If you are a GP who is thinking about becoming a partner, what questions should you ask to be sure you are making the right decision? In this guest blog (his third for Ockham) mergers expert Robert McCartney introduces a checklist of things you should consider to help you make the right choice. You can download and print off the checklist following the link beneath the blog.

We undertake a lot of work assisting practices in developing plans for the future and redesigning systems which strengthen general practice. However, much of this work is undermined by the simple fact that there are insufficient numbers of GPs willing to be partners.

Exploring this with a range of junior, salaried and locum GPs it has become evident that the biggest issue is a lack of understanding about the potential benefits and opportunities partnership still offers.

Work must continue to tackle the issues facing general practice but, at the same time, we need to highlight the positive side and help develop the vision of what general practice could look like if the independent contractor status is secured for future generations.

Feedback highlights that potential GP partners do not know what questions to ask to make an informed choice about the opportunities within practices. The checklist, which we have made available below, has been produced to help those GPs considering partnership for the first time. It is not a complete list but should help structure your thoughts around the type of information you need to know before agreeing to invest in the practice.

As a general point it is recommended that you obtain support and advice throughout the process. The local LMC and trusted GP partners will be able to assist you in identifying when an opportunity is suitable for you.

Entering partnership includes accepting a degree of responsibility for the management and running of the business and you should therefore invest in gaining some simple business skills. It is not necessary to enter onto a MBA course but finding suitable sessions on understanding accounts, HR responsibilities and the principles of leadership will all help you once you enter partnership.

When you are considering the list remember that the final decision will also come down to whether you feel the ‘fit is right’. The culture, relationships and general environment of the practice must suit you or have the ability to develop with you over time. The empirical data collated will give you confidence that you understand the practice but only through spending time and talking with all members of the practice will you be able to make an informed decision.

Download the checklist here.

Robert is Managing Director of McCartney Healthcare Associates Limited. He is an expert on practice mergers and this is the third in a short series of blogs he has written for Ockham Healthcare. If your practice needs a helping hand with its fledgling relationships, you can contact Robert via e-mail at rm@mccartneyhealth.co.uk or call 0203 287 9336.