger voice and create clear standards through its accreditation scheme.He talks about the challenges facing practice managers, including the risk of burnout, and what needs to happen to address these issues, as well as the government’s 10-year health plan and what the move towards neighbourhood working will mean for practices and the pivotal role managers will play in making it a success.Adrian also explains what the IGPM wants to see from the new GP contract to ensure it provides realistic funding and recognises the contribution of the entire general practice team, including the growing number of non-GP partners.This episode was presented by GPonline editor Emma Bower. It was produced by Czarina Deen.Useful linksInstitute of General Practice ManagementGPonline’s coverage of the 10-year health plan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week the GPonline team discusses health and social care secretary Wes Streeting’s letter to the profession and asks whether what he had to say addressed the BMA’s ‘red lines’ to avert further industrial action by the profession. They also look at the latest update to this year’s GP contract and what that means for staff and GP pay.There’s an update on physician associate roles after their union - United Medical Associate Professionals (UMAPs) launched a legal bid for an injunction to prevent changes to the role following the Leng review.And they talk about the jobs crisis facing newly-qualified GPs as well as the stresses and pressures facing GPs further along in their career and what this all means for the future of the profession.Our good news story this week is about patient satisfaction with GP access.This episode was presented by GPonline’s editor Emma Bower, deputy editor Nick Bostock and senior news reporter Kimberley Hackett. It was produced by Czarina Deen.Useful links Streeting sets date for talks to 'retain and reform' practice-based GP contractPA union loses legal bid for injunction to prevent Leng reformsGPs 'walking tightrope' as NHS issues advice on changing PA rolesJob crisis 'fragmenting' working lives of newly-qualified GPsHow do you fix general practice? It's the workforce, stupidHow has patients' experience of GP services changed over the past year?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Emma speaks to Dr Richard West, a GP partner in a dispensing practice in Suffolk and chair of the Dispensing Doctors’ Association.Dispensing practices are a vital lifeline for patients in rural areas, but they are facing a host of challenges that are threatening their viability. In this conversation, Richard explains the crucial role these practices play and the immense pressures they are under.Richard talks through the complexities of dispensing practice funding, highlighting how out-of-date fee scales and unreimbursed drug costs are affecting practices and what the Dispensing Doctors’ Association is campaigning for to ensure these essential services survive.He also discusses what needs to change in the GP contract to support dispensing practices, the impact drug shortages have on staff and patients and the need to ensure that ways of working envisaged in the 10 year plan are designed to work for rural populations.This episode was presented by GPonline editor Emma Bower. It was produced by Czarina Deen.Useful linksDispensing Doctors’ AssociationDispensing Doctors’ Association RAMP UP campaignMIMS - Drug shortages - live trackerMPs demand major review as UK medicine shortages now 'daily reality' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Emma and Nick talk about how adding GPs to the additional roles reimbursement scheme has impacted on the workforce in different parts of the country. They look at what the government has to say about the ARRS and asking whether it is painting an accurate picture of the current state of the GP workforce in England.They also discuss what the BMA wants the government to do to avert a jobs crisis for newly qualified GPs this summer. This formed part of a series of red lines that it said the government had to deliver to avoid further industrial dispute by the profession, and Emma and Nick explain what these are and what has led the BMA to make these demands.Our good news story this week is about some more data from an innovative fruit and veg prescription project that’s running in East London.This episode was presented by GPonline editor Emma Bower and deputy editor Nick Bostock. It was produced by Czarina Deen.Useful links●     Is the ARRS widening GP workforce inequality?●     Opaque GP workforce data spark call for 'honesty'●     BMA sets red lines for government to avert industrial dispute with GPs●     10-year plan could unlock more GP funding or lead to salaried service, says BMA●     Karin Smyth: ARRS GPs can help turn the tide of pressure on practices●     Alexandra Rose CharityFor more analysis of key data affecting general practice visit our GP Insight section Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Emma talks to Dr Andy Hilton, a GP partner and chief executive of Primary Care Sheffield a not-for-profit company, owned by the city's GP practices, which was recently highlighted in the 10-year health plan as an example of successful neighbourhood working.In this conversation, Andy explains the origins of Primary Care Sheffield, how it has worked to support practices, and the wide range of services it now provides. He discusses the benefits of working at scale, not just for patients but also for practices and the wider health system, and how this approach can help to tackle health inequalities.Andy also offers his thoughts on the move towards a neighbourhood NHS, why he general practice will be crucial to its success and the challenges that lie ahead, including estates and the demands of an ageing population. He provides valuable advice on how to work more collaboratively with other practices, PCNs and partners in the healthcare system.This episode was presented by GPonline editor Emma Bower. It was produced by Czarina Deen.Useful linksPrimary Care SheffieldThe 10-year health plan at a glanceGPs pioneering neighbourhood model say it has eased workloadDozens of 'neighbourhood health service' sites to launch from September Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our news review Emma and Nick talk about the findings of the independent review into the use of physician associates in the NHS and what this means for their role in future.They look at the results of the latest GP patient survey and what that tells us about how patients feel about general practice. And they discuss what happens next for neighbourhood health as more details emerge about the government plans for 42 sites that are set to push forward this agenda.This episode was presented by GPonline editor Emma Bower and deputy editor Nick Bostock. It was produced by Czarina Deen.Useful links●     Could the 10-year health plan derail rising GP patient satisfaction?●     In charts: Which areas have the highest patient satisfaction with general practice?●     Government backs Leng review and warns PAs should 'never replace doctors'●     PAs urged to dispute job changes following Leng review●     NHS won't 'throw money' at neighbourhood health sites, officials warn●     10-year plan 'risky as hell' for general practice  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Emma speaks to Dr Duncan Gooch, a GP in Derbyshire and the chair of the NHS Confederation's Primary Care Network, which represents at-scale primary care organisations. As well as being a GP partner, Duncan also has leadership roles in at-scale primary care organisations in his local area.In this conversation Duncan shares his thoughts on the what the 10-year health plan could mean for general practice. He discusses new contracts for neighborhood providers, how they could work alongside the GP contract and primary care networks, and why he believes they are not a threat to the partnership model.Duncan also offers his views on what practices can do to prepare for the move to neighborhood working, the role technology and data will play in how general practice works in the future, and how he believes working at scale can help GPs to have greater influence in their local healthcare systems and how at-scale organisations could evolve to take on some ICB functions in future.He also talks about addressing problems with GP premises and the importance of having thriving practices if you are to build a successful neighbourhood NHS.This episode was presented by GPonline editor Emma Bower. It was produced by Czarina Deen. Useful linksNHS Confederation Primary Care NetworkThe 10-year health plan at a glanceNHS won't 'throw money' at neighbourhood health sites, officials warn10-year NHS plan unveils 'alternative' to GP partnership model Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s podcast the GPonline team looks in detail at the government’s 10-year health plan and what it means for general practice.They talk about what the plan could mean for the future of the GP contract and the partnership model, the government’s plans for a neighbourhood NHS and what GPs think about the proposals. They also look at how the government plans to shift the NHS from analogue to digital and what this could mean for GPs and their teams.Meanwhile, our good news story this week is about the national roll out of a programme to train GPs with an extended role in gastroenterology.This episode was presented by GPonline editor Emma Bower, deputy editor Nick Bostock and senior news reporter Kimberley Hackett. It was produced by Czarina Deen.Useful linksFind all our coverage of the 10-year health planThe 10-year health plan at a glance10-year plan threatens existing GP model and continuity of care, warns BMAPCNs in talks over taking on neighbourhood GP contractsViewpoint: Failure to build 10-year plan around general practice is a serious mistake Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emma speaks to Lizzy Lloyd, chair of AISMA, the Association of Independent Specialist Medical Accountants, and a partner at the accountancy firm Larking Gowen.The financial pressures on general practice have been a major theme of the past few years, and in this episode, Lizzy discusses the impact this has had on practices. She talks about cash flow problems and the complexities of the GP contract and funding, as well as challenges around workforce and service charge issues.Lizzy offers invaluable advice for practices looking to secure their financial future, including the importance of effective budgeting, and maximising income streams. She also discusses ongoing issues with NHS pensions and what GPs can do to navigate this complicated area.This episode was presented by GPonline editor Emma Bower. It was produced by Czarina Deen.Read GPonline’s coverage of the 10-year health plan hereUseful links●     Association of Independent Specialist Medical Accountants●     10-year NHS plan will promise 'major changes' to GP funding formula●     Government begins hunt for private premises investment ahead of 10-year plan●     Extra £100m needed to deliver 4% GP pay rise●     DDRB recommends new GP 'cost index' to help shape contract uplifts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Emma speaks to Dr Lisa Harrod-Rothwell, chief executive of Londonwide LMCs and a GP in Islington, North London. Londonwide LMCs represents local medical committees, GPs and practices in 27 of the capital’s 32 boroughs.In this conversation, Lisa explains exactly what Londonwide LMCs does and some of the key challenges facing general practice in London, including workforce issues, premises problems and health inequalities.She also talks about the London region of the NHS’s vision for a neighbourhood health service and the role Londonwide LMCs played in shaping that plan. Lisa explains the importance of general practice being at the table for planning discussions, the need for a function-first approach to service delivery, and the potential for a neighbourhood NHS to support and value general practice.This episode was presented by GPonline editor Emma Bower. It was produced by Czarina Deen.Useful linksLondonwide LMCsPCNs could be forced to re-align with neighbourhoods under London health planMost London GP practices 'feel unable to deliver safe care' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Emma and Nick discuss what the spending review had to say about the NHS and look ahead to what we know about the government’s 10 Year Health Plan, which is expected to be published in the coming weeks.In this episode they talk about what that plan could mean for the future of general practice and the NHS in England, how the government might aim to meet its ambitions of creating a neighbourhood NHS and ‘bringing back the family doctor’, and where a new GP contract could fit into all of this.Our good news story this week is about those GPs who received honours in the King’s Birthday Honours last weekend.This episode was presented by GPonline editor Emma Bower and deputy editor Nick Bostock. It was produced by Czarina Deen.Useful linksGPs recognised in King's birthday honoursNHS 10-year plan 'make or break' for general practiceGPs could run 'run local hospitals,' says Wes Streeting'GP-centric' 10-year NHS plan will protect partnerships10-year plan to overhaul GP incentives and 'completely reimagine' NHS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emma speaks to Dr Caroline Taylor, chair of the National Association of Primary Care and a GP in Calderdale, West Yorkshire.The NAPC has been at the forefront of developing the neighbourhood approach to health and Caroline is a big advocate for this model. In this conversation, Caroline explains exactly what a neighbourhood is, how general practice should fit into this model and the benefits of this way of working for patients, GPs and practices, including increased job satisfaction.She also talks about how neighbourhood models could help shift care out of hospitals and into the community, the role of Community Health and Wellbeing Workers, a model the NAPC has been involved in rolling out nationally and the potential impact ICB cuts could have on developing neighbourhoods.Caroline also has some practical advice for GPs and others on how to get neighbourhood working off the ground in their area,This episode was presented by GPonline editor Emma Bower. It was produced by Czarina Deen.Useful linksOn GPonline●     'GP-centric' 10-year NHS plan will protect partnerships●     10-year plan to overhaul GP incentives and 'completely reimagine' NHS●     How community health and wellbeing workers could help general practice●     ICBs are downsizing – what does this mean for primary care?National Association of Primary CareNAPC report on creating integrated neighbourhood teams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week the GPonline team talks about the pay rise GPs and other doctors have received this year, what GPs think about this year’s contract deal and the prospect of more strikes from resident doctors.And they look at what’s happening in Northern Ireland after the government imposed the GP contract there.They also discuss the ongoing GP jobs crisis after the BMA raised fears that up to 1,000 GP registrars could find themselves struggling to get a job when they complete GP training this summer, what the union wants the government to do about it and some data on GP funding that shows why we are in this situation.Our good news story is about NHS England launching a 'world-first' vaccine programme for gonorrhoea this summer.This episode was presented by GPonline editor Emma Bower, deputy editor Nick Bostock, and senior news reporter Kimberley Hackett. It was produced by Czarina Deen.Useful linksWes Streeting: This year's pay deal is an investment to improve the NHSExtra £100m needed to deliver 4% Gp pay riseDDRB recommends new gp cost index to help shape contract upliftsUp to 1000 newly-qualified GPs face unemployment this summer, BMA warns StreetingPractice funding data reveals root cause of GP unemployment crisisFunding uplifts that match inflation top priority for GPs in new contractEngland launches ‘world-first’ gonorrhoea vaccination programme Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.