Meet the winners of the General Practice Awards 2025

Posted on by Bianca Pettifor

On Friday 5 December, the General Practice Awards 2025 were held at the Novotel London West, hosted by comedian Suzi Ruffell. 

The General Practice Awards 2025 welcomed over 670 guests from across primary care and the community, as well as healthcare industry representatives, for a fantastic night celebrating the very best in patient care and innovation. The event highlighted the commitment, dedication, and passion of teams and individuals working across the UK. 

Director of Content and Editorial at Cogora, Gemma Collins, gave the opening presentation: 

‘I know that all of you here tonight are passionate about the NHS and ensuring that it evolves for the better.    

You’re working against a backdrop of major changes happening in healthcare particularly with the current drive towards a neighbourhood health service next year, which may be causing some trepidations as to what 2026 will bring.   

One area of the 10-year-NHS plan to move analogue to digital certainly got into full swing on October 1st. Practices are now required to ensure patients can submit online requests from 8am until 6.30pm every day. There are understandable concerns to this, around patient safety and the increased demand on staff to deliver this.   

But of course, like always you’re still committed to this change, with improving patient care always at the forefront of everything that you do’. 

Without further ado, here are the General Practice Awards 2025 winners: 

Practice Manager of the Year – WINNER: Caitlin Clarke, Business Manager, Castle Partnership & Managing Partner, Fleggburgh Surgery 

Sponsored by General Practice Solutions 

Caitlin Clarke is an exceptional Business Manager whose vision, leadership, and compassion have helped shape the future of primary care across Central Norwich. She leads with both heart and strategy – championing innovation, inclusion, and collaboration at every level. Caitlin is not only transforming how care is delivered but also how people feel within the system. 

General Practitioner of the Year – WINNER: Dr. Ishi Bains, Tower Hamlets GP care group   

Sponsored by Exeltis 

Dr. Bains has made exceptional contributions to patient care and healthcare system transformation. As a leader in women’s health, she has improved access, reduced waiting times, and enhanced continuity of care through the creation of an integrated women’s health hub in Tower Hamlets, streamlining pathways and delivering timely, holistic care for women. 

Telecoms Provider of the Year – WINNER: Think Healthcare 

Think Healthcare’s entry focused on building close relationships with the practices they work with to find the best bespoke solution which would integrate into existing workflows, saving both patients and staff time. 

Clinical Improvement Award: Mental Health – WINNER: Leigh PCN Mental Wellbeing Support 

Leigh PCN partnered with local charity Compassion in Action to pilot a new pathway supporting patients with mental health difficulties. Having started in Leigh, the project has since expanded to cover the whole of the Wigan Borough with Leigh PCN continuing to provide GP input.   

Clinical Improvement Award: Long Term Conditions – WINNER: A Cardio-Renal-Metabolic Quality Improvement Programme, Widnes 

A cardio-renal-metabolic programme in Widnes puts the ‘patient voice’ at the heart of service redesign, bringing care closer to home. Widnes Primary Care Network (PCN) used real world data to address the needs of their patients with real-world data to address the needs of patients with complex comorbidities and to complex comorbidities and harness the MDT in response to patient feedback.     

Clinical Improvement Award: Public Health & Prevention – WINNER: Sefton Mobile Cervical Screening Partnership 

South Sefton PCN and Southport & Formby PCN teamed up with Cheshire and Wirral Partnership and NHS England North West to reach women overdue for smear tests, working tirelessly to increase screening uptake and make care more accessible by taking screenings into community settings. 

Digital Innovation Award – WINNER: Modality Partnership

Sponsored by X-on Health

Modality Partnership transformed their consultations, harnessing AI to transcribe and structure clinical conversations. This has freed up clinical time and reduced the burden on staff as well as improving the quality of documentation and speeding up referrals.   

Digital Solutions Provider of the Year – WINNER: Healthtech-1 

Healthtech-1 have streamlined the GP registration process, supporting proactive healthcare, signposting patients to referral services immediately, rather than reactively post appointment. Based in a GP practice, they’re already working hard on the next set of automations, designed around their experience of working at the front door of the NHS.   

Receptionist/Reception Team of the Year – WINNER: Maxine Paget, The Lodge Health Partnership 

Sponsored by General Practice Solutions

Maxine has shown outstanding leadership and calm under pressure, driving improvements across the Surgery—from empowering the reception team and reducing DNA rates to enhancing the patient journey through total triage. Her exceptional communication skills and dedication mean she consistently goes the extra mile, earning frequent praise from both colleagues and patients.    

PCN of the Year – WINNER: Kentish Town South PCN, London 

Sponsored by medi2data  

Kentish Town South PCN uses a data-driven approach to improve outcomes and tackle health inequalities. Projects include the Complete Care Communities Programme and an in-house arts and health charity. The PCN shares its learnings with both local authorities and guests from further afield including Singapore, Brazil and Egypt.      

Nurse/Nursing Team of the Year Award – WINNER: Dr Jennifer Loke, Park View Surgery East Riding of Yorkshire 

Jennifer has made exceptional contributions to patient care and general practice nursing excellence. As a Queen’s Nurse and champion of health equity, she transformed her practice through innovative initiatives including a Health/Well-being Patient Participation Group and Joint-Consultations.    

Pharmacist/Pharmacy Team of the Year – WINNER: South Sefton PCN Medicines Management Team 

The Medicines Management Hub is making a real difference in primary care by easing workloads and improving patient access to treatment. The Hub provides a supportive environment for mentoring and developing future pharmacy professionals, including trainee pharmacists and undergraduate students.   

Pharmacy Solutions Provider – WINNER: Virtual Pharmacist 

In February 2025, Virtual Pharmacist launched clinical hub operations for a Primary Care Network as part of a groundbreaking NHS pilot, bringing at-scale, remote pharmacist support to life. Their dedicated approach, fully integrated into each practice’s workflow, led to a dramatic increase in clinical tasks, medication reviews, and letters processed in just three months   

Extended Practice Team Member of the Year – WINNER: Carrieann Kirkup Carlisle Rural PCN 

Carrieann is committed to tackling health inequalities for patients with persistent pain. Many rely long-term opioids, often with limited alternatives, while long waits for secondary care worsen access. Carrieann is determined to make a meaningful impact in primary care. 

Legal Services Provider – WINNER: MDDUS 

MDDUS, the UK’s fastest-growing medical defence organisation over the past decade, represents around 65,000 members and handled 7,274 medical cases in 2023. Its 40-strong legal team—comprising lawyers, solicitors, and paralegals—supports healthcare professionals in clinical negligence claims, inquests, and GMC regulatory matters, with in-house medical advisers providing expert clinical insight and member support throughout each case.   

Workforce Wellbeing Award – WINNER: Compass House Medical Centres 

The Care Co-ordination Team has implemented a whiteboard system that empowers staff to assign daily roles themselves, fostering autonomy, collaboration, and flexibility. They also track positive patient interactions to celebrate the good in each day and have redesigned the phone rota to reduce fatigue while giving staff more influence over task planning.   

Sustainability In Practice Award – WINNER: Kineton and Tysoe Surgery South Warwickshire 

Kineton and Tysoe Surgery is a rural dispensing practice that has made sustainability central to its operations. By adopting digital solutions and redesigning access models, they reduce waste, minimize unnecessary travel, and enhance long-term care for a population with diverse access needs.   

Future Leader In General Practice – WINNER: Dr Zoyah Hussain Health Inequalities Champion GP 

Zoyah has led on some brilliant community and outreach work with families and children who often miss out on public health interventions. As well as doing a fantastic job of engaging these patients and ensuring our service is able to respond to their needs, Zoyah’s work has led to measurable improvements in vaccination rates in our population. 

Recruitment or Staffing Agency of the Year – WINNER: NASGP 

The NASGP is the only national membership organisation championing sessional and portfolio GPs and clinicians, all united by their NHS social heart. They engaged 96 main and branch GP practices and 83 local sessional GPs, delivering an impressive average of 288 GP sessions per month.    

Advancing Health Equity Award – WINNER: Little Lungs – Shaping Healthier Futures 

Little Lungs – Shaping Healthier Futures is a pioneering, pharmacist-led initiative that has transformed asthma care for children and young people in some of England’s most deprived communities. Working closely with families, GPs, and Birmingham Children’s Hospital, it proactively identifies and supports high-risk children who often face barriers to specialist respiratory care.   

AI-Powered Solutions Provider – WINNER: Heidi Health 

Heidi Health the UK’s largest GP, partnerships with over 50 sites and 360 GPs. In 2024 they launched the biggest clinical deployment of ambient AI. The results speak for themselves – massive cuts in documentation time, huge boosts in work-life balance, and stronger patient connections than ever before 

General Practice Team of the Year – WINNER: Modality East Surrey Medical Practice Team 

Sponsored by General Practice Solutions 

Modality East Surrey has achieved what many thought unachievable in today’s NHS – delivering timely, equitable access for all. Born from the merger of three independent surgeries, the team now serves over 38,000 patients with resilience, innovation, and a truly patient-centred approach.   

We also had Highly Commended accolades for the following awards: 

Extended Practice Team Member of the Year – HIGHLY COMMENDED: Lyndsay Steel, Lead General Practice Pharmacist, NHS Orkney 

Clinical Improvement Award: Long Term Conditions – HIGHLY COMMENDED: Dr Sian-Lee Ewan, Reimaging Primary Care Delivery for Diabetes 

Practice Manager of the Year – HIGHLY COMMENDED: Nicola Rice, Senior Practice Lead NPC Ponteland and Scott Ridley, Harefield Practice 

Sustainability in Practice Award – HIGHLY COMMENDED: The Elms Medical Practice  

Receptionist/Reception Team of the Year – HIGHLY COMMENDED: Central Medical Centre Reception Team 

Congratulations to all our winners, as well as those shortlisted.

Coverage from the General Practice Awards 2025 continues to be published across our media brands, Pulse, Pulse PCN, Nursing in Practice, The Pharmacist, Management in Practice and Healthcare Leader.

The awards will be back in 2026 with new categories, a new host, and lots of opportunities for you and your team to shine!

Meet the experts shaping the Community Pharmacy and GP Conference

Posted on by Bianca Pettifor

As we shape the programme for our Community Pharmacy and General Practice Conference, delivered in partnership with the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), we are delighted to introduce our Programme Advisory Committee.

Made up of respected leaders, innovators and frontline clinicians, the committee will guide a high-quality, relevant and implementable agenda that demonstrates how collaboration between community pharmacy and general practice can be strengthened.

Committee members have been purposefully drawn from organisations central to primary care transformation, including the NPA, Community Pharmacy England, the Primary Care Pharmacy Association, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, the PMA, The Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing, the BMA, Local Pharmaceutical and Medical Committees, ICBs and PCNs.

Their collective experience will ensure the conference focuses on the priorities that matter most to our audience, their teams, and the populations they serve.

Above all, they bring practical insight into how primary care sectors can work together as a seamless neighbourhood health service, where professional, technical and service boundaries are invisible to patients.

Programme Advisory Committee

  • Dr Wasim Baqir – Head of Pharmacy Integration, Primary Care, Vaccinations and Screening, NHS England
  • Danny Bartlett – Clinical Lead, Kent, Surrey & Sussex Primary Care School
  • Sukhi Basra – Vice Chair, National Pharmacy Association
  • Alastair Buxton – Director of NHS Services, Community Pharmacy England
  • Tracy Dell – Locum Practice Manager and Primary Care Trainer, PMA
  • Amandeep Doll – Director for England, Royal Pharmaceutical Society
  • Steve Gilbert OBE – Patient with Lived Experience of Serious Mental Illness & Racial Equalities Campaigner
  • Nick Kaye – Immediate Past Chair, National Pharmacy Association
  • Steph Lawrence MBE – Chief Executive, The Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing
  • Dr Bernie Marden – Chief Medical Officer, Somerset ICB
  • Joanne McMullen – Board Member, National Pharmacy Association – Northern Ireland
  • Dr Nick Merrifield – GP & Deputy Clinical Director, Southwest London Integrated Care System
  • Dr Julius Parker – Deputy Chair of GPC England, British Medical Association
  • Conor Price – Chief Executive, Community Pharmacy London
  • Sehar Shahid – Superintendent Pharmacist, Independent Prescriber, NPA Board Director (Scotland), Obesity Specialist Pharmacist
  • Dr Graham Stretch – President, Primary Care Pharmacy Association
  • David Thomas – Board Member, National Pharmacy Association – Wales

This national event will take place in Birmingham on 21 – 22 June 2026 and will welcome community pharmacists, GPs, practice managers, GP and PCN pharmacists, PCN and ICB leaders, nurses and more, for two days of real-world learning, implementable ideas, and meaningful relationship building. It will be promoted to audiences via Pulse, Pulse PCN, The Pharmacist, Nursing in Practice, Management in Practice and Healthcare Leader.

With unrivalled access to 100,000 HCPs working in general practice and primary care and 6,000 community pharmacies, the NPA and Cogora are two trusted organisations ideally placed to deliver an event designed to break silos, boost collaboration, and drive real change.

Partnership opportunities across the conference allow you to influence the direction of primary care and position your organisation as a trusted partner in transformation. Contact us today to discuss our full range of sponsorship opportunities.

Community Pharmacy and General Practice Conference, in partnership with the National Pharmacy Association

Posted on by Bianca Pettifor

In partnership with the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), Cogora have launched a new event, Community Pharmacy and General Practice Conference, bringing together 1,000+ professionals from across community pharmacy, general practice and wider primary care – redefining neighbourhood health.

Taking place 21-22 June 2026, at the National Conference Centre in Birmingham, this national event will welcome community pharmacists, GPs, practice managers, GP and PCN pharmacists, PCN and ICB leaders, Nurses and more, for two days of real-world learning, implementable ideas, and meaningful relationship building.

Stronger collaboration between community pharmacy and general practice is vital to the success of the NHS and the planned creation of a neighbourhood health service. When these professions work together, they combine unique clinical and medicine knowledge to increase access, improve patient care, open new business and service opportunities, and release capacity to deliver more proactive, preventative care.

Both sectors are under unprecedented pressure, with ongoing financial strain and rising patient demand, and neither can afford to face these challenges alone. This new, silo-busting event provides a platform for HCPs to share ideas and best practice, build stronger relationships and learn how they can capitalise on the inevitable shift of care out of hospitals and into the community.

The event will be promoted to our audience of primary care professionals via Pulse, Pulse PCN, The Pharmacist, Nursing in Practice, Management in Practice and Healthcare Leader.

With unrivalled access to 100,000 HCPs working in general practice and primary care and 6,000 community pharmacies, the NPA and Cogora are two trusted organisations ideally placed to deliver an event designed to break silos, boost collaboration, and drive real change.

Unlike traditional trade shows, the event will prioritise integration and meaningful relationships between pharmacy and general practice in pursuit of delivering the NHS 10-year health plan and neighbourhood healthcare. The agenda will be highly practical, showcasing case studies that demonstrate how policy can be translated into NHS practice – and how others can replicate that success.

Partnership opportunities across the Community Pharmacy and General Practice Conference allow you to influence the direction of primary care and position your organisation as a trusted partner in transformation.

Connect with key decision-makers, showcase your innovations, and support the NHS 10-year health plan while gaining critical insight to understand, influence, and position your organisation at the heart of meaningful primary care change.

Contact us today to discuss our full range of sponsorship opportunities.

Pulse and Management in Practice in the Press: General practice access

Posted on by Bianca Pettifor

The Pulse and Management in Practice surveys on changes to general practice access has been featured across the national media, including the Mail, the Telegraph and the Independent.

The survey of more than 400 practices in England revealed that GPs and practice managers had safety concerns around patients reporting urgent and life-threatening conditions through online consultation forms, which could potentially be missed. These included symptoms such as breathing difficulties, severe vomiting, acute abdominal and chest pain, and rectal bleeding, as well as feverish children.

It also revealed that practices are spending time equivalent to 200,000 appointments per week on implementing the changes, which contractually obliges them to ensure patients can submit online consultations throughout routine working hours.

Pulse and Management in Practice spoke to several GPs and practice managers about their experience, and many of their quotes were used in the national media coverage.

The story around safety concerns was featured in the Telegraph, the Mail, the Independent, MSN and Yahoo. Pulse reporter Harry Hetherington was also interviewed for bulletins through Radio News Hub, which provides the news for over 400 radio stations across the UK and internationally, with a listenership of 2.3 million per week.

The follow-up story on the number of appointments lost due to the changes was featured in the Daily Mail.

This followed Cogora’s white paper on access, which was launched at a Labour Party conference fringe in September, and is set to inform major GP contract negotiations.  

Since the start of 2024, Pulse has been cited more than 80 times in the national press, with its editorial team frequently appearing on national radio to discuss stories they have broken.

Pulse provides an indispensable and comprehensive range of trusted content that meets the needs of all GPs, through its political and financial news, cutting-edge investigations, clinical updates or practical business advice.

Management in Practice offers its audience of practice managers timely and insightful updates on political and financial matters affecting general practice, along with engaging expert opinions and case studies from industry leaders, to assist them in managing their practices effectively. 

Cogora’s Access All Areas White Paper unveiled at the Labour Party conference

Posted on by Bianca Pettifor

Cogora’s second major white paper was launched at an event during the Labour Party conference in Liverpool attended by MPs and some of the biggest names in general practice.

There were around 50 delegates at the Revolucion de Cuba bar in the Albert Docks on Monday 29 September, to hear a panel discussion around AI and GP access, and the launch of the Access All Areas white paper.

The report was hailed by the BMA’s GP lead negotiator as a ‘must read’ for ministers, who said the findings will be ‘central to our discussions with the Government’. Download the white paper in full here.

The panel discussion was chaired by Pulse editor in chief and author of the report Jaimie Kaffash, GPC England deputy chair Dr Samira Anane, GP and Stroud MP Dr Simon Opher, Londonwide LMCs CEO Dr Lisa Harrod-Rothwell and Re:State research manager and head of health Rosie Beacon.

The white paper is based on a survey of 2,000 general practice staff, interviews with more than 100 and an analysis of more than 25 data sets on each practice in England. It reveals that practice staff are facing more pressure and complaints around access since Covid, that initiatives such as extended hours have had negative effects of the quality of care and that appointment numbers are going up while patient satisfaction is going down.

The Access All Areas report calls for a complete reconfiguration of policy on general practice access, including:

  • Urgent reform of the Carr Hill funding formula to reflect deprivation.
  • Centralised staff funding, freeing government to invest without fear of ‘GP pay’ headlines.
  • Strengthening the GP partnership model by reducing personal risk and encouraging more GPs into leadership.
  • Ensuring GP practices remain GP-led, preventing hospital trusts from taking over routine care via neighbourhood health centres.
  • Investment to modernise small practices, which deliver higher satisfaction and continuity.
  • Consolidating funding into simple capitation payments with ringfenced staff costs.
  • Shifting the debate from ‘more appointments’ to better care, built on continuity.

Report author and Pulse editor in chief Jaimie Kaffash says: ‘Our research shows that high-performing practices don’t succeed by chasing appointment numbers – they succeed by focusing on continuity, quality, and what their patients actually need. If government really wants to improve GP access, it must trust practices, fund them fairly, and stop reducing general practice to a numbers game.’

Dr Katie Bramall, chair, BMA GP Committee (England), who leads on negotiating for the GP profession in England, said: ‘The Cogora Access All Areas report has been published at the perfect moment. It is a vital tool for understanding the severe mismatch between demand and capacity in GP practices across England. It provides a stark and evidence-based picture of the pressures facing GPs, their teams and on the communities and patients who rely on them.’ 

‘The report’s findings will be central to our discussions with government, particularly around the urgent need for more flexibility, resource and workforce sustainability. It’s a must read for any commissioner or MP – not least Mr Streeting.’

Dr Steve Taylor, GP spokesperson for the Doctors Association UK, said: ‘This report is an excellent addition to the gathering evidence of General Practice providing more with less. It also highlights the importance of listening to GPs providing care on the ground and the feedback that those patients give. 

‘There is need for an alternative 10 year plan than provides a clear direction from the bottom up not the top down. Reading this report is an essential part of thinking through how things should be set for the future of patient care.’

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, Vice Chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: ‘Clear, well-researched reports, such as this, are vital for getting the message across to politicians and decision makers about what the situation is really like in general practice, to highlight challenges and suggest solutions to address them. This report is particularly useful in making clear that issues around GP access are not simple, and that a multi-faceted approach will be needed to enhance GP access for patients.’

Kay Keane, Chair, Institute of General Practice Managemen, said: ‘Improving access is essential, but it cannot be reduced to appointment numbers or digital portals. Practice managers see first-hand that real progress comes from sustainable funding, safe use of technology, and trusting practices to tailor access to their communities. Without transparency and investment in the workforce, new policies risk raising expectations without improving patient care. This report serves to shine a light on some of these long-standing issues and calls for clear urgent solutions particularly around funding.’

Commercial partner of this white paper: General Practice Solutions

Cogora will be continuing to produce more of these heavyweight reports throughout 2026, using our knowledge of primary care data and unparalleled access to professionals within the sector.

For more information on these reports and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Jaimie Kaffash [email protected].  

Cogora Events: Upcoming events and plans for 2026

Posted on by Bianca Pettifor

As the festive season approaches, so does one of the most significant dates in Cogora’s events calendar: the General Practice Awards, now celebrating its 17th year.

On Thursday 5 December, healthcare leaders will gather at the Novotel London West for the prestigious General Practice Awards. Sponsorship opportunities remain available across a number of key award categories, including:

  • Workforce Wellbeing Award
  • Digital Innovation Award
  • Advancing Health Equity
  • PCN of the Year
  • Clinical Improvement Awards in Long-Term Conditions, Mental Health, and Public Health & Prevention

Align your brand with excellence in primary care and demonstrate your commitment to the sector. For more information, visit General Practice Awards or contact [email protected].

Still to come in 2025
There are 17 Cogora Events remaining this year, hosted both online and in-person across the UK. Highlights include our first-ever Pulse LIVE Belfast, taking place at the Crowne Plaza Belfast on 6 November. Sponsorship and exhibition opportunities are still available.

Looking ahead: 2026 calendar
We are excited to announce that our flagship London events – Pulse LIVE, Pulse PCN, and Nursing in Practice London – will move to a new venue, the Business Design Centre in Islington, running 28–30 April 2026.

Other confirmed 2026 dates include:

  • Pulse LIVE Leeds – 18 March
  • Management in Practice Manchester – 2 June
  • Management in Practice & Pulse Birmingham – 9–10 June

In addition, Cogora is proud to launch a brand-new event in partnership with the National Pharmacy Association (NPA). Community Pharmacy + General Practice will take place at the National Conference Centre, Birmingham, on 21–22 June 2026, bringing together more than 1,000 professionals from across community pharmacy, general practice, and wider primary care. The event aims to strengthen collaboration across the sector and support delivery of the NHS 10-Year Health Plan.

Stay tuned for the release of our full 2026 events calendar. To explore sponsorship and partnership opportunities, please contact [email protected].

Cogora Access All Areas White Paper

Posted on by Bianca Pettifor

Our Access All Areas White Paper is the latest from Cogora’s editorial and insight. GP access is the biggest issue facing patients in the NHS. Bringing together the knowledge and reach of all our award-winning primary care brands, Cogora’s latest white paper covers the issue in a way it has never been covered.

While access is usually and understandably seen from the point of view of patients, this white paper uses Cogora’s unmatched reach of primary care professionals to produce a comprehensive, in-depth look into it from the standpoint of those dealing with the issue of a day-to-day basis – general practice staff.

We have surveyed more than 2,000 primary care professionals, conducted interviews with more than 100 and analysed more than 20 sets of data on every practice in England to develop a series of recommendations on how we can solve the problems around access.

The report asks what access is, looking at all the various forms, from waiting times, to appointments with GPs, to face-to-face consultations and being able to contact the practice through the phone or online. It looks into what patients prioritise around access, and what general practice staff see as most important.

We ask whether there can be a system in which GP practices can offer everything require – face to face appointments with the appropriate member of staff at a convenient time – while maintaining quality of care. We look at systemic issues around workforce, funding, deprivation and patient demographics to see what is holding practices back, and how policy-makers can address structural barriers.

The report evaluates the various schemes that have been implemented to improve access, and looks at what has been lost in the rush for more appointments. It concludes by looking at the importance of continuity of care, and provides policy-makes with a list of potential solutions.

Download the white paper in full here.

This is the second major white paper produced by Cogora, following our report on workforce in January 2025. This paper launches today at a panel event in Liverpool during the Labour Party conference, which will be attended by GP leaders and MPs.

This report is coming out at a vital time for general practice. The Government’s 10 Year Plan proposes a reconfiguration of general practice, and the most significant GP contract negotiations for more than 20 years are due to take place before the end of this Parliament. This report is going to inform the debate at this crucial time.

Commercial partner of this white paper: General Practice Solutions

Cogora will be continuing to produce more of these heavyweight reports throughout 2026, using our knowledge of primary care data and unparalleled access to professionals within the sector.

For more information on these reports and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Jaimie Kaffash [email protected].  

General Practice Awards 2025 Shortlist is announced

Posted on by Bianca Pettifor

The shortlist for the General Practice Awards 2025 has been revealed, once again shining a spotlight on the innovation, dedication and passion of primary and community care teams across the UK.

Last year’s ceremony welcomed more than 570 guests from across healthcare for a night of celebration, recognising those delivering outstanding patient care. This year, hundreds of entries were submitted, with judges facing the difficult task of scoring an exceptionally strong field. GP Team of the Year, GP of the Year and Digital Innovation remained among the most popular categories.

This year also saw the launch of three new categories: The Future Leader Award, the Advancing Health Equity Award, and the Workforce Wellbeing Award, all of which received fantastic inaugural entries. Take a look to find out about our wonderful General Practice Awards finalists.

We have also received great nominations in the Supplier Award categories, covering telecoms providers, legal service providers, recruiters, pharmacy services, AI-powered solutions providers and digital solutions providers. We saw a number of new companies taking part this year which is a great sign of the reach of the GP Awards. We also have the supplier shortlist open for public voting. Make sure you have your voice heard by voting now.

More details about our shortlisted nominees will be revealed across our media brands – Pulse, Pulse PCN, Nursing in Practice, The Pharmacist, Management in Practice, Healthcare Leader – in the coming weeks, so do stay tuned. Follow along on the night via our Instagram and LinkedIn accounts to get live updates as the winners are announced.

The General Practice Awards 2025 ceremony will take place on Friday 5th December at the Novotel London West. Tickets are now on sale.

Good luck to all those shortlisted!

Cogora launches new Native Ad placement

Posted on by Bianca Pettifor

Cogora are excited to announce the launch of a new Native Ads placement, giving our clients even greater opportunities to engage healthcare professionals in a seamless, impactful way.

These text-based ad creatives run across both desktop and mobile, appearing as a leaderboard ad across article pages – prominently positioned above the article title.

To ensure the most integrated experience for readers, Cogora will create the ad using copy provided by the client. No client branding will be included, allowing the ads to appear as naturally as possible within the editorial environment.

With their highly visible placement and integrated format, Native Ads are designed to drive stronger brand awareness and deliver your key messages directly within the content journey of our audience.

This new offering is available across all our media brands, Pulse, Pulse PCN, Nursing in Practice, The Pharmacist, Management in Practice, Healthcare Leader, Hospital Pharmacy Europe, and Hospital Healthcare Europe. 

For more information on Native Ads and how they can support your campaign objectives, please contact us today.

Your Autumn line-up of Cogora Events

Posted on by Bianca Pettifor

As summer packs in, our autumn programme of events is set to deliver a fresh season of learning, networking, and inspiration. With 17 Cogora Events still to come this year, there are plenty of opportunities to connect with healthcare professionals across the UK, before 2026 kicks off.

In-person Cogora Events return with Management in Practice Newcastle and Pulse Live & PCN Newcastle, 16-17 September, alongside Management in Practice London later that month. October and November then see us in Liverpool, Glasgow and Belfast, before closing the season with a double-header in Liverpool for Pulse Live and Nursing in Practice, 18-19 November.

Virtual events are in full swing too, with Nursing in Practice Virtual events on women’s health, 7 October, and chronic conditions and respiratory disease, 25 November. For those looking to engage with GPs, the Pulse Virtual series covers everything from chronic disease management in September, women’s health in October, dermatology in November, and women’s health and urology in December.

Other highlights include Management in Practice Virtual: Tech and AI on 21 October, HHE Clinical Excellence on Respiratory Disease on 13 November, and of course the 17th General Practice Awards in London — a chance to celebrate healthcare excellence and showcase your support by sponsoring a category. The winners’ shortlist for healthcare professionals’ and suppliers’ award categories – 22 in total – is to be announced imminently!

And looking beyond the autumn, watch this space — the first dates for our 2026 Cogora Events programme will be announced very soon. For sponsorship opportunities, get in touch with Edward Burkle.

Cogora in the Press: Reducing the use of physician associates

Posted on by Bianca Pettifor

An exclusive survey by Pulse, Pulse PCN and Management in Practice revealing that one in five PCNs have reduced their use of physician associates in the past year has been picked up by the national media – including BBC News, The Independent and the Evening Standard.

The survey polled our community of GPs and practice managers via Pulse, Pulse PCN and Management in Practice, with 21% of respondents from 425 distinct PCNs reporting a reduction in physician associates in the last 12 months.

Of those, many cited the restrictions on what work PAs can undertake independently as having limited their use in general practice, while others stated that these restrictions mean PAs need too much supervision that practices don’t have the resources to provide.

Responding to the survey, one GP said: ‘We had a PA but now don’t use them because of the change in guidance. We can’t afford to pay someone with such limited scope.’ Another said they’d been forced to make their physician associate redundant ‘primarily due to the additional time needed to support the role, as the BMA made it impossible for them to work independently’.  

The results have appeared on BBC Breakfast (7:12) and in The Independent and the Evening Standard.

Pulse provides an indispensable and comprehensive range of trusted content that meets the needs of all GPs, through its political and financial news, cutting-edge investigations, clinical updates or practical business advice.

Management in Practice offers the latest incisive news, features, opinions, and business insight, gathered specifically for practice managers, GPs and those with management responsibilities working in GP surgeries.

Branded Content

Posted on by Bianca Pettifor

Across our media brands, clients can collaborate with our trusted editorial team to craft high-quality, compelling articles that align with their brand’s message.

Branded content pieces are designed to inform and engage your target healthcare audience, while reflecting the client’s core messaging and areas of expertise.

The partnership allows clients the flexibility to select topics that support their strategic objectives, while leveraging one of our media brand’s editorial tone, credibility, and audience reach.

Our editorial team worked closely with the client to shape each article’s narrative, ensuring the content is authentic, informative, and engaging – not promotional. Once published as an editorial feature, each article is promoted across our channels – online and via newsletters – offering access to a highly engaged and loyal readership.

Branded content is ideal for thought leadership, product storytelling, or positioning your brand around key themes in a way that feels organic and value-driven to readers.

Covering primary and secondary care markets, our portfolio of market-leading brands reach unrivalled numbers of HCPs. We listen to what they tell us and take notice of what they respond to, allowing us to communicate effectively with your target audience.

Explore our recent case study showcasing how the Medical Defense Society partnered with Pulse to deliver a Branded Content piece that highlights their expertise and deep understanding of the challenges faced by GPs today.

This new offering is available via Pulse, Pulse PCN, Nursing in Practice, The Pharmacist, Management in Practice, Healthcare Leader, Hospital Pharmacy Europe, and Hospital Healthcare Europe. For more information about branded content pieces, please contact us today.

Management in Practice handbook to provide support for GP practices planning a premises refurb

Posted on by Bianca Pettifor

Management in Practice has today launched a practice handbook to help GP practices navigate the complex processes of extending or renovating their surgery.

Management in Practice has produced the expert-written handbook – its first ever on the topic of GP premises – to equip practice managers and GPs with vital know-how about the steps to take when planning a major refurb, including on how to access funding.

The handbook called Renovate, revamp, develop – a guide to improving GP premises is produced in association with Darwin Group.

It has been published hot on the heels of a Government announcement that £102m has been allocated to more than 1,000 practices in England to upgrade their premises and improve patient facilities.

Research has underlined the urgent need for improvements to be made to the general practice estate. For example, a 2023 survey from the Royal College of General Practitioners revealed that four in 10 GPs are seeing their patients in practice premises that are outdated and ‘unfit for purpose’.

And Cogora’s white paper on the general practice workforce, published earlier this year, highlighted that lack of premises space is inhibiting practice’s ability to recruit more staff, including GPs.

However, remodelling and upgrading a GP surgery is a time consuming, costly and complicated project for practice managers to take on.

This free handbook aims to provide clarity on the end-to-end process, offering useful information on the many stages and issues to think about. It includes:

  • An overview of the steps to take from planning to completion of the new space or new build
  • Tips and advice on accessing grants and other financial assistance
  • How to write a winning business case to secure NHS approval and funding for a refurb project
  • Helpful hints on how to source and work with suppliers.

Rima Evans, editor of Management in Practice, said: ‘We know that many GP surgeries lack adequate space to be able to properly accommodate their teams, so they can deliver quality care to patients.

‘The decision to extend or renovate can bring many benefits for both patients and staff. But it can feel like a daunting prospect since it’s a project that demands time, money and energy.

‘This guide aims to be an easy-access resource for practice managers and GPs looking for vital information they need to help them through that process.’

Management in Practice offers the latest incisive news, features, opinions, and business insight, gathered specifically for practice managers, GPs and those with management responsibilities working in GP surgeries.

For more information on our upcoming reports and sponsorship opportunities, please contact us today.

Management in Practice shortlisted at the PPA Awards 2025

Posted on by Bianca Pettifor

We are pleased to announce that Management in Practice has been shortlisted for the Community Engagement Award at the PPA Awards 2025.

The Community Engagement Award focuses on recognising the value of specialist media audiences, such as the GP practice manager community, who trust and engage with the content of specialist media brands.

Our PPA Awards entry for Management in Practice highlighted how its news and information website, newsletters and events programme are all finely tuned to meet the niche needs of GP practice managers, who have in recent years undergone a profound transformation to become the main decision makers, leaders, and business experts in GP surgeries.  

A greater focus on content that offers reliable industry insight and practical support combined with in-person events that allow practice managers to take a rare day out, catch up with peers and hear about new ideas and innovations has strengthened their engagement with the brand. 2024 saw a 41% growth in newsletter subscribers compared with 2023 and an increase in attendees at Management in Practice Events.

However, Management in Practice’s focus has gone beyond that, with a goal to actively champion and support the PM profession, whose role can be isolating and underappreciated. This has been reflected in our coverage of practice managers’ campaigning activity on issues such as fair pay for all staff and for greater investment to stem the closure of surgeries.

Our Management in Practice-sponsored annual Practice Manager of the Year award, part of Cogora’s General Practice Awards, reinforces the brand’s commitment to celebrating this dedicated community and showcasing their achievements.

Management in Practice offers the latest incisive news, features, opinions, and business insight, gathered specifically for practice managers, GPs and those with management responsibilities working in GP surgeries. Through our website and events, practice managers are kept in the know about all aspects of running a practice, including on finances and QOF, efficiency, managing the workforce, recruitment, looking after the premises, technology, CQC inspections and more.

The PPA Awards champion businesses and individuals across the sector, recognising work across UK consumer brands and business media.

The winners will be announced at an event in London on June 25th 2025.

Pulse and Management in Practice in the Press: GP practice collective action

Posted on by Bianca Pettifor

Our exclusive survey carried out by Pulse and Management in Practice has been picked up by the national press, revealing that more than four in 10 GP practices are limiting patient appointments as part of collective action to bring about better terms and conditions.

In the survey carried out by Pulse and Management in Practice, we received responses from 660 different GP practices – about one in 10 in England.

The survey revealed that almost three quarters of England’s GPs (70%) are currently taking some form of collective action.

Only 7% said they are not planning on taking part, and 13% are currently still considering which of the BMA-recommended actions they are willing to take.

The survey showed that one of the most common actions taken by practices is limiting appointments per GP, with 41% of practices already having this measure in place, and 29% currently considering implementing it.

A GP partner who wishes to remain anonymous told us that his practice in Huntingdonshire is looking to intensify its action, after having already served notice of voluntary services and stopped rationing referrals.

He said: ‘If the Government does nothing, we may intensify our action. Wes Streeting does not understand how strongly grassroots doctors feel about this. We are looking to intensify our action as the Government appear not to understand our resolve on this issue.’

The survey results from Pulse and Management in Practice were picked up by the Telegraph, the Standard, Daily Mail, Express & Star, and ITV News.

Pulse provides an indispensable and comprehensive range of trusted content that meets the needs of all GPs, through its political and financial news, cutting-edge investigations, clinical updates or practical business advice.

Management in Practice offers the latest incisive news, features, opinions, and business insight, gathered specifically for practice managers, GPs and those with management responsibilities working in GP surgeries.