General Practice Management: Fit for the Future (Manchester)

Following an independent survey by Open Forum Events, the General Practice Management: Fit for the Future conference has been specifically designed to cover the key issues that Practice Managers and colleagues working in a primary care management role highlighted in their survey responses. With their views in mind the programme has been developed to give delegates attending an up to date and essential briefing on all the very latest developments in this constantly changing working environment.

In recent times the NHS has undergone considerable re-organisation and it would appear that there is significantly more to come. The emphasis on healthcare provision continues to migrate to primary care with increased responsibility on general practice to meet patient needs.

Modern general practices are increasingly run as businesses and, like any other companies, there needs to be strong strategic and operational control with the practice managers taking the lead. The management function is inherently complex, however constant revision of requirements, regulations and frameworks adds to challenging workloads.

General practice accounts for 90% of all patient contacts and the number of appointments are on the increase, and yet funding is falling. The system of funding general practice has been subject to change along with other contractual revisions such as greater online service provision, named GPs for over 75s, and publication of GP earnings. With the new CQC inspections now being implemented and new models of working on the horizon there is much for practice managers to consider. In challenging times managing staff morale, retention and recruitment – particularly GP recruitment – is vital to delivering patient focused primary services.

Following consultation with practice managers, this half day conference, General Practice Management: Fit for the Future will address the major concerns of those in general practice and primary care management. A series of presentations will explore current issues and examine future challenges, whilst pioneering case studies will share the success and pitfalls of innovative practice. The programme is designed to offer delegates valuable insight and knowledge to enhance their existing skills and support their professional roles within the ever evolving, fast paced environment of primary care management.