GP TechLead

From 1 October, GPs in England will once again be in formal dispute with the Government. For some, this may sound like yet another contractual argument, but to those of us working on the frontline, it represents something far more fundamental: the right to deliver care that is safe, sustainable, and properly resourced. The Breaking Point General practice has been stretched to its limits for years. We are delivering record numbers of appointments—millions more than pre-pandemic—with fewer doctors, growing patient lists, and mounting complexity. Every GP knows the daily grind of trying to do more with less, while still giving each patient the attention they deserve. Now, with the latest imposed contract, the Government wants us to take on 24/7 online access and new digital obligations —without proper safeguards or funding. On paper, this looks like progress. In reality, it risks pushing already fragile practices over the edge. The Real Issue Isn’t Access—It’s Safety Let’s be clea...

Research has always been at the heart of medicine, but it isn’t confined to academic centres or hospitals. General practice provides a unique environment for research—one that reflects the diversity and complexity of real-world healthcare. Yet many GPs are unsure how to get involved or assume that research is “for others.” In reality, there are many practical—and profitable—ways to bring research into your practice. 

The 2023/24 GP pay figures are in, and they tell a story of two very different experiences: partners finally saw a strong uplift, while salaried GPs slipped behind in real terms. Both outcomes make sense when you look closer.