As we recover from the last-minute QOF work to maximise income, we now move on to the new QOF year, and the challenges are just as intense, says FPM's secret diarist and practice manager. 

As healthcare systems strive to meet growing patient demands with limited resources, Physician Associates (PAs) offer a unique blend of medical expertise and collaborative spirit, extending the capabilities of general practice teams. However, their role has not been without controversy. 

NHS England published their letter to all primary care services (28th February) outlining the GP contract arrangements for the upcoming financial year, with changes aimed at improving primary care services, enhancing patient outcomes, and empowering Primary Care Networks (PCNs). We take a look into the key contents of the letter, summarise the important points, and discuss potential implications for ARRS funding, primary care staffing, and general budgets for primary care services in the UK.

Communication in any organisation is probably the most important pillar of how it functions and how effective and sustainable it is. There are two main strands to an organisation’s communication; the way in which people communicate between themselves inside the organisation, and the way they do so with those outside of that group. For an organisation as complex (and as new) as a Primary Care Network (PCN), there needs to be significant investment made in ensuring that PCN communication is the best it can be.