In this solo episode, Ben examines the newly published 10-Year NHS Plan, Fit for the Future, and its implications for general practice as the NHS shifts towards a neighbourhood health service model. He discusses how digital platforms like the NHS app are reshaping patient access, moving general practice away from its traditional front-door role. The episode highlights opportunities for growth and investment, the organisational changes needed to realise them, and the risks to established models of care. Ben also explores how neighbourhood services could reduce reliance on hospitals and how new contracts may drive larger-scale operations. Future episodes will feature experts to delve even deeper into these changes..

The 10 year plan (0:09)

Major changes to the way the NHS operates (02:06)

The new role for General Practice.. (04:24)

Segmented neighbourhood populations (05:19)

What does it actually mean by a neighbourhood? (06:24)

Analogue to digital.. (07:20)

General Practice will be a part of neighbourhood health (08:53)

Two new contracts for General Practice (10:46)

So what about money? (14:00)

Delivery over the next 3 to 4 years (14:35)

What to think about now? (15:44)

Finally.. (16:51)

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

Join us this week as we explore the transformative journey of Pure Unity Health with our insightful guests, Vicky Maskill and Adam Davies. Discover how Pure Unity Health has grown into a leading provider of first contact physiotherapy services across the UK. Vicky and Adam share their experiences of delivering high quality services and maintaining robust data reporting, while highlighting the importance of building strong relationships with PCNs. The conversation also explores their innovative health coaching initiatives, including the integration of pain cafes and community based coaching through PCNs. Plus, they discuss new QOF targets around cardiovascular disease, and the vital role of behaviour change and lifestyle coaching in improving patient care and supporting NHS preventative strategies.

Introduction (00:09)

Pure Unity Health (00:59)

What have you learnt from working with PCNs? (02:09)

How can you supply physiotherapists when PCNs are struggling to recruit themselves? (04:38)

Third party providers (06:25)

How it works in practice.. (12:33)

Locally owned.. (14:30)

Helping PCNs and practices with new QOF targets (17:58)

Getting in touch.. (20:33)

Visit the Pure Unity Health website here.

Contact Vicky directly 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 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.