In this week’s episode, brought to you in partnership with Practice Index, we welcome back Robyn Clark and introduce new guest Tracey Clarke to discuss the vital role of reception teams in general practice. They explore efforts to better support these teams, including the launch of a new campaign video, and highlight the importance of safeguarding staff wellbeing. The episode calls for action against patient aggression, the need to stand up for colleagues, and greater recognition of the crucial part receptionists play in patient care. It also touches on training opportunities, such as e-learning and masterclasses, to help reception staff thrive and innovate. Useful resources, including Zero Tolerance policies, Dealing with Abusive Patients policies, and more, can be found in the Practice Index Hub.

Introduction (00:08) 

What has IGPM been up to? (00:51)

Influencing the 10 year plan.. (03:30)

The new campaign (05:32) 

80% of receptionists suffer abuse every day.. (08:49) 

Where should the support come from? (11:18) 

Zero tolerance (14:53) 

How has the receptionist role changed? (16:36)

Response to the new campaign (19:48) 

How do practices get involved? (23:15) 

Visit the Practice Index hub here.

View Practice Index’s bespoke, engaging courses here.

Access the ‘Receptionists in General Practice Masterclass’ here, or the ‘Learning Package’ 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.

With Pride Month just around the corner, join us for an insightful discussion with Alex Matheson, Director of Inclusion at the LGBT Foundation, as we explore the vital work being done to improve healthcare for LGBTQ+ communities. Alex shares their expertise on the comprehensive services offered by the foundation, including talking therapies, addiction recovery, and mental health support. Discover the origins and impact of the Pride in Practice program, a key initiative addressing health inequalities and barriers faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in accessing healthcare. Alex highlights the importance of understanding the unique needs of LGBTQ+ people and how systemic gaps in education contribute to misinformation and delayed healthcare access, ultimately affecting treatment outcomes. This conversation is an invitation to healthcare practices to engage with these initiatives and work towards more equitable healthcare for all.

Introduction (00:09) 

Funding.. (01:28)

Are your services national? (02:02) 

Pride in Practice (02:20) 

Barriers the community experience (03:43) 

General practice has become an important role.. (07:29) 

Are staff also experiencing challenges? (08:55)

Do figures break down to General Practice? (10:38)

More about Pride in Practice.. (11:38)

Common changes (15:06) 

Monitoring the impact.. (17:45) 

Which practices need ‘Pride in Practice’ (20:15) 

How to get involved/Getting in touch.. (22:30) 

Visit the LGBT Foundation website here, or contact Alex directly via email here.

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

This episode features Dr Rachel Morris discussing the impact of stress and burnout on GP partners and PCN Clinical Directors, with a focus on how maintaining job control can help reduce pressure. It also introduces a communication model rooted in empathy, curiosity, and the principle of "highest intent," offering strategies for improving workplace relationships. The importance of trust-building and direct, face-to-face communication is explored as a way to bridge gaps between practices and strengthen collaboration, drawing on Stephen Covey’s principles to turn misunderstanding into teamwork. Join us as we explore how fostering these personal connections can help overcome common challenges, transforming tension into teamwork.

Introduction (00:09) 

The stress that leaders are facing.. (00:37)

What can we control? (01:38) 

Controlling leaders (03:28) 

Avoiding difficult conversations (05:29)

Advice for having difficult conversations (07:28)

When is a problem too large to tackle? (18:34)

Listening & understanding (21:45)

Maintaining relationships within PCNs (24:42) 

How & where to hear more from Rachel (28:26) 

The Lead Generator for HiFIVE model handout can be found here.

To attend ‘Work Well Live: Prevent Burnout, Boost Retention and Protect Your Time and Energy - A New Approach’ click here.

The replay of ‘FrogFest Virtual 2024 - This Time it's Awkward Recording’ can be found here.

Website - https://youarenotafrog.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drrachelmorris/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rachel-morris/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DrRachelMorris

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@youarenotafrog

Our FREE Am I Stressed, Overwhelmed or Burnt Out Toolkit -  https://www.shapestoolkit.com/stressed-overwhelmed-burnout-toolkit

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 Claire Houston and Ceri Chaplin to explore the major changes to the Quality and Outcomes Framework for the 2025/26 contract, and what they mean for general practice. The episode dives into the removal of income protected indicators and the Quality Improvement domain, marking a shift back to an outcomes driven framework. This change could bring increased financial pressure, making strategic budgeting and achievement planning more important than ever. Beyond QOF, they also discuss the wider challenge of promoting preventative care, with a focus on childhood immunisation targets and cardiovascular disease management. With public trust in vaccinations still recovering post-pandemic, practices will need to innovate to meet targets and boost patient engagement. Tune in for a practical and insightful look at how these updates could reshape the future of general practice.

Introduction (00:08) 

The main changes to QOF (00:36)

Stepping back.. (01:49) 

Reducing the admin for practices (02:20)

Budgeting.. (03:10) 

The risk for practices (04:30) 

Are the targets achievable? (06:58) 

Advice to practices (09:28) 

Do PCNs have a role in this? (12:45) 

Retirement of the quality improvement domain (17:28)

The future for QOF (20:41) 

A more local focus.. (22:33) 

Where to find support.. (25:03) 

Book your QOF achievement session below;

QOF Changes 2025/26 (Tuesday 13th May)

QOF Changes 2025/26 (Tuesday 20th May)

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.

In this episode we welcome back Pete Woodward, from Cheadle Medical Practice. Over the past year, Pete has experienced a whirlwind of success, including winning the Practice Manager of the Year Award and stepping into the role of managing partner. He shares insights into the evolution of their innovative triage, The Human Touch, which continues to reduce call wait times and enhance patient satisfaction despite seasonal challenges. Pete's commitment to minor adjustments rather than sweeping changes has been pivotal in maintaining momentum and avoiding change fatigue, ensuring a seamless service delivery. Pete & Ben also explore the strategic side of managing a medical practice, focusing on financial planning. Finally, Pete shares the importance of communication and collaboration in healthcare management. Tune in to hear Pete's valuable experiences and insights as he continues to champion innovation and efficiency in healthcare.

Introduction (00:08) 

The Human Touch (01:16)

How are the results looking now? (02:35) 

Is winter affecting the results? (03:53)

Updates to the system.. (04:36)

Scaling up.. (05:34)

Have the same results been achieved across other practices? (06:05) 

Funding & finances (06:59) 

Budgeting for the year (10:13) 

Taking action sooner.. (11:10) 

How is this managed in the practice? (12:55)

Making a difference (15:03)

Funding via PCNs (16:07) 

Financial challenges within practices (17:45) 

Financial benefits to be gained from scale (18:56)

Getting in touch (23:25) 

Listen to Pete’s previous episode, The Human Touch, here.

To contact Pete directly, please contact him by email here.

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

Is the Future of General Practice Finally Looking Brighter?

In this week’s episode, brought to you in partnership with Practice Index, we welcome back Claire Houston, Robyn Clark, and James Gransby to discuss the newly agreed contract for general practice. After three years of imposed terms, the promise of an additional £889 million in funding offers a glimmer of hope. However, the episode delves into the reality that much of this funding may simply offset rising staffing costs and increased national insurance contributions, providing little genuine financial relief for GP partners. We explore the complexities and uncertainties these changes bring, emphasising the importance of clear contract planning to secure financial stability and better outcomes for both practices and patients.

Introduction (00:08)

An agreed contract (01:22) 

Are practices feeling better? (02:28)

Is it helping the underlying profitability? (06:59)

The changes & impact for ARRS? (11:10) 

More money for ARRS? (12:17) 

What's your take on the impact? (12:35)

Keeping the online consultation tool on.. (15:56)

The GPC.. (18:40)

NHS England is going to be abolished (20:12)

Final thoughts.. (23:28) 

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.

This week, we welcome Ashleigh Perryman and Michael Norris from Gosport PCN to discuss their pioneering work in team-based pharmacy services across five GP practices. Leading a team of 10 pharmacists, 10 technicians, and 4 admin staff, they share how their centralised approach fosters collaboration and innovation. Learn how strategic staff deployment ensures comprehensive care, while specialisation and ongoing training enhance service offerings. Whether you're a healthcare professional or simply interested in forward-thinking healthcare strategies, this episode provides valuable insights into the evolving world of pharmacy services.

Introduction (00:08)

The team.. (01:42)

Developing the team (02:47)

Career progression within the team (03:31) 

Equal Pharmacy Techs and Pharmacists (05:40) 

Development for individuals (08:13)

Turnover of pharmacists (09:27)

The outcomes of the videos.. (13:35

Safety searches.. (13:59) 

Most at risk patients being prioritised.. (15:22)

How does it work across multiple practices? (15:34)

Taking this to PCN management (18:15)

Plans for the future.. (19:59) 

Getting in touch (22:36)

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 Claire Houston and Tara Humphrey, Founder and CEO of THC Primary Care, to explore the transformative potential of the new Neighbourhood Health Guidelines. Ben, Claire, and Tara examine how these guidelines could reshape healthcare delivery at the neighbourhood level, particularly their impact on general practices and Primary Care Networks (PCNs). They discuss the intersection of PCNs and emerging neighbourhood structures, highlighting the potential shift toward integrated care that involves community and social services. The conversation underscores the ongoing importance of access to general practice in maintaining patient wellbeing, especially as life expectancy continues to rise. This episode also sets the stage for future discussions on NHS developments, including insights from upcoming announcements such as the 10-year plan and next year’s GP contract.

Introduction (00:08)

Neighbourhoods (00:44)

The impact on general practice & PCN’s.. (02:38) 

Six core components (04:01) 

Creating an infrastructure (06:46)

Will we see pressure from local areas for PCNs to change boundaries? (11:21)

Could local arguments start to emerge? (13:15)

Funding.. (17:40)

Freedom to local areas (21:20)

Can practices and PCNs influence development? (25:24) 

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.

Unlock the secrets to revolutionising general practice with Ruth Rankine from the NHS Confederation, as she guides us through the intricate web of healthcare innovation and policy shaping. Learn how Ruth's pivotal role empowers her to engage with key stakeholders to drive transformative changes across the healthcare landscape. Discover the unique position of the NHS Confederation compared to the General Practitioners Committee, with a focus that extends beyond individual practices to embrace a diverse array of primary care providers. Ruth offers a candid look at the current landscape of general practice, highlighting the dynamic challenges and opportunities healthcare providers face amidst evolving governmental policies. With a focus on strategic co-production, community infrastructure, and organisational development, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of primary care and the path towards creating a resilient healthcare system.

Introduction (00:09)

A day in Ruth's life.. (01:18) 

Influencing on behalf of members (02:37) 

The difference between you & the GPC? (03:53)

The current situation for General Practice (05:02) 

What does the government want from General Practice? (07:20)

General Practice & Neighbourhood teams.. (11:46)

Coordination of organisations.. (14:03)

How will collaborations work for local systems? (16:59)

Do collaborations exist everywhere? (21:08) 

Next steps.. (23:03) 

Getting in touch.. (25:13)

Visit the NHS Confederation website 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 Claire Houston, Kay Keane, and Hussain Gandhi. Together, they delve into the significant changes in advice and guidance funding for general practice, introduced as part of the government's new Elective Recovery Plan. With a focus on patient choice and the new £20 funding per advice and guidance request for GPs, they examine whether this fee truly reflects the work involved. They also discuss the potential shift in workload from secondary to primary care and what this means for practices. Additionally, the conversation touches on the evolving role of digital healthcare and its varied impact across regions, highlighting the importance of clear contractual details to ensure fair compensation for GPs. Tune in for an insightful discussion to help practices navigate these changes and prepare for the future of healthcare.

Introduction (00:08) 

The recovery plan (00:53)

Advice and guidance (02:15)

Existing funding (05:31)

How advice and guidance requests work.. (07:35) 

Additional money (11:36)

Other elements (13:13)

Patient-initiated follow-ups (14:10) 

Is advice and guidance coming off the ‘list’ (21:11)

The details.. (22:29) 

How to prepare.. (23:11)

Visit the Practice Index Hub directly, 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.