The healthcare sector in the UK, particularly general practitioner (GP) practices, is facing significant challenges amid continued workforce shortages and staff retention issues. GP partners will need to adapt their strategies in order to overcome the difficulties that arose, particularly since the COVID pandemic. Within this article, Croner will delve into the current landscape, explore the root causes of these challenges, and discuss potential strategies to address them.

Croner have created some case studies based on real calls received from our members. All personal details have been removed to retain anonymity. If the following examples sound like a situation you are facing, do not hesitate to contact Croner for support on 0844 561 8133.

The National Induction programme has been designed to ensure that all international medical graduates (IMGs) recruited to the NHS are welcomed, valued, and supported as they transition to UK clinical practice.

The NHS stands for the National Health Service. It refers to the Government-funded medical and health care services that everyone living in the UK can use without being asked to pay the full cost of the service. In the following article, Dr Emma Green provides an overview of the structure that can appear complex and highlights some of the other organisations involved and acronyms you may come across.

Medical Protection has urged GPs to consider requests from patients to declare them ‘fit to participate’ in high-risk activities carefully, and ensure they have adequate professional indemnity in case the patient is injured and makes a claim for compensation.

GPs may be unsure about declaring patients fit to take part in physical events. Medical Protection provides advice on this common query.

Essential advice about protecting yourself online. The article looks into cases and GMC guidance around online activity and social media, with key things you need to know as a medical student and junior doctor.

Read the new underwriting policy that’s been introduced due to the increasing adoption of AI.

Anju arranged a clinical elective in a remote, resource-limited healthcare facility in a third-world country where state-funded healthcare was very limited.

James was a final-year medical student who had arranged a clinical elective in Cambodia. He had secured the placement through his uncle, who was an intensive care doctor working in the area.

Lisa arranged a clinical elective in a remote town in South America through a family connection – a relative who was a practising doctor in that region. She wanted to explore the use of holistic and alternative medicine in underserved communities.

Medical student Tomasz organised an elective with a charity that delivered health camps in remote villages. The camps were staffed by doctors from various countries and offered gynaecological surgery to women without regular access to medical care.

Communication with patients and colleagues is not just about exchanging information, it is about building trust, and fostering partnerships. This article explores the benefits of effective communication with patients and colleagues, the challenges of both, and how to overcome them and we provide some advice on maintaining personal and professional boundaries.

As we celebrate SAS Week, Dr Karen Ellison, a former SAS doctor and Medicolegal Consultant at Medical Protection, examines how the SAS Six can help deliver the NHS 10-year plan’s commitment to investing in and supporting this vital group of doctors.

Patients can make a complaint about any aspect of the medical care they receive. Find out about some common reasons for patient complaints.