Out in the cold. Reaching isolated patients

The Management in Practice autumn issue is now available in print and online and is packed with articles to advise practice managers on new and innovative ways to approach running a practice. The number of patients from overseas being treated in general practice is increasing. In this issue we look at how practices across the UK have so far tackled language and cultural barriers with success and sensitivity. The NHS has to evolve quickly with a changing population. With the push to get more healthcare delivered in the community primary care is being heavily leant on and is not always up to speed with the latest technology. Ian Dalton CBE, president of global government and health, BT global Services and former chief operating officer and deputy chief executive of NHS England, talks to Management in Practice about how important leadership is in order to survive the changes the NHS is facing. For the homeless population health can be the least of their concerns. But this is a vulnerable population particularly at this time of year, which is why St Werburgh’s Practice for the Homeless in Chester gives its full attention to its homeless community, and explains to Management in Practice where it all began and the challenges it has faced. This issue has 18 insight pieces giving a view into how practices are working across the country as well as articles offering possible ideas for implementation. Gavin Jamie, full-time GP and quality and outcomes framework expert, discusses directed enhanced services created in the latest evolution of the general medical services contract. The NHS Litigation Authority has had a busy year with patient and practice disagreements. Nick Martindale, senior associate at Veale Wasbrough Vizards, discusses whether it’s better to use this service or go to court. Managing in this day and age is based on more than just leadership and organisation. The human side and developing ‘softer skills’ such as empathy and understanding is becoming increasingly important in today’s working world. The prescription payment process can be mind-boggling when understanding who has to pay for what. Brendan Brown, head of NHS Help with Health Costs, NHS Business Service authority, outlines the facts. Selling a practice can be complex and daunting and the legal issues can be unclear for many. Andrea Proudlock, associate – real estate DAC Beachcroft, answers questions on what to think about when selling and buying. Linking primary and secondary care records has been a long-standing ambition of the NHS. It is, to many, imperative for patient safety that an ambulance or hospital has timely access to a patient’s medical records, as Andrew McHugh, manager of a GP surgery in Banbury, North Oxfordshire, explains. Being aware of deaf and blind patients’ needs is paramount for general practice. The British Deaf Association and The Royal National Institute of Blind People outline where there is room for improvement. Utilising other’s skillsets can only help general practice in the long run. Sibby Buckle, community pharmacist and member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, lifts the lid on how her pharmacy gives flu jabs, which eases the pressure on general practice. To see the issue click here.