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.

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.