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 assessments, shared care plans and tools such as the Greater Manchester Care Record. The episode also covers targeted neighbourhood working in Rochdale South, the importance of peer leadership and measurable impact for frontline practices, and what comes next as the programme moves from planning into delivery, with an emphasis on locally adaptable models rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Introduction (00:08) Why Rochdale was selected for NHIP (00:29) Population, PCNs and deprivation (01:22) How the programme is structured (02:42) Early priorities and patient journey focus (03:35) Targeting Rochdale South as a proof of concept (05:33) Connectivity gaps and 'lightbulb moments' (06:25) How neighbourhood working operates in practice (07:03) Standardising care plans and frailty pathways (08:40) Using data to identify priority cohorts (10:07) Shared tools, shared vision (12:01) Impact on PCNs and general practice (14:09) System-level integration and why it works in Rochdale (16:12) Moving from planning to delivery (17:42) Measuring impact and managing expectations (18:40) Learning from other NHIP sites (19:13) Reflections & next steps (20:26) Listen to Zalan's previous podcasts 'Innovative intermediate care' here and 'Integration working in practice' here. Contact Zalan via email here. For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.

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 practices can work more effectively with local voluntary groups, move towards neighbourhood-based care, and take simple next steps to build meaningful partnerships that improve patient outcomes. Introduction (00:08) The Voluntary Sector in General Practice (00:22) What does VCSE mean? (02:23) Does it deliver real benefit? (03:21) How have PCNs worked with the voluntary sector? (05:22) How to find what's available in your area (07:40) Finding the right people (10:22) From PCNs to neighbourhood working (15:01) Next steps (18:18) Getting in touch (19:47) Visit the Oliver & Company website here, or contact Judy via email here, or Charlotte here.  For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.

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. With insights on NHS pensions, future tax considerations, and the importance of revisiting financial plans, this episode offers straightforward guidance to help practice teams and individuals stay confident, informed, and financially resilient. The Budget (00:08) Benchmarking Manager (02:28) Reactions to the budget (03:30)  What should people be doing differently now? (07:55) NHS Pension (09:09) What will be different? (10:58) Increase in the National Living Wage (14:27)  The Carr-Hill formula (16:31)  The timeframe (19:25)  Other changes.. (20:34)  ISA changes.. (21:37) Final thoughts.. (24:16)  To book your free Benchmarking Manager demo, click here or to access the Salary Calculator, login here.  To visit the Practice Index website, click here or contact James Dillon here. For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.

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 PCNs ready to step up as proactive leaders shaping the future of their communities. Introduction (00:09)  Neighbourhood meetings (00:30) Convening the neighbourhood meeting.. (02:24) Why does Ben think it's a good idea? (03:14) Argument against.. (10:00)  How do I convene a neighbourhood? (14:00)  Key takeaways (20:20)  For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.

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 needs of each individual practice. Introduction (00:08)  Autonomous AI triage (00:18)  Are requirements increasing demand? (01:08)  More about Dr Hannan Chaudery.. (02:02)  More about GP Triage Ltd.. (02:58)  The tools learning (05:42) The risks.. (06:35) Your tool doesn't make mistakes? (07:59) Giving patients the choice (08:53) Evolving your tool over time (12:29)  The accuracy of the tool (13:26)  Coverage in England and beyond.. (14:48) Implementing change.. (15:40)  How do you define success? (17:34)  Online vs telephone (20:22) How it all works and what it costs.. (22:00)  What's next? (24:31) Visit the GP Triage website here. For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.