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In the latest episode of our monthly Practice Index podcast series, regular panel members Practice Managers Robyn Clark and Nicola Davies are joined by Ilford-based GP Principal and Partner Dr Naj Seedat. The trio, alongside our very own Ben Gowland, discuss the increasingly negative PR campaign which general practice has fallen victim to within the press, social media outlets and amongst frustrated patient communities. Can the tide be turned and if so, how? Do extraordinary measures need to be put in place to protect practice staff from the very real threats of harm and in some cases, almost daily incidences of verbal abuse? Can we really find a way to tackle the surge in demand for face-to-face appointments whilst Covid is of continuing concern, and whilst we are dealing with the biggest staffing crisis we may have ever known? With winter approaching, the future certainly looks bleak in primary care, but the panel have their own ideas about how we might be able to face down the criticism, win hearts and minds and most importantly, ensure we are looking after ourselves in the process.

Introductions (0:30)

All about Naj (0:50)

How is life on the general practice front line right now? (1:16)

Robyn’s perspective (2:19)

Naj’s experiences of the current situation (3:42)

The access conundrum (4:13)

Meeting the demand for face-to-face consultations in the backdrop of the ongoing pandemic (5:57)

The workforce crisis (7:25)

Celebrating success (8:43)

Discussing the lack of support centrally – and from the top (10:31)

Media, public opinion, and the voices of negativity (11:45)

Safeguarding general practice staff from the threat of abuse (13:17)

Enforcing a zero-tolerance policy (16:11)

What can be done to turn the tide? (17:35)

Institute of General Practice Management (IGPM) stance (19:30)

Practice Index’s website can be found here

For more information and to sign up to become a member of the IGPM, please find the website here

For all enquiries, please contact James Dillon here or Ben Gowland here