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  • Join Ben as he explores the evolving role of pharmacists in general practice, with special guests Ruhina Kassam & Mahmud Mamayusupov from Clinical Pharmacist Solutions. They share insights on the push for pharmacists to become prescribers, emphasising the importance of this shift to meet increasing healthcare demands. Ruhina & Mahmud introduce the DPP Finder service, designed to connect pharmacists with designated prescribing practitioners, facilitating the required practice hours for their prescribing qualification.

    They also discuss the balance between community pharmacy and PCN pharmacists, improvements in workforce distribution, and the Pharmacy First scheme. Don't miss this insightful discussion that highlights the significant developments and opportunities in the pharmacy profession.

    Introduction (00:09)

    Updates from Clinical Pharmacist Solutions.. (00:29)

    Becoming advanced practitioners.. (01:16)

    Do pharmacists want to become prescribing pharmacists? (03:15)

    The scheme.. (04:13)

    Pharmacists in their own practice (06:34)

    Mentorship.. (07:08)

    90 hours.. (08:56)

    Is the scheme funded? (09:40)

    Limits to the prescribing qualification.. (11:33)

    Additional qualifications (13:09)

    Specialist vs general approach (13:40)

    Thoughts on the way that pharmacists are being used in general practice and by PCNs? (14:07)

    Quality of supervision offered via PCNs.. (15:58)

    Turnover of pharmacists.. (16:57)

    Impact on community pharmacy.. (20:32)

    Pharmacy First (21:16)

    Getting in touch.. (23:01)

    Visit the DPP Connect website here.

    For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.

  • Join us as we welcome Judy Oliver and Charlotte Cummings from Oliver and Company to discuss the fascinating journey and evolution of integrated neighbourhood teams. Judy and Charlotte share invaluable insights on customising the program to bring together community services, social care, general practice, mental health, and the voluntary sector, emphasising the critical importance of strong inter-professional relationships to deliver seamless, patient-centred care.

    Finally, Judy and Charlotte shed light on the role of expert facilitation and coaching in enhancing team dynamics and outcomes, emphasising the importance of continuous improvement in fostering successful integrated teams in general practice. Don't miss this insightful conversation on creating cohesive, cross-organisational healthcare teams that truly make a difference.

    Introduction (00:09)

    Integrated neighbourhood team (02:56)

    The core design of integrated neighbourhood teams (05:01)

    What should they look like? (07:05)

    PCNs & GP practises role.. (12:13)

    Moving ahead (15:03)

    Is a mindset shift needed? (18:59)

    The next few years.. (22:16)

    Getting in touch (23:33)

    Visit the website for ‘Oliver and Company’ here.

    For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.

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  • In this week’s episode, brought to you in partnership with Practice Index, we welcome Adrian Down, the managing partner at Caythorpe & Ancaster Medical Practice. Adrian shares his fascinating journey from a high-paying role in a multinational firm to becoming a practice manager in general practice. He reflects on his transition and discusses the dynamics of equality within his practice partnership.

    Adrian and Ben explore the challenges faced by non-GP professionals in general practice partnerships and shed light on the value of the partnership model in maintaining the effectiveness and accessibility of general practice. Discover how Adrian's passion for helping people has sustained him in this role and how his partnership model has remained effective over time.

    Introduction (00:08)

    An equal voice.. (01:47)

    Has being a practice manager matched your expectations? (02:35)

    Then and now (03:16)

    Has the model evolved over time? (04:42)

    Status inequality between non-gp partners and gp partners (05:54)

    Guidance for non-gp partners (07:29)

    National LMC conference (08:58)

    Feedback & next steps.. (12:51)

    Working with the IGPM (14:40)

    Information or resources (16:05)

    Contact Adrian via email here.

    To visit the Practice Index website, click here or contact James Dillon here.

    For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.

  • Join us this week as Ben welcomes Dr. Steph Cook and Dr. Jennifer Greenlaw to discuss the groundbreaking concept of women's health hubs. Steph and Jennifer are both experienced GPs with a focus on women's health, and share their innovative work in Liverpool and Manchester. Discover how these hubs bring together existing services to provide comprehensive care, reducing the need for multiple appointments and learn about the impact of the Women's Health Strategy.

    They also explore the success and feedback from women accessing contraceptive services, highlighting the popularity of convenient options like Saturday clinics. Understand the logistics of providing these services, including self-referral processes, short wait times, and the flexibility of primary care networks. Tune in to hear how the Women's Health Strategy is bringing renewed focus to these essential services and improving access, experience, and outcomes for women, especially those in underserved populations.

    Introduction (00:09)

    Women's Health Hubs (01:30)

    Single locations? (03:27)

    Women's Health Strategy (04:28)

    Funding.. (05:31)

    General practice & PCNs.. (06:25)

    Making that shift for Women’s health (08:49)

    Feedback from women.. (11:05)

    Payments for services.. (12:03)

    Support from the ICB’s (17:41)

    Top tips.. (21:04)

    Accessing the toolkit (21:50)

    Getting in touch.. (22:55)

    Access ‘The Women’s Health Hub Toolkit’ here.

    Contact Steph by email here & Jennifer here.

    Listen to a previous episode introducing ‘Urban Village Medical Practice’ here and learn their Innovative Strategies to Support Homelessness here.

    For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.

  • Robert McCartney, an associate at Hemsons, is back again, as they explore his recent work on PCNs and integrated neighbourhood teams. Robert shares his insights into the complexities of creating legal constructs for these collaborations, emphasising the importance of contractual agreements with community services and third parties like pharmacies and charities.

    Ben & Robert also touch on the broader landscape of how PCNs are evolving and the impact this has on healthcare delivery and collaboration.

    In this episode, they focus on the recent updates to the premises cost directions, which govern funding and access to funds for GP premises. These changes include the potential for 100% improvement grants and funding for land purchases, offering some relief to practices facing financial pressures due to increased demand and the influx of PCN staff. They look at the implications of these updates, such as the expanded ability for commissioners to use a broader range of valuers, the impact on VAT negotiations, and practical steps practices should take to navigate these new directions effectively.

    Introduction (00:09)

    Finding ways of developing new services together (00:37)

    Contractual agreement.. (01:11)

    The premises cost directions (01:48)

    Why now? (02:53)

    What are the main changes in the new updates? (03:53)

    Carrying out necessary extensions.. (05:53)

    What’s the catch? (06:48)

    18 year commitment (08:06)

    Last man standing (09:14)

    But the money isn’t there.. (09:46)

    How to get better access to the funds.. (11:25)

    Other changes.. (12:06)

    Further guidance.. (13:17)

    Freedom for practices.. (13:54)

    PCNs.. (15:27)

    VAT implications.. (16:19)

    Next steps.. (17:18)

    Is this positive? (18:29)

    Getting in touch.. (19:37)

    Contact Robert via email here.

    For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.

  • Join us in this enlightening episode as we reconnect with Dr. Donal Collins, to explore innovative approaches to managing type 2 diabetes. Through shared decision-making, whether it’s dietary changes or new medications, we discuss how managing insulin and energy intake can shrink fat cells and reduce inflammation.

    Donal & Ben explore the strategic decision-making required at various levels—individual practices, PCNs, and integrated care boards, to implement these changes effectively. This conversation touches on the challenges of demonstrating long-term cost benefits of proactive care., so tune in for a comprehensive discussion on the future of managing chronic diseases.

    Introduction (00:09)

    Treatment for type 2 diabetes (01:32)

    Impact of current treatment.. (05:26)

    Why is it something we've never been able to achieve? (09:04)

    Making the effort.. (10:39)

    Where is the right place for these conversations? (12:29)

    Introduction of new roles (13:32)

    Where do you think this best sits?(15:29)

    The science of change.. (18:21)

    Getting in touch.. (20:57)

    Listen to Donal & Bens previous episode here.

    Contact Donal Collins via email here, via twitter here or access his linkedin here.

    For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.

  • Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr Christian Hornung, who wears many hats in the realm of primary care. Listen in as we explore a strategic energy savings initiative that began within a PCN and blossomed into a national success story. With the help of an energy consultant, healthcare practices, pharmacies, charities, and private hospitals have achieved significant financial savings.

    Christian shares the straightforward process that maximises benefits for all members. This episode also provides practical steps for practices to join the energy-saving initiative and highlights the potential for immediate and future savings, bringing a ray of optimism during challenging times.

    Don't miss out on this transformative discussion that promises to inspire and energise your practice.

    Introduction (00:08)

    Energy.. (00:43)

    Building links between the practice & pharmacy.. (05:06)

    Energy Co-op Limited (06:11)

    Negotiating discount.. (07:28)

    Paying the Energy Consultant.. (08:53)

    Annual savings.. (09:23)

    The start… (10:03)

    Scaling up.. (10:36)

    Creating a business.. (11:01)

    How has it grown.. (12:05)

    Are you open? (12:21)

    Signing up (12:39)

    Developing in the future.. (13:45)

    NHS England.. (14:29)

    Lower individual bill costs.. (14:57)

    Growing the business.. (15:26)

    What’s the catch? (16:33)

    Getting in touch.. (17:00)

    Visit the ‘Energy Cooperative’ website here.

    For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.

  • Join Ben this week, as we celebrate the 400th episode of the General Practice Podcast, by tackling the intricate landscape of the 2024-2025 period for general practices. In this solo episode, Ben discusses the challenges brought on by the continuation of the five-year GP contract with added cuts, addressing issues such as below-inflation pay growth and heightened cost pressures.

    Listen in as Ben examines the dynamics between PCNs and their member practices, offering insights into navigating financial pressures while maintaining independence. Discover three potential paths practices can take: maintaining strict boundaries, merging to become as large as the PCN, or adopting a hybrid model.

    This episode emphasises the importance of trust and transparency, so stay tuned for a discussion on how collective efforts can help navigate the anticipated challenges of the upcoming year in general practice.

    Celebrating 400 episodes (00:09)

    Navigating 2024-2025 (01:09)

    Contract changes.. (02:30)

    PCN DES (03:31)

    The end of PCNs? (04:01)

    Referendum on the contract.. (04:59)

    Mass Resignations (05:40)

    PCN core functions (06:36)

    Relationship between PCNs & practices (08:19)

    The 3 choices.. (09:29)

    The hybrid model.. (11:19)

    How can we work together (16:58)

    Financial pressures (17:52)

    Supporting each other.. (18:07)

    For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.

  • Join us for a fascinating exploration with Agnes Kasprowicz from the City and Hackney Office of PCNs. We look at the journey of City & Hackney Office of PCNs, as they provide support to eight PCNs, acting as a unified voice for the networks and championing their development and impact in their local communities. Discover how these networks have evolved to tackle the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic by centralising operations and setting up a dedicated company. We delve into the pivotal merger that formed the City and Hackney Office of PCN’s and we look at its role in ensuring a unified primary care voice within the changing Integrated Care System landscape.

    Introduction (00:09)

    The Office of Primary Care Networks (00:23)

    The start of the office.. (02:48)

    Funding.. (03:32)

    Delivering vaccination services (04:20)

    Representing practices (06:25)

    What services does the office of PCNs offer? (06:48)

    Work streams.. (07:10)

    Coming together (09:22)

    Working together.. (10:08)

    What are the work streams? (11:28)

    Plans for the future.. (14:50)

    Lessons learnt.. (16:26)

    Find out more.. (18:32)

    Get in touch with Agnes via email here.

    For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.

  • In this week’s episode, brought to you in partnership with Practice Index, we welcome back the insightful Robyn Clark and Kay Keane, who share their pioneering experiences with the ‘Right Care, First Time’ campaign.

    This episode brings to light the complex skills required of modern patient services teams, the critical need for recognition and appropriate compensation for their work, and how their evolution is instrumental in guiding patients to the right care. Join us for this enlightening conversation that's bound to reshape your perspective on the ever-changing landscape of general practice.

    Right Care, First Time (00:09)

    The thinking behind the campaign.. (01:13)

    Modern General Practice (02:35)

    Who is the campaign targeted at? (03:44)

    Getting the message across.. (04:30)

    Acceptance of new roles.. (05:49)

    Funding.. (09:07)

    Targeting specific needs.. (09:49)

    A more flexible pot? (12:54)

    Trust within PCN’s (15:00)

    NHS England Care Navigation Training.. (17:13)

    Building the confidence of the public.. (19:29)

    Feedback following the video.. (21:45)

    Where can I access the video? (22:02)

    What does industrial action look like for General Practice? (22:56)

    To visit the Practice Index website, click here or contact James Dillon here.

    For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.

  • Ben is joined, once again by Dr. Neil Modha, a mastermind in revolutionising patient care through innovative practices and strategic partnerships. As the GP partner of Thistlemoor Medical Centre. Neil discusses the fine art of managing workload and curbing GP burnout by staying ahead of the curve with bespoke roles designed to meet patient demands.

    Neil offers a sneak peek into the promising future of GP and pharmacy collaborations. Ben & Neil also look into the financial challenges and opportunities for community pharmacies, contemplating the evolution of the GP partnership model amidst current contractual changes.

    Introduction (00:09)

    Latest achievements.. (00:20)

    Thistlemoor turns 30! (01:14)

    What makes Thistlemoor different? (01:50)

    Additional roles.. (03:28)

    Recent changes to roles.. (05:16)

    Consultations in the pharmacy.. (08:25)

    Learnings so far.. (10:33)

    Creating effective partnerships.. (11:54)

    Bring the practice and pharmacy together (14:17)

    Thoughts on the GP Partnership model? (17:00)

    A difficult year ahead.. (18:54)

    What’s next? (20:06) .

    Taking a risk.. (23:12)

    Getting in touch.. (25:59)

    You can listen to Episode 116: Neil Modha – An innovative model for general practice here.

    Find Neil on LinkedIn, Twitter & email, you can also visit Thistlemoor Medical Centre on twitter & their website.

    For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.

  • Ben is joined by George Gavriel & Bobby Pozzoni-Child, from the Bucks GP Provider Alliance. Their engaging discussion looks at the crucial role of collaboration with the ICB to amplify the GP provider voice and underscores the value of place-based leadership groups as emphasised in the Fuller stock take. Discover the intricate structure of Bucks' GP, the interplay of its practices, PCNs, and the local federation, and learn how challenges are navigated to align these entities.Tune in for a conversation that's at the heart of transforming patient care and healthcare leadership at the local level..

    Introduction (00:08)

    Bucks GP Provider Alliance (00:40)

    Place-wide federation (01:38)

    Bobby’s role.. (03:18)

    Other staff.. (04:11)

    Bringing together the leaders (06:02)

    Do practices understand the system and how it works? (07:12)

    Objectives of the GP Provider alliance.. (09:25)

    How long have you been going? (11:19)

    What are your main achievements so far? (11:51)

    Annual report.. (13:47)

    Funding.. (14:24)

    Benefits to the ICB of having you guys in place? (16:45)

    Support for practices.. (18:40)

    Biggest learning so far.. (21:10)

    To find out more contact Bobby via email here.

    For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.

  • In this episode, we delve into highlights from the second annual PCN Plus live conference, where Ben teamed up with Tara Humphrey, Dr. Andy Foster, and Dr. Hussain Gandhi on Wednesday 17th April. Tune in as they explore life beyond primary care networks, the evolving role of PCNs, and their significant influence on the healthcare landscape.

    Introduction (00:08)

    What have been the main impacts of primary care networks? (00:40)

    What will come in the next contract? (04:43)

    How should PCNs be preparing to deliver integrated neighbourhood teams? (10:35)

    Should GPs be included in ARS roles? (15:30)

    For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.

  • We are joined, once again, by Dr Nigel Fraser, Dr Mike Hearne, and Conor Price. This week they discuss how Herefordshire has taken significant strides in influencing integrated care board decisions through data sharing and analytics, highlighting the critical role of Primary Care Analytics in the evolution of local data systems.

    Hear about the national landscape of general practice data analytics and its impact on healthcare strategies from our guests. They bring to the table discussions on the need for a unified voice in the sector, the challenges in translating complex activities into actionable insights, and the role primary care analysts play in this domain. The episode wraps up with a look at the strategic enhancement of data analytics in primary care. Don't miss part 2 of this insightful discussion on revolutionising general practice and promoting innovation across the nation.

    Introduction (00:09)

    Data in General Practice (02:03)

    The importance of sharing data (03:32)

    Controls.. (04:36)

    Primary Care Analytics.. (05:02)

    Primary Care Analytics forum.. (07:54)

    General Practice influence (08:53)

    Skills gap within General Practice (10:04)

    Working together.. (11:08)

    Measuring what’s important (13:09)

    Supporting other areas.. (13:59)

    Influencing at a ICB level (17:20)

    Getting in touch.. (18:37)

    Starting a National movement.. (19:00)

    Final thoughts (19:37)

    Contact Conor Price via email here & visit the Primary Care Analytics website here.

    For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.

  • Join us as we explore the advancements in general practice data and analytics, as Ben sits down with Dr Nigel Fraser, Dr Mike Hearne, and Conor Price. They share their invaluable insights on the early initiatives of data sharing using EMIS and the importance of establishing trust among practices. Together, they unravel the complexities of standardising data to enhance collaborative healthcare and reflect on the journey from the initial phases to the sophisticated state of data utilisation today.

    Listen in as they tackle the significant strides made in healthcare data management and the importance of standardised coding templates, the trust required in data sharing, and the role of mobile healthcare in addressing critical issues. They also discuss the creation of robust data management teams and the strategic deployment of data to advocate for primary care investments, all while recognising the undeniable power of data in steering healthcare improvements and fortifying practice support within the larger system..

    Introduction (00:08)

    Primary Care Analytics (01:57)

    Comparing apples with apples (04:02)

    LMC’s perspective.. (05:07)

    The pro’s of providing the data.. (05:54)

    The developments & benefits.. (07:06)

    Using the data right (11:34)

    Producing information.. (14:23)

    Data analyst & beyond.. (16:55)

    What does the data look like now? (18:36)

    How does the data help? (21:28)

    How to get in touch (23:02)

    Contact Conor Price via email here & visit the Primary Care Analytics website here.

    For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.

  • With general practice at a crossroads, Practice Index podcast regulars Robyn Clark and Claire Houston join Ben to assess the financial hurdles presented within the latest GP contract. The 2% funding increase is a drop in the ocean against towering inflation and the uptick in the national living wage could well see a situation whereby practices are unable to hire or replace departing staff, calling into question, once again, the issue of sustainability.

    We consider newer directives linked to capacity and access such as telephony, online consultations, and care navigation systems and probe the effectiveness of the Integrated Care Board payments - and the Quality and Outcomes Framework - questioning their impact on an already stretched thin resource pool.

    Don't miss this episode for a frank and insightful examination of the state of general practice right now, with our expert practice management panel guiding the conversation.

    Introduction (00.:09)

    Welcoming the panel (00:39)

    Funding implications (00:52)

    An unrealistic uplift against the economic reality (02:12)

    Impact on practices (03:06)

    Government response and continuing uncertainty (03:48)

    Complications with budget-setting (05:38)

    Advice from Clare when planning ahead (06:49)

    Debating the QOF changes (07:53)

    Changes related to vaccs and imms (09:46)

    Scrapping the IIF in favour of capacity and access (10:32)

    Achieving the 30% (12:33)

    National extraction of demand data (14:25)

    A new “registration solution” (17:03)

    Merging the PCN DES spec and ARRS (17:55)

    The future of general practice taskforce (20:48)

    GP referendum (21:55)

    Final thoughts (23:47)

    The importance of standing together (24:40)

    To visit the Practice Index website, click here or contact James Dillon here.

    For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.

  • Listen in as we welcome back experts James Gransby from RSM UK and Robert McCartney from Hempsons for an insightful analysis of the upcoming 24/25 GP contract changes and the associated financial pressures. They tackle the stark realities practices are facing, including the modest wage increases and low inflation rate adjustments set against a backdrop of historical underfunding. They examine potential cost savings, opportunities for service expansion, and the balance between growth and maintaining a strong practice culture. Join us to also highlight the success of organic mergers and the concept of 'soft mergers' as a means to foster collaboration while preserving individual practice identity.

    Introduction (00:09)

    Reactions to the 24/25 contract.. (00:33)

    Percentages used.. (01:42)

    What’s new? (03:31)

    Continuity of care (04:37)

    Financial pressure on individual practices (05:35)

    Section 96 (06:24)

    Point of no return.. (07:01)

    Funding during COVID.. (07:40)

    Do practices need to merge? (08:54)

    Economies of scale.. (14:15)

    The need for a plan.. (15:10)

    When does it become too big? (16:40)

    Thinking about a merger? (19:01)

    Merging organically.. (21:05)

    Soft merging (23:12)

    Getting in touch.. (23:52)

    Contact Robert via email here & James via email here.

    For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.

  • Ben welcomes back podcast favourite, Sheinaz Stansfield, Quality Improvement Lead for Oxford Terrace and Rawling Road Medical Group. Sheinaz joins Ben to share her pioneering methods for workforce redesign in General Practice, which include a thorough examination of patient demand and the utilisation of tools to distinguish between activity and demand. Their discussion also looks into how to integrate new roles into healthcare teams, highlights the benefits of mentorship for unique roles, and the significant impact this can have on enhancing patient experiences and alleviating the pressure on clinicians. Join us and learn from Sheinaz’s tales of transformation, where a focus on demand and capacity has the power to revolutionise primary care..

    Introduction (00:09)

    Workforce redesign (00:39)

    Measuring demand (01:56)

    Findings & surprises.. (02:36)

    Is demand greater than capacity? (04:04)

    Increasing capacity.. (05:28)

    Changing your workforce.. (07:58)

    Identifying additional roles your Practice needs.. (09:19)

    Workforce redesign principles.. (10:16)

    Additional roles becoming part of the PCN.. (12:27)

    Do you have a divide? (15:20)

    Impacts on the GPs.. (16:15)

    Key takeaways for listeners.. (17:05)

    Advice.. (19:06)

    Previous examples.. (20:56)

    Making the most of an individual's skills.. (22:14)

    Resources.. (23:06)

    Listen to Ben & Sheinaz’s previous podcast episodes below:

    Sheinaz Stansfield – social prescribing

    Sheinaz Stansfield – Releasing time for care in Gateshead

    Sheinaz Stansfield – The role of the frailty nurse in general practice

    Sheinaz Stansfield – Better Health

    For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.

  • Unlock the secrets to compassionate healthcare as we join forces with Kay Keane, Shaun Jackson and Katherine Scott from Urban Village Medical Practice, to discuss primary care's pivotal role in supporting the homeless community. Together, they navigate the complex definition of homelessness, the responsibilities of local authorities, and how healthcare providers can assist individuals in this challenging system. This discussion is just the beginning of a series aimed at guiding practices in providing care to those experiencing homelessness. Discover the importance of using the practice's address for correspondence and learn how to maintain continuity of care for this population. This episode is designed to raise awareness and equip healthcare providers with the tools needed to offer empathetic and effective support to patients experiencing homelessness, a testament to the compassion and innovation that earned Urban Village Medical Practice its esteemed award.

    Introduction (00:08)

    What can we do to help people who are experiencing homelessness (00:52)

    The plan.. (01:49)

    Katherine's role.. (02:36)

    What is homelessness? (03:32)

    Why is it such an important issue for Primary Care? (04:53)

    Support on offer.. (06:36)

    Recognise the population (07:52)

    Other organisations.. (10:22)

    Noticing a difference.. (11:15)

    What can practices do? (12:30)

    Have the conversation with patients.. (15:55)

    Getting it right.. (17:47)

    Additional roles (19:26)

    Homeless patients interacting with health services.. (20:48)

    Supporting the patients.. (24:08)

    Getting in touch.. (26:52)

    Urban Village Medical Practice website & to find out more contact Kay Keane here.

    Listen to the previous episode from Urban Village here.

    For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.

  • In this week’s episode, brought to you in partnership with Practice Index, Kay Keane and Claire Houston join Ben for a candid discussion on the financial challenges practices are facing. At the heart of their discussion lies the tension between the escalating costs of running a practice, including the forthcoming minimum wage hike, and the proposed 1.9% budget increase. Kay, Claire and Ben reflect on the squeeze this puts on profits and how it's driving a potential shift in the structure of General Practice. They look into the hard choices that lie ahead, and consider the implications of relying on additional roles over traditional GP-led models. They discuss what practices can do in face of such a financially challenging environment, and offer practical tips for those who are struggling. Tune in to hear more about the creative strategies practices are employing to navigate funding challenges and how this might shape the future of General Practice.

    Introduction (00:09)

    Practice finances (00:50)

    Claire’s thoughts.. (01:58)

    The 1.9% offer (03:54)

    Claire & Kay’s thoughts regarding the offer? (04:38)

    How are Practices make ends meet? (07:13)

    What kind of uplift in income is possible for Practices? (09:46)

    PCN income.. (12:32)

    The challenges.. (14:22)

    Working together.. (16:08)

    Additional roles.. (16:51)

    Making savings by increasing size.. (22:52)

    Resources & information.. (25:08)

    To visit the Practice Index website, click here or contact James Dillon here.

    For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.