Join Ben as he explores the critical intersection of healthcare and environmental sustainability with Dr Fran Cundill, a dedicated GP from North Sheffield and the chair of South Yorkshire Greener Practice. In their conversation, Fran shares her inspiring journey of spearheading sustainability initiatives across four PCNs. Discover how she crafted tailored green plans for each PCN, focusing on priorities like energy cost reduction, clinical de-prescribing, and green prescribing. Fran also candidly discusses the challenges and successes encountered along the way, emphasising the importance of integrating sustainability into daily healthcare practices. Fran shares her focus on a targeted initiative aimed at improving asthma care within a PCN. This initiative has not only garnered positive reception but also resulted in environmental benefits. Hear about the successful implementation of an asthma project within a PCN, and the role of key stakeholders in driving the project’s success.. Introduction (00:08) Environmental sustainability work (01:36)  Turning the brief into specifics.. (02:53) Working with each PCN.. (03:52)  The biggest impacts (04:40) The asthma project (06:33)  Signing the practices up.. (08:32) Setting targets (09:05)  What changes were made? (10:14) The overall impact.. (12:06) The future.. (12:59)  Key takeaways.. (14:11) Finding support (15:49) What's next for Fran? (17:38) Visit the Greener Practice website here, the toolkit here, and the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare website here. For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.

Join Ben for an engaging conversation with Amy Sissons, business partner and head of innovation at Qualitas Consortium, and Dr Naomi Bennett, GP partner and graduate of the Pathway for Partnership programme. Together, they explore how the Pathway for Partnership programme empowers both new and experienced GP partners to enhance their leadership abilities and drive practice transformation. Discover how the programme instils the confidence to challenge norms, enabling data-driven decisions and improving patient care. The discussion also covers the programme's positive impact on practice operations and its role in addressing NHS pressures. Introduction (0:08) Pathway for Partnership Programme.. (03:36) Partners.. (05:01) New partnership scheme (05:16) How does it work in practice? (06:26) How did you hear about the programme? (08:12 Becoming a GP Partner (09:16)  What were the things then you kind of found most useful? (09:56) Overall impact on the practice, staff & patients.. (12:22) Patient Participation Group (15:33) Development after the programme (17:09) Top tips for a new partner.. (18:58) Find out more.. (20:55) Visit the Qualitas Consortium uk website here, or visit their facebook, Twitter or Linkedin. For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.

For the sixth year running, we welcome back Hussain Gandhi, to reflect on the transformative journey of PCNs since their launch in 2019. Ben & Gandhi discuss the evolution of managing Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme roles, highlighting the transition from rapid growth and role definition to achieving stability and effectiveness within the workforce. They explore the power of collective action within PCNs, showcasing how diverse roles like health and wellbeing coaches, pharmacists, and care coordinators collaborate to enhance patient care. They discuss the importance of community partnerships in addressing broader health issues and reflect on the impact of recent governmental initiatives on general practice. Gandhi provides a critical analysis of potential future reforms and the need for targeted changes to support the sustainability and effectiveness of general practice in the UK. Listen in for a discussion that offers both a retrospective and forward looking perspective on the future of general practice. Introduction (0:09) 2019 to now.. (00:30) Does it feel different this year? (01:45) How do you stop that from happening? (02:52) Specific teams within the ARS group (03:22)  Getting the balance right.. (04:46) Has the balance changed? (05:43)  Gandhi's thoughts on GPs being added to the additional roles scheme (06:50) Could GPs take on a leadership role? (08:28) Population management (09:52) Community hub.. (12:19) Collective action.. (14:38) The right approach (16:59) The new government (19:07) How do you predict things are going to play out over the next few years? (20:48) PCN Plus conference (23:50) For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.

Join Ben this week as he explores the cutting-edge implementation of autonomous patient triage in general practice with esteemed guests, Jake Kennerson, at The Groves Medical Centre and Elango Vijaykumar, at NHS Surrey Heartlands. Over the course of this episode, Jake and Elango share their experiences with Rapid Health, a revolutionary triage tool that has transformed their practices. They describe how the system has allowed for seamless online appointment booking, significantly reducing the need for traditional phone based systems. Listen in as they reflect on the significant impact of these changes and share best practices for continued success in implementing these innovative solutions in general practice. Introduction (00:08) Rapid Health (01:08)  How's it going.. (04:02) Autonomous patient triage.. (05:20)  Refining the process (07:33) Statistics.. (08:59)  Clinical governances & patient safety.. (12:14)  Patient reaction so far.. (14:22) Impact on practices.(18:30)  Capacity concerns (21:02)  Advice for others.. (23:18) For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.

Should GPs be added to the Additional Role Reimbursement Scheme? Join Ben & Tara Humphrey from THC Primary Care, as they dissect the details of the new funding scheme specifically allocated for GPs and its potential impact on PCNs. Tara shares her insights on learning from past experiences, avoiding resource dilution, and the practicalities of financial feasibility. Together, they look at the recent funds allocation by NHS England for hiring more GPs, debating the most effective distribution of this funding, and providing practical advice on making the most of this opportunity despite its potential limitations. Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion on the evolving landscape of GP roles in PCNs. Introduction (00:09)  Additional Role Reimbursement Scheme.. (00:39)  Making decisions.. (02:46)  Making the most of the Additional Role Reimbursement Scheme (03:56)  One GP per PCN? (04:59)  How to get the most value out of the GPs? (06:43) Is a new service required? (08:22)  A focal point for this new role.. (09:01)  Impact GP’s could have to the additional role teams? (09:59)  Sharing resources.. (10:54) Restrictions for GPs.. (11:51) Releasing information.. (13:43) How can we offer people any security (16:03)  Price competition (18:03) Preparation for PCNs.. (20:53)  Getting in touch.. (22:20)  To contact Tara directly, visit her LinkedIn here.  For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.

Join Ben for his first episode back as he talks with Adrian Down & Darren Altus, as they explore the fascinating journey of K2 Healthcare. They focus on the strategic approach to healthcare model implementation, emphasising the importance of tailoring funding and structure around a predefined model. Explore the methods of measuring success, the feedback loop from clinicians, and the long term impact of sustained interventions. They also discuss the challenges of managing multiple PCNs and the role of federations in the future of healthcare delivery. To wrap up the episode, they highlight the need for PCNs to think beyond traditional roles and engage in integrated community partnerships, balancing collaborative efforts with maintaining individuality. Join Ben, Adrian & Darren for an insightful conversation on the future developments in the neighbourhood team model and much more. Introduction (00:09)  The Federation - K2 (02:51)  Pre PCN.. (04:04) Funding.. (05:08) What was the impact of PCNs on your federation? (06:28)  Tension between federations.. (09:22) K2 & PCNs.. (10:37) Keeping contact with practices.. (12:59) Integrated neighbourhood teams (14:47)  Measuring success (16:58) Seeing the results.. (18:45) Involvement in pilots.. (19:34)  How do you see the role of federations in the future? (20:38)  Getting in touch.. (22:47) Contact Adrian via email here, & Darren here.  For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.

Join Ben as he explores the evolving role of pharmacists in general practice, with special guests Ruhina Kassam & Mahmud Mamayusupov from Clinical Pharmacist Solutions. They share insights on the push for pharmacists to become prescribers, emphasising the importance of this shift to meet increasing healthcare demands. Ruhina & Mahmud introduce the DPP Finder service, designed to connect pharmacists with designated prescribing practitioners, facilitating the required practice hours for their prescribing qualification. They also discuss the balance between community pharmacy and PCN pharmacists, improvements in workforce distribution, and the Pharmacy First scheme. Don't miss this insightful discussion that highlights the significant developments and opportunities in the pharmacy profession. Introduction (00:09) Updates from Clinical Pharmacist Solutions.. (00:29)  Becoming advanced practitioners.. (01:16)  Do pharmacists want to become prescribing pharmacists? (03:15)  The scheme.. (04:13) Pharmacists in their own practice (06:34) Mentorship.. (07:08)  90 hours.. (08:56) Is the scheme funded? (09:40) Limits to the prescribing qualification.. (11:33) Additional qualifications (13:09) Specialist vs general approach (13:40) Thoughts on the way that pharmacists are being used in general practice and by PCNs? (14:07) Quality of supervision offered via PCNs.. (15:58) Turnover of pharmacists.. (16:57) Impact on community pharmacy.. (20:32)  Pharmacy First (21:16)  Getting in touch.. (23:01) Visit the DPP Connect website here. For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.

Join us as we welcome Judy Oliver and Charlotte Cummings from Oliver and Company to discuss the fascinating journey and evolution of integrated neighbourhood teams. Judy and Charlotte share invaluable insights on customising the program to bring together community services, social care, general practice, mental health, and the voluntary sector, emphasising the critical importance of strong inter-professional relationships to deliver seamless, patient-centred care.  Finally,  Judy and Charlotte shed light on the role of expert facilitation and coaching in enhancing team dynamics and outcomes, emphasising the importance of continuous improvement in fostering successful integrated teams in general practice. Don't miss this insightful conversation on creating cohesive, cross-organisational healthcare teams that truly make a difference. Introduction (00:09)  Integrated neighbourhood team (02:56) The core design of integrated neighbourhood teams (05:01)  What should they look like? (07:05) PCNs & GP practises role.. (12:13)  Moving ahead (15:03)  Is a mindset shift needed? (18:59)  The next few years.. (22:16)  Getting in touch (23:33) Visit the website for ‘Oliver and Company’ 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 Adrian Down, the managing partner at Caythorpe & Ancaster Medical Practice. Adrian shares his fascinating journey from a high-paying role in a multinational firm to becoming a practice manager in general practice. He reflects on his transition and discusses the dynamics of equality within his practice partnership. Adrian and Ben explore the challenges faced by non-GP professionals in general practice partnerships and shed light on the value of the partnership model in maintaining the effectiveness and accessibility of general practice. Discover how Adrian's passion for helping people has sustained him in this role and how his partnership model has remained effective over time. Introduction (00:08)  An equal voice.. (01:47) Has being a practice manager matched your expectations? (02:35)  Then and now (03:16)  Has the model evolved over time? (04:42) Status inequality between non-gp partners and gp partners (05:54) Guidance for non-gp partners (07:29) National LMC conference (08:58)  Feedback & next steps.. (12:51)  Working with the IGPM (14:40) Information or resources (16:05)  Contact Adrian via email 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.

Join us this week as Ben welcomes Dr. Steph Cook and Dr. Jennifer Greenlaw to discuss the groundbreaking concept of women's health hubs. Steph and Jennifer are both experienced GPs with a focus on women's health, and share their innovative work in Liverpool and Manchester. Discover how these hubs bring together existing services to provide comprehensive care, reducing the need for multiple appointments and learn about the impact of the Women's Health Strategy. They also explore the success and feedback from women accessing contraceptive services, highlighting the popularity of convenient options like Saturday clinics. Understand the logistics of providing these services, including self-referral processes, short wait times, and the flexibility of primary care networks. Tune in to hear how the Women's Health Strategy is bringing renewed focus to these essential services and improving access, experience, and outcomes for women, especially those in underserved populations. Introduction (00:09)  Women's Health Hubs (01:30) Single locations? (03:27)  Women's Health Strategy (04:28)  Funding.. (05:31)  General practice & PCNs.. (06:25) Making that shift for Women’s health (08:49) Feedback from women.. (11:05)  Payments for services.. (12:03) Support from the ICB’s (17:41) Top tips.. (21:04) Accessing the toolkit (21:50) Getting in touch.. (22:55)  Access ‘The Women’s Health Hub Toolkit’ here. Contact Steph by email here & Jennifer here. Listen to a previous episode introducing ‘Urban Village Medical Practice’ here and learn their Innovative Strategies to Support Homelessness here. For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.

Robert McCartney, an associate at Hemsons, is back again, as they explore his recent work on PCNs and integrated neighbourhood teams. Robert shares his insights into the complexities of creating legal constructs for these collaborations, emphasising the importance of contractual agreements with community services and third parties like pharmacies and charities.  Ben & Robert also touch on the broader landscape of how PCNs are evolving and the impact this has on healthcare delivery and collaboration. In this episode, they focus on the recent updates to the premises cost directions, which govern funding and access to funds for GP premises. These changes include the potential for 100% improvement grants and funding for land purchases, offering some relief to practices facing financial pressures due to increased demand and the influx of PCN staff. They look at the implications of these updates, such as the expanded ability for commissioners to use a broader range of valuers, the impact on VAT negotiations, and practical steps practices should take to navigate these new directions effectively. Introduction (00:09)  Finding ways of developing new services together (00:37) Contractual agreement.. (01:11) The premises cost directions (01:48)  Why now? (02:53) What are the main changes in the new updates? (03:53) Carrying out necessary extensions.. (05:53)  What’s the catch? (06:48) 18 year commitment (08:06)  Last man standing (09:14) But the money isn’t there.. (09:46) How to get better access to the funds.. (11:25) Other changes.. (12:06)  Further guidance.. (13:17) Freedom for practices.. (13:54) PCNs.. (15:27) VAT implications.. (16:19)  Next steps.. (17:18) Is this positive? (18:29) Getting in touch.. (19:37) Contact Robert via email here.  For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.

Join us in this enlightening episode as we reconnect with Dr. Donal Collins, to explore innovative approaches to managing type 2 diabetes. Through shared decision-making, whether it’s dietary changes or new medications, we discuss how managing insulin and energy intake can shrink fat cells and reduce inflammation. Donal & Ben explore the strategic decision-making required at various levels—individual practices, PCNs, and integrated care boards, to implement these changes effectively. This conversation touches on the challenges of demonstrating long-term cost benefits of proactive care., so tune in for a comprehensive discussion on the future of managing chronic diseases. Introduction (00:09) Treatment for type 2 diabetes (01:32)  Impact of current treatment.. (05:26) Why is it something we've never been able to achieve? (09:04) Making the effort.. (10:39)  Where is the right place for these conversations? (12:29)  Introduction of new roles (13:32)  Where do you think this best sits?(15:29)  The science of change.. (18:21) Getting in touch.. (20:57)  Listen to Donal & Bens previous episode here. Contact Donal Collins via email here, via twitter here or access his linkedin here. For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr Christian Hornung, who wears many hats in the realm of primary care. Listen in as we explore a strategic energy savings initiative that began within a PCN and blossomed into a national success story. With the help of an energy consultant, healthcare practices, pharmacies, charities, and private hospitals have achieved significant financial savings.  Christian shares the straightforward process that maximises benefits for all members. This episode also provides practical steps for practices to join the energy-saving initiative and highlights the potential for immediate and future savings, bringing a ray of optimism during challenging times.  Don't miss out on this transformative discussion that promises to inspire and energise your practice. Introduction (00:08)  Energy.. (00:43) Building links between the practice & pharmacy.. (05:06) Energy Co-op Limited (06:11)  Negotiating discount.. (07:28) Paying the Energy Consultant.. (08:53) Annual savings..  (09:23) The start… (10:03) Scaling up.. (10:36) Creating a business.. (11:01) How has it grown.. (12:05) Are you open? (12:21) Signing up (12:39)  Developing in the future.. (13:45) NHS England.. (14:29) Lower individual bill costs.. (14:57) Growing the business.. (15:26) What’s the catch? (16:33) Getting in touch.. (17:00) Visit the ‘Energy Cooperative’ website here.  For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.

Join Ben this week, as we celebrate the 400th episode of the General Practice Podcast, by tackling the intricate landscape of the 2024-2025 period for general practices. In this solo episode, Ben discusses the challenges brought on by the continuation of the five-year GP contract with added cuts, addressing issues such as below-inflation pay growth and heightened cost pressures.  Listen in as Ben examines the dynamics between PCNs and their member practices, offering insights into navigating financial pressures while maintaining independence. Discover three potential paths practices can take: maintaining strict boundaries, merging to become as large as the PCN, or adopting a hybrid model.  This episode emphasises the importance of trust and transparency, so stay tuned for a discussion on how collective efforts can help navigate the anticipated challenges of the upcoming year in general practice. Celebrating 400 episodes (00:09)  Navigating 2024-2025 (01:09) Contract changes.. (02:30) PCN DES (03:31) The end of PCNs? (04:01) Referendum on the contract.. (04:59) Mass Resignations (05:40) PCN core functions (06:36) Relationship between PCNs & practices (08:19) The 3 choices.. (09:29) The hybrid model.. (11:19) How can we work together (16:58) Financial pressures (17:52) Supporting each other.. (18:07) For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.

Join us for a fascinating exploration with Agnes Kasprowicz from the City and Hackney Office of PCNs. We look at the journey of City & Hackney Office of PCNs, as they provide support to eight PCNs, acting as a unified voice for the networks and championing their development and impact in their local communities. Discover how these networks have evolved to tackle the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic by centralising operations and setting up a dedicated company. We delve into the pivotal merger that formed the City and Hackney Office of PCN’s and we look at its role in ensuring a unified primary care voice within the changing Integrated Care System landscape.  Introduction (00:09)  The Office of Primary Care Networks (00:23) The start of the office.. (02:48) Funding.. (03:32)  Delivering vaccination services (04:20) Representing practices (06:25)  What services does the office of PCNs offer? (06:48) Work streams.. (07:10) Coming together (09:22) Working together.. (10:08)  What are the work streams? (11:28) Plans for the future.. (14:50)  Lessons learnt.. (16:26) Find out more.. (18:32)  Get in touch with Agnes via email 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 the insightful Robyn Clark and Kay Keane, who share their pioneering experiences with the ‘Right Care, First Time’ campaign.  This episode brings to light the complex skills required of modern patient services teams, the critical need for recognition and appropriate compensation for their work, and how their evolution is instrumental in guiding patients to the right care. Join us for this enlightening conversation that's bound to reshape your perspective on the ever-changing landscape of general practice. Right Care, First Time (00:09)  The thinking behind the campaign.. (01:13)  Modern General Practice (02:35)  Who is the campaign targeted at? (03:44) Getting the message across.. (04:30)  Acceptance of new roles.. (05:49) Funding.. (09:07)  Targeting specific needs.. (09:49)  A more flexible pot? (12:54)  Trust within PCN’s (15:00)  NHS England Care Navigation Training.. (17:13)  Building the confidence of the public.. (19:29)  Feedback following the video.. (21:45)  Where can I access the video? (22:02)  What does industrial action look like for General Practice? (22:56)  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.

Ben is joined, once again by Dr. Neil Modha, a mastermind in revolutionising patient care through innovative practices and strategic partnerships. As the GP partner of Thistlemoor Medical Centre. Neil discusses the fine art of managing workload and curbing GP burnout by staying ahead of the curve with bespoke roles designed to meet patient demands. Neil offers a sneak peek into the promising future of GP and pharmacy collaborations. Ben & Neil also look into the financial challenges and opportunities for community pharmacies, contemplating the evolution of the GP partnership model amidst current contractual changes.  Introduction (00:09)  Latest achievements.. (00:20) Thistlemoor turns 30! (01:14)  What makes Thistlemoor different? (01:50) Additional roles.. (03:28) Recent changes to roles.. (05:16)  Consultations in the pharmacy.. (08:25) Learnings so far.. (10:33)  Creating effective partnerships.. (11:54) Bring the practice and pharmacy together (14:17)  Thoughts on the GP Partnership model? (17:00) A difficult year ahead.. (18:54)  What’s next? (20:06) .  Taking a risk.. (23:12) Getting in touch.. (25:59) You can listen to Episode 116: Neil Modha – An innovative model for general practice here. Find Neil on LinkedIn, Twitter & email, you can also visit Thistlemoor Medical Centre on twitter & their website. For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.

Ben is joined by George Gavriel & Bobby Pozzoni-Child, from the Bucks GP Provider Alliance. Their engaging discussion looks at the crucial role of collaboration with the ICB to amplify the GP provider voice and underscores the value of place-based leadership groups as emphasised in the Fuller stock take. Discover the intricate structure of Bucks' GP, the interplay of its practices, PCNs, and the local federation, and learn how challenges are navigated to align these entities.Tune in for a conversation that's at the heart of transforming patient care and healthcare leadership at the local level.. Introduction (00:08) Bucks GP Provider Alliance (00:40) Place-wide federation (01:38)  Bobby’s role.. (03:18) Other staff.. (04:11) Bringing together the leaders (06:02)  Do practices understand the system and how it works? (07:12) Objectives of the GP Provider alliance.. (09:25) How long have you been going? (11:19)  What are your main achievements so far? (11:51)  Annual report.. (13:47) Funding.. (14:24)  Benefits to the ICB of having you guys in place? (16:45) Support for practices.. (18:40) Biggest learning so far.. (21:10) To find out more contact Bobby via email here. For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.

In this episode, we delve into highlights from the second annual PCN Plus live conference, where Ben teamed up with Tara Humphrey, Dr. Andy Foster, and Dr. Hussain Gandhi on Wednesday 17th April. Tune in as they explore life beyond primary care networks, the evolving role of PCNs, and their significant influence on the healthcare landscape. Introduction (00:08)  What have been the main impacts of primary care networks? (00:40)  What will come in the next contract? (04:43) How should PCNs be preparing to deliver integrated neighbourhood teams? (10:35)  Should GPs be included in ARS roles? (15:30) For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.

We are joined, once again, by Dr Nigel Fraser, Dr Mike Hearne, and Conor Price. This week they discuss how Herefordshire has taken significant strides in influencing integrated care board decisions through data sharing and analytics, highlighting the critical role of Primary Care Analytics in the evolution of local data systems.  Hear about the national landscape of general practice data analytics and its impact on healthcare strategies from our guests. They bring to the table discussions on the need for a unified voice in the sector, the challenges in translating complex activities into actionable insights, and the role primary care analysts play in this domain. The episode wraps up with a look at the strategic enhancement of data analytics in primary care. Don't miss part 2 of this insightful discussion on revolutionising general practice and promoting innovation across the nation. Introduction (00:09) Data in General Practice (02:03)  The importance of sharing data (03:32) Controls.. (04:36)  Primary Care Analytics.. (05:02)  Primary Care Analytics forum.. (07:54)  General Practice influence (08:53) Skills gap within General Practice (10:04) Working together.. (11:08)  Measuring what’s important (13:09) Supporting other areas.. (13:59) Influencing at a ICB level (17:20)  Getting in touch.. (18:37)  Starting a National movement.. (19:00) Final thoughts (19:37) Contact Conor Price via email here & visit the Primary Care Analytics website here. For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.