Liam Loftus

The partnership model in general practice predates the NHS. Is now the time to change it? The partnership model in general practice in England has been in place since before the NHS was formed, but its future is uncertain. The number of GP partners has fallen significantly, and relatively ...

With the numbers of GP partners falling significantly, and relatively few early career GPs aspiring to the role, our new briefing from @becksfisher.bsky.social looks at whether it’s time to change the GP partnership model.
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/resource/the...

That is a very, very interesting perspective. Thank you very much for sharing it!

Up next at #NTSummit: Is the GP partnership model fit for purpose?

@nigel-edwards.bsky.social, @becksfisher.bsky.social, @drkatie.bsky.social, @liamloftus.bsky.social and Richard Sloggett are about to debate the pros and cons of the current model.

Watch now: buff.ly/3EMgXuR

We're at a crossroads, says @liamloftus.bsky.social. Carry on as we are, partnership won't exist in 15 years. Young GPs like the positive things which come with partnership, but the risk/reward ratio is skewed too heavily to risk - the financial cost, the personal toll. #NTSummit

The partnership model in general practice predates the NHS. Is now the time to change it? The partnership model in general practice in England has been in place since before the NHS was formed, but its future is uncertain. The number of GP partners has fallen significantly, and relatively ...

Very good points, Phil!
Some excellent work by @becksfisher.bsky.social out today on the numbers, particularly the number of early career GPs who are (or are not) becoming partners when compared to previous generation.

www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/resource/the...

Now seems like a particularly important time to resist polarisation and to encourage nuance.

I’m excited to have this conversation - and publish a paper on the future of partnership - tomorrow #ntsummit

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...

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

Is the #GP partnership model fit for purpose? #NTSummit 🩺

Hear from @nigel-edwards.bsky.social @becksfisher.bsky.social @drkatie.bsky.social @liamloftus.bsky.social & Richard Sloggett at our Summit.

Livestream info: buff.ly/3EMgXuR

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.

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...

I completely agree there’s the sharp rise in activity.
I also agree that the fall in % of NHS spend on general practice has been damaging. On the latter, I really hope the money pre-Christmas that reverses this trend is a sign of things to come 🤞

A very interesting debate - thanks Steve!

This PCN (non-ARRS) funding can then be used by the PCN to employ staff (including GPs), which will in turn increase practice activity.

If I've understood correctly, I still think it's a bit confusing to exclude PCN funding from calcs, but include activity which has been paid for using PCN funding.

Thanks Steve.
I see. So ARRS alone accounts for some but not all of the activity increase.

But in addition to ARRS, there is other funding attached to being a part of a PCN, such as the Core PCN Funding payment, and the Capacity and Access Support Payment.

It feels a little confusing to exclude PCN sources when it comes to funding, but then include PCN sources when it comes to activity.
That's providing I'm not missing something?
Cheers Steve!

Thanks for the reply Steve!

I understand your numbers, but you talk about providing 20% more appointments with 20% less funding.
Are a big portion of those 20% extra appointments not undertaken by staff employed by non-"GP practice funding," such as via the ARRS scheme?

The elective recovery plan: a view from general practice This week’s elective recovery plan was published at a very busy time for the NHS, including in general practice, where there will have been strong interest in the plan. Dr Becks Fisher, Director of Re...

The #NHS elective recovery plan isn’t just about hospitals.

Thoughts 👇🏻 from a #generalpractice perspective

www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/news-item/th...

The graph you shared with me (below) showed a real terms increase in overall general practice funding over the time period you state.

As we know, general practice funding is a very complex area to get our heads around, so do say if I'm missing something.

Graph: www.health.org.uk/reports-and-...

Hi Steve, hope you don't mind me asking...
Do you think saying GP practices receive 20% less funding is an accurate representation of the full picture?
Would it be more accurate to say one funding source (core GP contract) has fallen, but others have risen, resulting in a real-terms increase?

What works to improve health and digital literacy in disadvantaged groups  - Health Equity Evidence Centre Digital health literacy is becoming increasingly important as more health information is shared through digital platforms. However, many individuals face challenges in accessing digital devices and un...

✅ Focused support: Tailored approaches for older adults & those with mental health challenges.

Curious to learn more?

Check out our evidence brief for detailed recommendations: www.heec.co.uk/resource/wha...

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✅ Cultural & language tailoring: Materials in multiple languages & relevant to communities
✅ Visual aids: Pictograms, animations, & narrated videos
✅ Sustained training: Long-term programs meeting real-world needs
✅ Digital tools: Pair literacy training with access to personal health records

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At the Health Equity Evidence Centre, we recently explored this in an evidence brief! 📚

Our focus:
What can policymakers & practitioners do to meaningfully improve health & digital literacy in underserved communities?

So, what works? 👇

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Earlier this week, the Reforming Elective Care for Patients plan emphasised care becoming increasingly digital, and the need to address digital inequalities. 💻📉

This raises a critical question:
❓ What works to improve health & digital literacy in disadvantaged groups? ❓

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All of this information is very helpful. Thank you so much for sharing!

This is really interesting - thanks for sharing Steve. 👍

The 18-25% real terms funding loss since 2015 - do you know whether that figure is based only on money going into general practice? Do you know whether it takes into account money practices receive via PCNs?

I see - that is interesting. Thank you for taking the time to share this insight - much appreciated

Interesting. Do you know of any maths that would back this up?

@drstevetaylor.bsky.social’s numbers below would suggest it’s a pretty significant uplift, after accounting for budget and inflation?

bsky.app/profile/drst...

I agree - I don’t think this alone will fix everything, but I do think it’s a big step in the right direction 🤞

Do you think last week’s uplift announcement will help here, Steve? It won’t fix everything, but a big step in the right direction?

Population-health impact of new drugs recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in England during 2000–20: a retrospective analysis During 2000–20, NHS coverage of new drugs displaced more population health than it generated. Our results highlight the inherent trade-offs between individuals who directly benefit from new drugs and those who forgo health due to the reallocation of resources towards new drugs.

Very interesting. Have you seen this study published in The Lancet this week?

www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...

“Our results highlight the inherent trade-offs between individuals who directly benefit from new drugs and those who forgo health due to the reallocation of resources towards new drugs.”

Fairer funding for general practice in England: what’s the problem, why is it so hard to fix, and what should the government do?

Read our briefing about why the outdated Carr-Hill formula should be replaced: https://buff.ly/3ZC1Mva

That is very understandable…!
I’m optimistic - increasing the percentage of the NHS budget directed to general practice feels significant, and a positive step on the shift “from hospital to community.” Hopefully more to follow!