In this episode, Ben explores the NHS's 10 year plan through the lens of general practice funding. Joined by finance expert Andy Pow, they unpack the major shifts proposed in the plan, including resource movement from acute care to community services and the ambitious productivity expectations placed on general practice. Andy shares his insights on the feasibility of these changes and the implications of emerging GP contracts, such as single and multi-neighborhood provider models, which could fundamentally reshape funding and delivery structures. The discussion also touches on governance challenges, potential cultural friction, and the risk of small practices being sidelined by larger entities. This episode offers a deep dive into how general practice must evolve to remain central in a shifting healthcare landscape.

Introduction (0:08)

The 10 year plan (00:50)

No new cash.. (01:52) 

Do you think that is an opportunity for general practice? (02:30)

A move away from funding for general practice being primarily via the core contract? (03:51) 

PCN DES (05:17)

Where is the money to go into the core general practice contract? (06:12)

The two new contracts.. (07:53) 

Can PCNs take on the contracts?? (09:23) 

 ICBs are being encouraged to get a range of potential providers for these contracts.. (11:18)

What are you signing up for?. (12:40)

Full circle.. (14:25)

How important is it that General Practice holds these contracts? (15:50)

How do we be proactive and not act like victims to all of this? (17:24)

A risk or an opportunity for General Practice? (19:18)

What's your advice? (21:08)

Getting in touch.. (22:34) 

Visit the Pow and Thomas website here.

To find Andy Pow on socials, visit his X profile here, Bluesky here & Linkedin here.

To find Power and Thomas on socials, visit their X profile here, Bluesky here & Linkedin here.

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