Emma Bower
@emmabower.bsky.social
Editor of GPonline https://www.gponline.com gponline.bsky.social and GP Business https://www.gpbusiness.co.uk, host of Talking General Practice podcast https://podfollow.com/talking-gp
On the podcast this week I'm talking to
@bma.org.uk GP committee chair @drkatie.bsky.social about the dispute with the government, what happens next, the 10-year plan and what all of this could mean for future GP contracts. www.gponline.com/podcast-dr-k...
@bma.org.uk GP committee chair @drkatie.bsky.social about the dispute with the government, what happens next, the 10-year plan and what all of this could mean for future GP contracts. www.gponline.com/podcast-dr-k...
Podcast: Dr Katie Bramall on navigating the GP dispute, future GP contracts and the 10-year health plan
Talking General Practice speaks to Dr Katie Bramall, chair of the BMA’s GP committee in England, about the dispute with the government over online access, what happens next and her concerns about the ...
www.gponline.com
December 5, 2025 at 11:45 AM
On the podcast this week I'm talking to
@bma.org.uk GP committee chair @drkatie.bsky.social about the dispute with the government, what happens next, the 10-year plan and what all of this could mean for future GP contracts. www.gponline.com/podcast-dr-k...
@bma.org.uk GP committee chair @drkatie.bsky.social about the dispute with the government, what happens next, the 10-year plan and what all of this could mean for future GP contracts. www.gponline.com/podcast-dr-k...
On this week's podcast I'm speaking to Dr Duncan Gooch chair of @nhsconfed.org primary care network about the 10-year plan and what it all means for general practice and at-scale primary care organisations www.gponline.com/podcast-exis...
Podcast: How can existing at-scale models help GPs prepare for a neighbourhood NHS?
Talking General Practice speaks to Dr Duncan Gooch, a GP partner in Derbyshire and chair of the NHS Confederation's Primary Care Network, about the 10-year health plan and what it means for general pr...
www.gponline.com
July 18, 2025 at 9:36 AM
On this week's podcast I'm speaking to Dr Duncan Gooch chair of @nhsconfed.org primary care network about the 10-year plan and what it all means for general practice and at-scale primary care organisations www.gponline.com/podcast-exis...
Today @rthonwesstreeting.bsky.social will announce plans to overhaul GP funding. If you're interested in more on how we can make GP funding fairer have a listen to this podcast I did with @becksfisher.bsky.social from @nuffieldtrust.org.uk last year www.gponline.com/podcast-gp-f...
June 25, 2025 at 8:53 AM
Today @rthonwesstreeting.bsky.social will announce plans to overhaul GP funding. If you're interested in more on how we can make GP funding fairer have a listen to this podcast I did with @becksfisher.bsky.social from @nuffieldtrust.org.uk last year www.gponline.com/podcast-gp-f...
Reposted by Emma Bower
10-year plan to overhaul GP incentives and 'completely reimagine' NHS www.gponline.com/10-year-plan... #GPnews
10-year plan to overhaul GP incentives and 'completely reimagine' NHS
The health service will be 'completely reimagined' under the forthcoming 10-year NHS plan, which will describe how contracts and incentives will be overhauled - potentially within the next 12 months -...
www.gponline.com
June 11, 2025 at 11:09 AM
10-year plan to overhaul GP incentives and 'completely reimagine' NHS www.gponline.com/10-year-plan... #GPnews
Reposted by Emma Bower
'GP-centric' 10-year NHS plan will protect partnerships
'GP-centric' 10-year NHS plan will protect partnerships
The upcoming 10-year NHS plan will be ‘very GP centric’ and health service leaders are 'committed to protecting partnerships', a senior NHS England official has said.
www.gponline.com
June 12, 2025 at 11:00 AM
'GP-centric' 10-year NHS plan will protect partnerships
Reposted by Emma Bower
GPs could run 'run local hospitals,' says Wes Streeting
www.gponline.com/gps-run-run-...
www.gponline.com/gps-run-run-...
GPs could run 'run local hospitals,' says Wes Streeting
GPs should be able to run hospitals - but acute trusts could also take on primary care services as integration blurs traditional boundaries between parts of the NHS, the health and social care…
www.gponline.com
June 13, 2025 at 8:37 AM
GPs could run 'run local hospitals,' says Wes Streeting
www.gponline.com/gps-run-run-...
www.gponline.com/gps-run-run-...
Lots of talk about neighbourhoods in the NHS ahead of the 10 year plan. If you want to hear about what it means for general practice, how it could improve patient care and boost GP job satisfaction listen to this week's pod with Dr Caroline Taylor from the NAPC www.gponline.com/podcast-does...
Podcast: How does general practice fit into a neighbourhood NHS?
Talking General Practice speaks to Dr Caroline Taylor, chair of the National Association of Primary Care and a GP in Calderdale, West Yorkshire, about how neighbourhood working benefits patients, GPs ...
www.gponline.com
June 13, 2025 at 11:17 AM
Lots of talk about neighbourhoods in the NHS ahead of the 10 year plan. If you want to hear about what it means for general practice, how it could improve patient care and boost GP job satisfaction listen to this week's pod with Dr Caroline Taylor from the NAPC www.gponline.com/podcast-does...
Reposted by Emma Bower
Locum GPs forced to cut rates again due to work shortage
www.gponline.com/locum-gps-fo...
www.gponline.com/locum-gps-fo...
Locum GPs forced to cut rates again due to work shortage
Exclusive: Locum GPs have been forced to drop their rates by a further 2% in the past four months as the shortage of GP jobs continues to hit pay, a sessional GP organisation has warned.
www.gponline.com
May 13, 2025 at 10:33 AM
Locum GPs forced to cut rates again due to work shortage
www.gponline.com/locum-gps-fo...
www.gponline.com/locum-gps-fo...
Practices across the UK are still very concerned about the impact that the rise in NI contributions will have. This issue has not gone away - despite this year's contract deal, practices in England are also still v worried about these extra costs
National insurance hike is 'death sentence' for some GP practices, LMCs warn www.gponline.com/national-ins...
National insurance hike is 'death sentence' for some GP practices, LMCs warn
The increase in employer national insurance contributions will be a 'death sentence' for some UK practices unless they receive funding to cover the extra costs, LMC leaders have warned.
www.gponline.com
May 8, 2025 at 3:34 PM
Practices across the UK are still very concerned about the impact that the rise in NI contributions will have. This issue has not gone away - despite this year's contract deal, practices in England are also still v worried about these extra costs
BMA dossier defines 'value of a GP' in push for fresh investment www.gponline.com/bma-dossier-...
BMA dossier defines 'value of a GP' in push for fresh investment
General practice across the UK is now 'on the verge of total collapse', according to a BMA report that demands decisive action from policymakers to value and invest in the profession before it disappe...
www.gponline.com
May 8, 2025 at 3:19 PM
BMA dossier defines 'value of a GP' in push for fresh investment www.gponline.com/bma-dossier-...
From the UK LMCs conference today in Glasgow - catch up on all the news on GPonline.
GPs demand review into online prescribing of weight loss drugs gponline.com/gps-demand-r... #GPnews
GPs demand review into online prescribing of weight loss drugs
GP leaders have called for a formal review into online prescribing of weight loss drugs amid growing concerns over safety and workload for general practice.
gponline.com
May 8, 2025 at 3:18 PM
From the UK LMCs conference today in Glasgow - catch up on all the news on GPonline.
Thanks so much to Katie for speaking to me this week. Lots in here about why we need a new GP contract and what it will need to address if the government wants to deliver on its aim to bring back the family doctor. Do have a listen if you can
In this week's podcast @drkatie.bsky.social from @bma.org.uk speaks to @emmabower.bsky.social about her priorities for a new GP contract and why she feels positive about the future for general practice. Listen here or wherever you get your pods www.gponline.com/podcast-dr-k...
Podcast: Dr Katie Bramall-Stainer on shaping a new contract to rebuild general practice
Talking General Practice speaks to Dr Katie Bramall-Stainer, chair of the BMA England GP committee, about what the future holds for general practice
www.gponline.com
April 25, 2025 at 2:22 PM
Thanks so much to Katie for speaking to me this week. Lots in here about why we need a new GP contract and what it will need to address if the government wants to deliver on its aim to bring back the family doctor. Do have a listen if you can
Reposted by Emma Bower
New contract must deliver enough GPs to bring back continuity, says @bma.org.uk England GP committee chair @drkatie.bsky.social www.gponline.com/new-contract... - full Talking General Practice podcast interview out tomorrow
New contract must deliver enough GPs to bring back continuity, says BMA GP chair
Continuity of care and bringing down the number of patients per GP will underpin negotiations for a completely new GP contract, the chair of the BMA GP committee for England has said.
www.gponline.com
April 24, 2025 at 8:40 AM
New contract must deliver enough GPs to bring back continuity, says @bma.org.uk England GP committee chair @drkatie.bsky.social www.gponline.com/new-contract... - full Talking General Practice podcast interview out tomorrow
Reposted by Emma Bower
GP practices, RCGP and BMA face legal claims over physician associate jobs
www.gponline.com/gp-practices...
www.gponline.com/gp-practices...
GP practices, RCGP and BMA face legal claims over physician associate jobs
Lawyers representing physician associates (PAs) have begun filing legal claims in a 'landmark group action' against GP practices, the RCGP and the BMA after guidance that backed strict limits on the r...
www.gponline.com
March 19, 2025 at 10:22 AM
GP practices, RCGP and BMA face legal claims over physician associate jobs
www.gponline.com/gp-practices...
www.gponline.com/gp-practices...
Reposted by Emma Bower
🚨BREAKING NEWS🚨Government commits to talks on major new GP contract to keep 2025/26 deal on track
www.gponline.com/government-c...
www.gponline.com/government-c...
Government commits to talks on major new GP contract to keep 2025/26 deal on track
The government has committed to talks on a major overhaul of the GP contract within the current parliament in a move that finalises agreement with the BMA over the near £1bn contract deal for 2025/26.
www.gponline.com
March 19, 2025 at 12:00 PM
🚨BREAKING NEWS🚨Government commits to talks on major new GP contract to keep 2025/26 deal on track
www.gponline.com/government-c...
www.gponline.com/government-c...
Thanks so much to Iain for speaking with me this week. This is really good on the issues and challenges facing Scottish general practice and what needs to happen to address them so well worth a listen.
In this week's podcast Dr Iain Morrison chair of @bmascotland.bsky.social GP committee speaks to @emmabower.bsky.social about the fight to secure a better future for GPs in Scotland, including the prospects of industrial action www.gponline.com/podcast-dr-i...
Podcast: Dr Iain Morrison on securing a better future for Scotland's GPs
Talking General Practice speaks to BMA Scotland GP committee chair Dr Iain Morrison about the critical challenges facing general practice in Scotland.
www.gponline.com
March 15, 2025 at 7:19 AM
Thanks so much to Iain for speaking with me this week. This is really good on the issues and challenges facing Scottish general practice and what needs to happen to address them so well worth a listen.
Reposted by Emma Bower
How GPs are turning around problems with access and patient satisfaction www.gponline.com/gps-turning-... #GPnews
How GPs are turning around problems with access and patient satisfaction
Despite record numbers of appointments in general practice, access remains among patients' top concerns - and NHS officials have named improving it among the health service's key priorities for the ye...
www.gponline.com
March 13, 2025 at 12:21 PM
How GPs are turning around problems with access and patient satisfaction www.gponline.com/gps-turning-... #GPnews
Reposted by Emma Bower
Another GP working for Uber as jobs crisis spreads to Scotland www.gponline.com/gp-working-u... #GPnews
Another GP working for Uber as jobs crisis spreads to Scotland
GPs in part of Scotland are taking on private work, moving overseas and in one case working as an Uber driver because locum sessions have become 'non-existent' after a squeeze on practice finances tha...
www.gponline.com
March 13, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Another GP working for Uber as jobs crisis spreads to Scotland www.gponline.com/gp-working-u... #GPnews
This is such a sensible suggestion to solve a problem that really shouldn't even exist. And it is potentially pretty easy to do. I find it quite baffling that it hasn't been done already.
Scottish GPs call for national fix to help IMG doctors secure visas @rcgpscotland.bsky.social www.gponline.com/scottish-gps... #GPnews
Scottish GPs call for national fix to help IMG doctors secure visas
The Scottish government should set up an 'umbrella body' to sponsor visas for international medical graduate (IMG) doctors who have completed UK GP training so that these doctors are not lost to the N...
www.gponline.com
March 7, 2025 at 10:44 AM
This is such a sensible suggestion to solve a problem that really shouldn't even exist. And it is potentially pretty easy to do. I find it quite baffling that it hasn't been done already.
Nick and I offer some thoughts on the GP contract update and what could happen next.
In this week's pod @nickbostock.bsky.social and @emmabower.bsky.social discuss the GP contract for 2025/26 - what it means for practices, what happens now with collective action, and the need for longer-term contract reform. Listen here or wherever you get your pods www.gponline.com/podcast-does...
Podcast: What does the 2025/26 GP contract mean for general practice?
The GPonline team discusses what's in the GP contract for the coming year, what happens now with collective action, and the need for longer-term contract reform.
www.gponline.com
March 7, 2025 at 10:42 AM
Nick and I offer some thoughts on the GP contract update and what could happen next.
This is worth a read. Four early-career GPs spell out how the GP contract needs to change in future to better meet the needs of patients and GPs - and why it's important that younger GPs are involved in any discussions about a new GP contract.
As @bma.org.uk prepares for talks on a once-in-a-generation major reform of the general practice contract, early-career GPs spell out how it could secure their future www.gponline.com/early-career... @liamloftus.bsky.social @deepthilavu.bsky.social
Early-career GPs spell out how a new contract can secure their future
The potential for a completely new GP contract is a once-in-a-generation chance to reshape the future of general practice. Four early-career GPs explain their views on what a new contract will need to...
www.gponline.com
March 6, 2025 at 1:11 PM
This is worth a read. Four early-career GPs spell out how the GP contract needs to change in future to better meet the needs of patients and GPs - and why it's important that younger GPs are involved in any discussions about a new GP contract.
Reposted by Emma Bower
What is the future of ARRS - GP jobs crisis?
It's not going to make a huge difference to long-term recruitment & retention of GPs
Restricting it to GPs who are less than 2y post-CCT is wrong, at best these roles are better suited to experienced GP
#TeamGp
www.gponline.com/future-arrs-...
It's not going to make a huge difference to long-term recruitment & retention of GPs
Restricting it to GPs who are less than 2y post-CCT is wrong, at best these roles are better suited to experienced GP
#TeamGp
www.gponline.com/future-arrs-...
What is the future of ARRS - and can reform ease the GP jobs crisis?
From April 2025, rules that prevent the bulk of additional roles reimbursement scheme (ARRS) funding being used to recruit GPs will be scrapped - although eligibility will remain limited to GPs in the...
www.gponline.com
March 5, 2025 at 8:41 AM
What is the future of ARRS - GP jobs crisis?
It's not going to make a huge difference to long-term recruitment & retention of GPs
Restricting it to GPs who are less than 2y post-CCT is wrong, at best these roles are better suited to experienced GP
#TeamGp
www.gponline.com/future-arrs-...
It's not going to make a huge difference to long-term recruitment & retention of GPs
Restricting it to GPs who are less than 2y post-CCT is wrong, at best these roles are better suited to experienced GP
#TeamGp
www.gponline.com/future-arrs-...
Thanks so much to John and Liam for speaking to me this week. Really fascinating chat - and the Health Equity Evidence Centre is really good example of how AI/machine learning can be used in practice to help the NHS
This week Dr John Ford and @liamloftus.bsky.social speak to @emmabower.bsky.social about the work of the Health Equity Evidence Centre @qmul.ac.uk and how it can help clinicians and policymakers address health inequalities. Listen here or wherever you get your pods www.gponline.com/podcast-evid...
Podcast: An evidence-based approach to addressing health inequalities
Talking General Practice speaks to Dr John Ford and GP Dr Liam Loftus from the Health Equity Evidence Centre at Queen Mary University in London.
www.gponline.com
February 28, 2025 at 11:07 AM
Thanks so much to John and Liam for speaking to me this week. Really fascinating chat - and the Health Equity Evidence Centre is really good example of how AI/machine learning can be used in practice to help the NHS
GP contract deal for 2025/26 - @rthonwesstreeting.bsky.social says: 'Rebuilding the broken NHS starts with GPs. Today, we have taken the first step to fixing the front door to the NHS, bringing back the family doctor, and ending the 8am scramble.' Full story www.gponline.com/bma-backs-1b...
February 28, 2025 at 8:01 AM
GP contract deal for 2025/26 - @rthonwesstreeting.bsky.social says: 'Rebuilding the broken NHS starts with GPs. Today, we have taken the first step to fixing the front door to the NHS, bringing back the family doctor, and ending the 8am scramble.' Full story www.gponline.com/bma-backs-1b...
GP contract deal announced. @drkatie.bsky.social says the proposed changes 'mark a turning point'. But adds 'the government must now recognise the imperative to deliver a new contract within the current parliament for meaningful reform and vital investment'
Breaking news - BMA backs almost £1bn GP contract deal as ARRS cash unlocked to ease jobs crisis www.gponline.com/bma-backs-1b... #GPnews
BMA backs £1bn GP contract deal as ARRS cash unlocked to ease jobs crisis
GP leaders have backed a 2025/26 contract deal that brings a near £1bn funding uplift and unlocks additional roles cash to create more GP jobs - with the profession now set to pause collective action.
www.gponline.com
February 28, 2025 at 7:46 AM
GP contract deal announced. @drkatie.bsky.social says the proposed changes 'mark a turning point'. But adds 'the government must now recognise the imperative to deliver a new contract within the current parliament for meaningful reform and vital investment'