Talking General Practice

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Aug 2026

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Brought to you by GPonline.com, this weekly podcast discusses the latest news from the world of UK general practice and talks to GPs and others about the big issues affecting primary care. We're also aiming to highlight some positive stories and inspiring people along the way. <hr> 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.

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August 14, 202638 min

New BMA England GP committee chair Dr Clare Bannon on securing a better deal for general practice

This week Emma speaks to the new chair of the BMA England GP committee Dr Clare Bannon. Clare has been in the role for just over a month and, in this conversation, she sets out her priorities and her plans to reset the BMA’s relationship with the government and NHS England. She discusses the committee’s key demands, including an extra £40 to £50 per patient in core funding and meaningful GP contract reform - and the importance of establishing a roadmap to meet those aims. She also talks about the underemployment crisis facing sessional GPs, the controversy surrounding NHS England’s list cleaning exercise, and concerns over single point of access referral pathways. And she shares her thoughts on neighbourhood health contracts and where the committee stands on further collective action - and a potential Plan B ballot. This episode is presented by GPonline editor Emma Bower. It was produced by Czarina Deen. Useful links<a href="https://www.gponline.com/gp-funding-has-not-kept-pace-expanding-nhs-role/article/1967197" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">GP funding ‘has not kept pace’ with exp[anding NHS role</a><a href="https://www.gponline.com/gps-report-patient-harm-referral-reforms-kick/article/1966210" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">GPs report patient harm as referral reforms kick in</a><a href="https://www.gponline.com/bma-sets-next-step-collective-action-august/article/1966091" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BMA sets out next step in collective action for August</a><a href="https://www.gponline.com/gps-denied-billions-hospital-funding-grows-50-faster-primary-care/article/1965810" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">GPs denied billions as hospital funding grows 50% faster than primary care</a><a href="https://www.gponline.com/half-gps-say-nhs-general-practice-not-financially-viable-ahead-plan-b-vote/article/1963876" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Half of GPs say NHS general practice not financially viable ahead of 'Plan B' vote</a><a href="https://www.gponline.com/aggressive-list-cleaning-run-four-year-cycle-reinvestment-plans-emerge/article/1966768" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Aggressive list cleaning to run over four-year cycle as reinvestment plans emerge</a> <hr> 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.

August 11, 202622 min

GP Money Matters: Portfolio careers and your personal finances

GP Money Matters is a series of special bonus episodes of Talking General Practice sponsored by Wesleyan where we look at key personal finance issues that affect GPs. In this episode GPonline editor Emma Bower speaks to Wendy Baillie, a chartered financial planner and regional manager at Wesleyan Financial Services, about the rise of portfolio careers in general practice and what this means for GPs’ finances. New research from Wesleyan reveals that holding multiple roles has become the norm, with over two-thirds of doctors having portfolio careers. Wendy explains the hidden complexities of juggling multiple roles, including the risk of unexpected tax bills, NHS pension headaches and the surprising hurdles GPs face when trying to secure a mortgage. She also offers some practical guidance about to approach your finances holistically to avoid these pitfalls. This episode was produced by Czarina Deen. This podcast is intended for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Individual circumstances may vary. Useful links<ul><li>The research mentioned in this podcast has been commissioned by Wesleyan Assurance Society and you can visit <a href="http://wesleyan.co.uk/portfolio-careers" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wesleyan.co.uk/portfolio-careers</a> for more information. </li><li>To learn more about the financial considerations discussed in this podcast, you can book an appointment with a specialist financial adviser at Wesleyan Financial Services. Charges may apply. If you want to find out more about Wesleyan following this podcast, you can visit <a href="http://wesleyan.co.uk/gppodcast." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wesleyan.co.uk/gppodcast</a></li></ul> About WesleyanWesleyan Financial Services supports doctors with advice shaped around the realities of the profession. From complex income structures and portfolio careers to the NHS Pension Scheme and retirement options, its Specialist Financial Advisers work closely with doctors every day. Recognised by the NHS as able to give guidance on the NHS Pension Scheme, Wesleyan brings trusted expertise to key financial decisions. Combining financial planning, investment advice and protection, it helps doctors make confident, informed choices. 96% of doctors rated their specialist financial adviser as very good or excellent, reflecting a focused service that helps doctors protect their income, grow wealth and plan ahead with confidence. Remember: The value of investments can go down as well as up, and you may get back less than you invest. 'WESLEYAN' is the trading name of the Wesleyan Group of companies. Financial advice is provided by Wesleyan Financial Services Ltd. Wesleyan Assurance Society is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Wesleyan Financial Services Ltd and Wesleyan Unit Trust Managers Ltd are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. <a href="https://www.wesleyan.co.uk/about/our-companie" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read more information about the Wesleyan group of companies</a>. <hr> 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.

August 7, 202625 min

Pursuing a GP career after recovering from addiction

This week we’re sharing a conversation that was originally recorded for our sister podcast, MIMS Learning’s Clinical Update. MIMS Learning deputy editor Rhiannon Ashman speaks with Dr Michael Blackmore, a GP partner, chair of the RCGP West Scotland Faculty, and a recovering addict, about the often hidden issue of addiction and recovery within the medical profession. In this candid and powerful conversation, Michael shares his personal journey of struggling with addiction while practicing medicine, his path to recovery with support from services like NHS Practitioner Health, and how his lived experience now shapes his clinical work. He also offers insightful advice on spotting unhealthy coping mechanisms, breaking down stigma, and where healthcare professionals can turn for help. Warning: This podcast includes discussion of addiction and suicide. This episode was produced by Jude Owen and Czarina Deen. Useful links●     <a href="https://sick-doctors-trust.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sick Doctors Trust</a> - support and help for doctors with dependence on drugs or alcohol●     <a href="https://www.practitionerhealth.nhs.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Practitioner Health</a> - a free, confidential NHS primary care-led mental health and addiction service for doctors and other NHS staff●     <a href="https://www.bddg.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">British Doctors & Dentists Group</a> - recovery group for doctors and dentists with addictions●     <a href="https://www.mimslearning.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">MIMS Learning</a> You can listen to this episode, complete a learning log and export this to your appraisal folder on <a href="https://www.mimslearning.co.uk/courses/podcast-pursuing-a-gp-career-after-addiction-recovery-with-dr-michael-blackmore" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">MIMS Learning here</a>. <hr> 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.

July 24, 202633 min

How women’s health hubs can help improve care

This week Emma speaks to Dr Stephanie Cook, clinical lead for the Women's Health Hubs in Liverpool, a GP with a special interest in women's health, and a director of the Primary Care Women's Health Society.Stephanie discusses how women’s health hubs can bring care closer to home, slash waiting times, and help tackle health inequalities - and explains how the Liverpool hub model works in practice,We also discuss the systemic barriers facing women’s health services, including the lack of sustainable funding, the impact of removing women's health from the NHS planning guidance, and the importance of moving care from hospitals and into the community.This episode is presented by GPonline editor Emma Bower. It was produced by Czarina Deen.Useful links<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/renewed-womens-health-strategy-for-england" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Renewed Women's Health Strategy for England</a><a href="https://www.pcwhs.co.uk/resources/toolkit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Primary Care Women’s Health Society women’s health hub toolkit</a> <hr> 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.

July 17, 202629 min

How can we ensure women GPs thrive in general practice?

Emma speaks with Dr Ruth Abrams, an organisational psychologist and associate professor at the University of Surrey School of Health Sciences , about her recent research published in the BJGP on the conditions in which women GPs thrive. Ruth discusses why women GPs experience disproportionate rates of stress and lower career progression. She talks about the medical gender pay gap and outlines five practical actions individual GP practices can take right now to foster a fairer, more flexible, and supportive environment. Ruth also highlights critical gaps in current research and explains why we need national, systemic policy changes to ensure workforce sustainability, rather than simply telling individuals to be more resilient. This episode was presented by GPonline editor Emma Bower. It was produced by Czarina Deen. Useful links<a href="https://bjgp.org/content/early/2026/05/06/BJGP.2025.0785" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Investigating the conditions in which women GPs thrive in General Practice: A realist review </a>- Ruth’s paper in the BJGP<a href="https://www.workplacethriving.co.uk/conditions-where-women-gps-thrive" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Workplace Thriving</a> - the website Ruth mentions in this conversation<a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/392/bmj.s553.abstract" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Easing parenting challenges in primary care workforce</a> - an article by Ruth in the BMJ <hr> 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.

July 10, 202639 min

Is the 10-year plan on track, GP premises challenges, job shortage for new GPs

This week Emma, Nick and Kimberley look at the government’s 10-year health plan one year on and ask how much progress has been made, whether it is on track and what needs to happen next. They also talk about  PCN contract variations after every practice in Kent signed up to the first deal of this kind. They look at GP premises after the government announced its 10-year capital investment plan for the NHS and NHS England chair Dr Penny Dash angered GPs after saying that GP practices have ‘twice as much floor space’ as they need. They also discuss some of the challenges of getting new premises developments off the ground. And they look at whether or not the GP jobs crisis is beginning to ease as thousands of GP registrars prepare to qualify in the coming weeks. 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<a href="https://www.gponline.com/one-year-on-10-year-health-plan-track/article/1963252" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">One year on, is the 10-year health plan on track?</a><a href="https://www.gponline.com/kent-des-variation-hands-gps-arrs-cash-upfront/article/1963966" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kent DES variation hands GPs ARRS cash upfront</a><a href="https://www.gponline.com/ai-triage-rollout-fast-tracked-gp-surgeries/article/1963784" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">AI triage rollout fast-tracked for GP surgeries</a><a href="https://www.gponline.com/gp-premises-fund-falls-short-upgrade-target/article/1963915" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">GP premises fund falls short of upgrade target</a><a href="https://www.gponline.com/gp-fury-nhs-boss-claims-practices-twice-space-need/article/1963472" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">GP fury as NHS boss claims practices have twice the space they need</a><a href="https://www.gponline.com/there-arent-enough-jobs-new-gps-face-waiting-lists-shifts/article/1963672" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">'There aren't enough jobs': new GPs face waiting lists for shifts</a> <hr> 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.

July 3, 202640 min

Dr Katie Bramall on three years as BMA GP chair and why it's time to step back

Emma speaks to BMA England GP committee chair Dr Katie Bramall about her decision not to stand for re-election when her three-year term ends this month and the highs and lows of her time in the role. Katie reflects on an extraordinary three years for general practice, including navigating challenging GP contract negotiations during a tight funding climate and leading historic collective action by the profession. She explains the personal and organisational reasons behind her decision to pass on the baton, and how she managed the intense internal and external challenges facing the committee. Katie also outlines what her departure means for the ongoing dispute with the government, updates us on the next phases of collective action, and shares her advice for her successor as well as her hopes for the future of general practice. This episode was presented by GPonline editor Emma Bower. It was produced by Czarina Deen. Useful links<a href="https://www.gponline.com/gps-refuse-shared-care-agreements-third-phase-collective-action/article/1963341" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">GPs to refuse shared care agreements in third phase of collective action</a><a href="https://www.gponline.com/bma-ballot-gps-switch-plan-b-semi-private-contract/article/1959526" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BMA to ballot GPs on switch to 'Plan B' semi-private contract</a>   <hr> 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.

June 30, 202623 min

GP Money Matters: GP career trends and financial planning

GP Money Matters is a series of special bonus episodes of Talking General Practice sponsored by Wesleyan where we look at key personal finance issues that affect GPs. In this episode GPonline editor Emma Bower talks to Wendy Baillie, a chartered financial planner and the retirement lead for the medical division at Wesleyan, about research the company recently undertook looking at GP career trends and GPs’ views on various personal finance issues. Wendy explains how GPs’ attitude to work has changed in recent years, the impact workload and future uncertainty about the GP contract has had on decisions to retire early or move towards a portfolio career, and what that means for GPs’ finances. She also offers some practical guidance for GPs on financial planning and ensuring they have the money they need for the future that they want.This episode was produced by Czarina Deen. This podcast is intended for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Individual circumstances may vary. <h3>Useful links</h3><ul><li>The research mentioned in this podcast was commissioned by Wesleyan Assurance Society – visit <a href="http://wesleyan.co.uk/theory-in-practice" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wesleyan.co.uk/theory-in-practice</a> for more information. </li><li>To learn more about the financial considerations discussed in this podcast, you can book an appointment with a specialist financial adviser at Wesleyan Financial Services. Charges may apply. If you want to find out more about Wesleyan following this podcast, you can visit <a href="http://wesleyan.co.uk/gppodcast." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wesleyan.co.uk/gppodcast</a></li></ul> About WesleyanWesleyan Financial Services supports doctors with advice shaped around the realities of the profession. From complex income structures and portfolio careers to the NHS Pension Scheme and retirement options, its Specialist Financial Advisers work closely with doctors every day. Recognised by the NHS as able to give guidance on the NHS Pension Scheme, Wesleyan brings trusted expertise to key financial decisions. Combining financial planning, investment advice and protection, it helps doctors make confident, informed choices. 96% of doctors rated their specialist financial adviser as very good or excellent, reflecting a focused service that helps doctors protect their income, grow wealth and plan ahead with confidence. Remember: The value of investments can go down as well as up, and you may get back less than you invest. 'WESLEYAN' is the trading name of the Wesleyan Group of companies. Financial advice is provided by Wesleyan Financial Services Ltd.Wesleyan Assurance Society is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Wesleyan Financial Services Ltd and Wesleyan Unit Trust Managers Ltd are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. <a href="https://www.wesleyan.co.uk/about/our-companie" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read more information about the Wesleyan group of companies</a>. <hr> 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.

June 26, 202627 min

GPs push back on list cleaning, QOF obesity flaws, ARRS underspend

Nick and Emma look at the impact the current list cleaning drive has had on GP practices and explain why GP leaders have called for a pause in the process amid fears of inappropriate removals and a huge loss of funding for the profession.They talk about prescribing for obesity, after the BMA warned that the funding practices will receive for new QOF targets on this is unlikely to cover the cost of the work involved, and the union warned that some ICBs are cutting back on locally commissioned services related to prescribing Mounjaro since it has been added to the QOF.And they look at the additional roles reimbursement scheme after we found that millions of pounds earmarked for the scheme went unspent in 2025/26.Our good news story this week is about those GPs who received awards in the King’s Birthday Honours List.This episode was presented by GPonline editor Emma Bower and deputy editor Nick Bostock. It was produced by Czarina Deen. Useful links<a href="https://www.gponline.com/gp-funding-siphoned-off-unprecedented-scale-patient-removals-warns-bma/article/1962219" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">GP funding 'siphoned off' by unprecedented scale of patient removals, warns BMA</a><a href="https://www.gponline.com/lmcs-demand-urgent-list-cleaning-review-fears-rise-inappropriate-removals/article/1962287" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LMCs demand urgent list cleaning review as fears rise over inappropriate removals</a><a href="https://www.gponline.com/list-cleaning-chaos-leaves-popular-gp-practice-brink/article/1961969" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">List cleaning chaos leaves popular GP practice on the brink</a><a href="https://www.gponline.com/gp-practices-hit-hardest-list-cleaning/article/1961722" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Where have GP practices been hit hardest by list cleaning?</a><a href="https://www.gponline.com/gp-practices-boycott-underfunded-qof-obesity-target/article/1962339" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">GP practices could boycott underfunded QOF obesity target</a><a href="https://www.gponline.com/81m-arrs-cash-unclaimed-2025-26/article/1962269" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">More than £81m of ARRS cash unclaimed in 2025/26</a><a href="https://www.gponline.com/gps-recognised-kings-birthday-honours-list/article/1961577" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">GPs recognised in King's Birthday Honours List</a> <hr> 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.

June 19, 202630 min

Addressing the challenges facing rural general practice

This week Emma speaks to GP Dr Emma Watts, a dispensing doctor based in Surrey and the chair of the RCGP's Rural Forum, about the distinct challenges facing rural general practice. Emma discusses how urban-centric policies, mounting financial constraints, and operational pressures are driving rural practice closures. She also highlights hidden health inequalities in rural areas, such as homelessness, and explains why the government's proposed framework for a neighbourhood NHS fails to consider the reality facing remote, rural, and dispensing practices. And she explains the Rural Minds Project, an innovative training programme using virtual reality headsets to support mental health in UK farming communities. This episode was presented by GPonline editor Emma Bower. It was produced by Czarina Deen. Useful links<a href="https://www.rcgp.org.uk/about/communities-groups/rural-forum" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">RCGP Rural Forum</a><a href="https://www.revolvelabs.co.uk/rural-minds" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rural Minds Project</a><a href="https://shows.acast.com/talking-general-practice/episodes/how-to-address-the-challenges-facing-dispensing-gp-practices" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Talking General Practice episode with Dr Richard West from the Dispensing Doctors’ Association</a><a href="https://www.dispensingdoctor.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dispensing Doctors’ Association</a> <hr> 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.