Podcast - Ruth Rankine - Collaborative Innovations in General Practice
Release Date: 02/10/2025
Podcast – Freddie Charrington – From Problem to Platform: Building 'Dispensary Market'
The General Practice Podcast
In this week's episode, Ben is joined by Dr Freddie Charrington, GP Partner at Phoenix Health Group in Tetbury, to discuss the growing financial challenges facing dispensing practices, and how the practice transformed its dispensary from near break-even to sustainable profitability. Freddie shares how he unexpectedly became dispensary lead soon after becoming a partner and was tasked with determining whether the service should continue at all. Working alongside his dispensary team, family members and a data scientist, Freddie developed ‘Dispensary Market’, a tool that compares drug prices...
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Podcast – Practice Index – Why Appraisals Matter in General Practice
The General Practice Podcast
In this week’s episode, brought to you in partnership with Practice Index, we welcome back podcast regulars Claire Houston & Robyn Clark to explore why appraisals are a vital part of staff development in general practice, and how to make them meaningful rather than just a tick-box exercise. They discuss whether ‘appraisal season’ is helpful or whether reviews should be spread throughout the year, how to structure objectives so they align with wider practice goals, and why appraisals should never contain surprises. The conversation covers practical tips on preparation, 360° feedback,...
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Podcast – Catherine Pope – Access to General Practice: What Works, What Lasts, and Why
The General Practice Podcast
In this episode, Ben is joined by Catherine Pope, Professor of Medical Sociology at Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, to explore how access to general practice really works in practice and what happens to appointment systems over time. Drawing on over 30 years of research and findings from a recent study, the discussion examines the sustainability of different access models, the legacy of initiatives such as Advanced Access, and why practices continually adapt systems to manage demand. The episode explores the limitations of top-down, standardised and digital first...
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Podcast – Dr Zalan Alam – How Rochdale Is Implementing the National Neighbourhood Programme
The General Practice Podcast
In the first episode of 2026, Ben is joined by Dr Zalan Alam, General Practitioner, Director of Medical Education and GP Partner, to explore Rochdale’s selection as a site for the National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme (NNHIP) and what this means in practice for general practice and PCNs. The discussion focuses on improving patient journeys, particularly for frail patients and those in the last year or 1,000 days of life, by strengthening connectivity between primary care, community services, hospices, ambulance services and acute trusts, using standardised frailty...
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Podcast – Judy Oliver – The Role of the Voluntary Sector in General Practice
The General Practice Podcast
In this episode, Ben is joined by Judy Oliver from Oliver & Company to discuss the role of the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector in healthcare and general practice. Judy explains why the voluntary sector is essential yet often misunderstood. She explores how social prescribing and asset mapping can better connect patients with non-clinical support, highlights successful collaborative models such as the Bromley by Bow Centre, and discusses the challenges VCSE organisations face around funding and visibility. The conversation focuses on practical ways PCNs and...
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Podcast – Practice Index – Budget Changes Unpacked
The General Practice Podcast
In this week’s episode, brought to you in partnership with Practice Index, we’re joined by Claire Houston from Practice Index, Paul Gordon from Atomos, and James Gransby from Azets to break down what the latest budget really means for general practice. We explore how tools like the salary calculator and benchmarking manager can support smarter decision making as practices respond to rising costs. They also look closely at how these budget changes affect personal finances, from the withdrawal of personal allowances for high earners to the long term impact of frozen tax thresholds....
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Podcast – Ben Gowland – Why PCNs Should Lead the Way with Neighborhood Meetings
The General Practice Podcast
In this solo episode, Ben explores how PCNs can transform their role within the local healthcare system by taking the lead in organising neighborhood meetings. Moving beyond the limits of bilateral conversations, Ben explains how these gatherings can unite stakeholders, such as ambulance trusts and mental health services, to drive collaboration, set shared priorities, and influence the direction of neighborhood healthcare planning before formal mandates take shape. With practical advice on starting small, building trust, and fostering genuine partnership, this episode offers tips for...
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Podcast – Dr Hannan Chaudery – How GP Triage Is Transforming Patient Access in the NHS
The General Practice Podcast
Can AI truly transform how patients access healthcare? In this episode, Ben is joined by Dr Hannan Chaudery, Chief Technology Officer of GP Triage, to explore how autonomous AI is reshaping patient care across the NHS. Hannan explains how GP Triage’s innovative system prioritises appointments based on clinical urgency, easing the pressure on receptionists and clinicians while improving patient outcomes. With the NHS now requiring online consultations, GP Triage’s AI powered triage is leading the way in managing surging demand efficiently and effectively, and adapting seamlessly to the...
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Podcast – Practice Index – Navigating CQC Inspections with Confidence
The General Practice Podcast
In this week’s episode, brought to you in partnership with Practice Index, we welcome back podcast regular Claire Houston and returning guest Kay Keane from Urban Village Medical Practice, a practice that recently achieved an Outstanding CQC rating. Together, they share practical advice and real experiences from the CQC inspection process, from innovative community services to managing the pressures of staff questionnaires and documentation. Kay offers a candid look at how preparation, teamwork, and a strong practice culture can make all the difference. Claire highlights how practices can...
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Podcast – Debbie Hipps – Innovations in Genomic Medicine and Its Impact on Care
The General Practice Podcast
This week, Dr. Debbie Hipps, a pioneering GP and primary care lead, joins Ben to explore how genomic medicine is transforming general practice. From enhancing risk assessments, family history evaluations, and cancer treatments to driving the NHS’s shift from reactive to preventative care, Debbie highlights the urgent need for GPs and pharmacists to upskill in this fast-evolving field. We discuss practical tools like the Genomics Education Programme, real-world examples such as managing Lynch syndrome, and the broader challenges of integrating genomics into primary care, while looking ahead...
info_outlineUnlock the secrets to revolutionising general practice with Ruth Rankine from the NHS Confederation, as she guides us through the intricate web of healthcare innovation and policy shaping. Learn how Ruth's pivotal role empowers her to engage with key stakeholders to drive transformative changes across the healthcare landscape. Discover the unique position of the NHS Confederation compared to the General Practitioners Committee, with a focus that extends beyond individual practices to embrace a diverse array of primary care providers. Ruth offers a candid look at the current landscape of general practice, highlighting the dynamic challenges and opportunities healthcare providers face amidst evolving governmental policies. With a focus on strategic co-production, community infrastructure, and organisational development, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of primary care and the path towards creating a resilient healthcare system.
Introduction (00:09)
A day in Ruth's life.. (01:18)
Influencing on behalf of members (02:37)
The difference between you & the GPC? (03:53)
The current situation for General Practice (05:02)
What does the government want from General Practice? (07:20)
General Practice & Neighbourhood teams.. (11:46)
Coordination of organisations.. (14:03)
How will collaborations work for local systems? (16:59)
Do collaborations exist everywhere? (21:08)
Next steps.. (23:03)
Getting in touch.. (25:13)
Visit the NHS Confederation website here.
For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.