Pulse in Focus Podcast: How significant is the GP contract negotiations overhaul? 

Our latest episode of Pulse in Focus: The Podcast for GPs is now live, covering the GP contract negotiations and whether GPs should lower elderly antibiotic prescribing threshold.

In our latest episcode, Pulse editor Sofia Lind and senior journalist Maya Dhillon reflect on the recent breakdown in the relationship between the BMA and the Government following months of growing animosity between the two.

Following Pulse’s exclusive reporting on the BMA losing its exclusive negotiating position for the 2026/27 GP contract, the pair look at how we got to this point, and what the new stakeholder consultation model could mean for the profession.

Sofia is then joined by GP and Pulse clinical adviser Dr Keith Hopcroft to discuss whether GPs should really have a lower threshold for prescribing antibiotics in older people. This comes following the publication of England’s chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty’s annual report – this year into infectious diseases.

And to round things off, Maya and Sofia check in with general practice in Northern Ireland following their visit to Pulse LIVE Belfast last month – with clips featuring RCGP NI chair Dr Ursula Mason; and the GMC’s chair and chief executive Dame Carrie McEwen and Charlie Massey.

Pulse in Focus: The Podcast for GPs is hosted on Buzzsprout but you can find it wherever you get your podcasts. Listen to the full episcode here.

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. Last month, the podcast explored the argument for increasing deprived-area GP funding; and the opportunities and pitfalls associated with plans for menopause to be added to the NHS Health Check.