Last week we wrote about the Government’s latest initiative to deliver a package to support GP Practices to deal with the expected demands, and also to respond to the current media headlines of increasing face to face appointments with patients. Since the launch we’ve had a chance to have a closer look at some of the finer details of the document and what it will mean for primary care…

In a small, lean organisation like a GP practice, maximising the potential of every staff member is crucial. Here we look at how to spot, recruit, and develop talent, and how to use the Maximising Potential Conversation Tool.

Remember that hellish world of oppression and misery, where the line between truth and lies was blurred, and terror stalked the land? No, not primary care over the last 12 months—but George Orwell’s seminal book, Nineteen Eighty-Four. Room 101 was the torture chamber in the Ministry of Love where people’s worst fears were kept. Later, the eponymous TV game show would see guests choose their most hated things to put into Room 101.

The issue of patients electronically recording their interactions with GPs and surgery staff is becoming an increasing concern for many who work in primary care. Whether this is done openly or covertly, it raises several issues around data protection and ethics, as well as what is simple good manners.

It might seem like an obvious question. You pay them, they sort their own taxes, so that means they’re self-employed, right? The answer is not quite so clear cut in Employment Law…

The dictionary definition of "resilient" is “something that is strong and not easily damaged by being hit, stretched, or squeezed”. 

Practice managers never have enough time to do what they want and need to do fully. As with anything, when things get tough, something has to give. But you need to make sure that your employee’s appraisal is not the task that gets put to the bottom of the pile.

In the two years since the launch of the state-backed clinical negligence indemnity scheme for GPs (CNSGP), the scheme has widely been accepted as a success. However, our trusted insurance partner MIAB suggest that GPs and clinical staff should not rely on state-backed indemnity as a ‘cover-all’ policy, especially in terms of private work.

Work sweepstakes can be great fun and generate some positive competition between employees. Here's how to manage them.

Juggling so many things these days can sometimes mean tasks become a chore even though they are necessary- like your practice cover. We know that life is still difficult right now with so many demands on your time. That’s why our insurance partners, MIAB want to make the process as hassle-free and painless as possible.