Liam Loftus
liamloftus.bsky.social
Liam Loftus
@liamloftus.bsky.social
GP, Cambridge | Associate Director, Health Equity Evidence Centre | Development Director, Cambridge City Foodbank | Co-lead, The Big GP Consultation | Former NMD's Clinical Fellow, NHS England
That is a very, very interesting perspective. Thank you very much for sharing it!
March 7, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Reposted by Liam Loftus
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
March 7, 2025 at 9:32 AM
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...
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 ...
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk
March 7, 2025 at 12:19 PM
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!
January 9, 2025 at 8:02 AM
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.
January 8, 2025 at 9:25 PM
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.
January 8, 2025 at 9:25 PM
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!
January 8, 2025 at 8:38 PM
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?
January 8, 2025 at 8:38 PM
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-...
January 8, 2025 at 3:12 PM
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?
January 8, 2025 at 3:12 PM
✅ 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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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...
www.heec.co.uk
January 8, 2025 at 2:50 PM
✅ 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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January 8, 2025 at 2:50 PM
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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January 8, 2025 at 2:50 PM
All of this information is very helpful. Thank you so much for sharing!
December 27, 2024 at 11:45 AM
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?
December 27, 2024 at 11:18 AM
I see - that is interesting. Thank you for taking the time to share this insight - much appreciated
December 23, 2024 at 6:26 PM
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...
Sadly the £889m won’t ‘bring back the family doctor’

Average cost per GP practice of NI Employers & staff costs estimated to be £40k - £260m
GP core budget is £10bn - inflation at 2.6% - £260m

The £369m increase (3.7%)
£6.50 per patient

GPs have seen a 20% £/patient cut in 8yrs - £2bn £35/patient
Since the general election, we’ve hit the ground running on the NHS: ending doctors’ strikes, starting to cut waiting lists, investing in GPs, hospices…

A lot done, a hell of a lot more to do. But as I look to 2025, I can see the road to recovery.

www.thetimes.com/article/ac0c...
December 23, 2024 at 12:24 PM