Talking General Practice

Hosted by GPonline.com

Business News Health FitnessInterviews guests

Website RSS feed LinkedIn

Episodes

258

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

About the show

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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

September 4, 202639 min

How much are GPs earning, neighbourhood contract plans, GMC duty of care appeal

The GPonline team discusses the key news stories affecting general practice. Warning: This episode of the podcast includes discussion of suicide in the section about the GMC’s duty of care. This week we look at what we know about GP earnings after the latest data based on GPs’ tax returns for 2024/25 were published. He outlines what the figures tell us about how much both salaried GPs and GP partners are being paid and differences in earnings across England and the UK more widely. With NHS England’s consultation on new neighbourhood contracts set to close next week, the team discusses how these contracts could work in practice and what the BMA thinks about some of the proposals. And they talk about a legal appeal that is arguing that the GMC has a duty of care to the doctors it is investigating and what this means for the profession more widely. Our good news story this week is about how GPs in some parts of the country are leading the development of new neighbourhood services. 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/gp-income-slowed-england-2024-25-compared-rest-uk/article/1968490" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">GP income slowed in England in 2024/25 compared with rest of UK</a>●     <a href="https://www.gponline.com/regional-income-gap-rising-partners-not-salaried-gps/article/1968706" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Regional income gap rising for partners but not salaried GPs</a>●     <a href="https://www.gponline.com/icbs-will-expected-put-services-funds-gp-neighbourhood-contracts/article/1968480" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ICBs will be expected to put more services and funds into GP neighbourhood contracts</a>●     <a href="https://www.gponline.com/pcn-des-variations-imminent-says-nhs-england/article/1968577" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">More PCN DES variations are imminent, says NHS England</a>●     <a href="https://www.gponline.com/doctors-suicide-drives-legal-challenge-gmcs-duty-care/article/1968653" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Doctor’s suicide drives legal challenge over GMC’s duty of care</a>●     <a href="https://www.gponline.com/midlands-gps-agree-1m-deal-run-neighbourhood-model/article/1967117" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Midlands GPs agree £1m deal to run neighbourhood model</a><a href="https://www.gponline.com/gps-lead-roll-multi-million-pound-neighbourhood-scheme/article/1968845" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">GPs lead roll out of multi-million pound neighbourhood scheme</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 28, 202627 min

Why we need safe workload limits in general practice - and how to introduce them

This week Emma speaks to Dr Jess Court, the acting chair of Nottinghamshire LMC, about safe working limits in general practice.In this conversation, Jess explains what safe working limits look like in day-to-day practice, why capping patient contacts and moving to 15-minute appointments is vital for patient safety, and how policies like unlimited online consultations are exacerbating GP workload and burnout.She also talks about the safe working charter developed by Nottinghamshire LMC, how practices can push back against unresourced workload transfers from secondary care, and the practical steps practice managers and GP partners can take to start embedding a safe working culture.This episode was presented by GPonline editor Emma Bower. It was produced by Czarina Deen.Useful links●     <a href="https://www.bma.org.uk/news-and-opinion/safe-working-means-learning-to-say-no" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">A blog for the BMA by Jess on this</a>●     <a href="https://www.bma.org.uk/advice-and-support/gp-practices/managing-workload/safe-working-in-general-practice" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BMA safe working guidance</a>●     <a href="https://mcusercontent.com/8170340cbab1e0c25530deba7/files/104ec0d6-573f-d9d8-4f1e-e429804e2cfb/Safer_working_charter_for_GP_practices_Document_A4_.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Nottinghamshire Local Medical Committee Safe Working Charter</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 24, 202626 min

GP Money Matters: Understanding your NHS Pension statement

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 how to decode your NHS pension statement, and why taking a closer look at it is vital for your long-term financial planning.  Wendy explains what these statements actually tell you, including crucial details on your pensionable pay, service history, and spousal benefits. She also outlines the most common misunderstandings around NHS pensions, how to navigate issues like the McCloud remedy and the annual allowance threshold, what you should be checking annually to spot errors, and when you may need to seek professional guidance. 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>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 Financial Services Ltd (Registered in England and Wales No. 1651212) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered Office: Colmore Circus, Birmingham B4 6AR. Telephone: 0345 351 2352. Calls may be recorded to help us provide, monitor and improve our services to you. <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 21, 202637 min

Advice and guidance linked to patient harm, list cleaning hits deprived areas, Mounjaro prescribing

Our regular news review is back! In this week’s episode Emma, Nick and Kimberley look at advice and guidance and single point of access for referrals after our own survey found that most GPs have seen a referral rejected inappropriately and nearly one in 10 have seen a patient harmed as a result. Meanwhile an interim report by the Health Services Safety Investigations Body (HSSIB) has linked advice and guidance to two patient deaths. They discuss list clearing after an analysis by Nick found that deprived areas have been hit hardest by this process, and figures showed 200,000 patients were cut from GP lists in a single month. Nick explains what this all means for practices and GP funding. And they look at the roll out of tirzepatide or Mounjaro, after an investigation by Kimberley suggested that less than a quarter of eligible patients were prescribed the drug on the NHS over the past year. This week’s good news story is about a fall in ICU admissions for infants after roll out of the RSV vaccine. 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/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/ai-responses-patronising-advice-work-gp-verdict-advice-guidance/article/1966632" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">AI responses, patronising advice, more work: GP verdict on advice and guidance</a>●     <a href="https://www.gponline.com/watchdog-links-advice-guidance-patient-deaths/article/1967680" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Watchdog links advice and guidance to patient deaths</a>●     <a href="https://www.gponline.com/deprived-areas-hit-hardest-reckless-list-cleaning/article/1967575" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Deprived areas hit hardest by 'reckless' list cleaning</a>●     <a href="https://www.gponline.com/huge-acceleration-list-cleaning-cuts-200000-patients-single-month/article/1967302" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Huge acceleration in list cleaning cuts 200,000 patients in a single month</a>●     <a href="https://www.gponline.com/just-1-4-eligible-patients-prescribed-tirzepatide-gponline-investigation-suggests/obesity/article/1966366" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Just 1 in 4 eligible patients prescribed tirzepatide, GPonline investigation suggests</a>●     <a href="https://www.gponline.com/gps-need-support-speed-nhs-tirzepatide-rollout-says-mp/article/1967192" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">GPs need support to speed up NHS tirzepatide rollout, says MP</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 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.