Commentary & Podcasts

Starting the conversation – the analysis that provoked the discussions that led to this collection

James Kirkup, SMF Director, launches the SMF's essay series "A healthier future: How to make general practice work better for everyone". The series was born out of the responses to a Times article written by James, in August 2021. In this introductory piece, James showcases the article where it all began and reflects on the importance of contributions to this series (and outside of it).

Published: 08 November 2021
Author: James Kirkup
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Commentary

GPs should work more closely with other services – and not be asked to solve wider social problems

So much is now defined as “medical”, requiring and getting a medical intervention, that the system is overwhelmed. In this essay, Tim Howard argues for why the role of the GP needs to be clarified (and subsequently better resourced) such that they can effectively treat key medical issues, whilst directing more deep-rooted problems to the appropriate institutions.

Published: 08 November 2021
Author: Tim Howard
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Commentary

Why we must amend the Health and Care Bill and establish an Office for Equitable Distribution of GPs in England

There has been no way of ensuring the equitable distribution of general medical practitioners (GPs) in England since 2001. Deprived areas are being worst affected by shortages of GPs. That trend is increasing, and is widening health inequalities. This essay, by John Gooderham, offers a solution to the problem. The financial implications are neutral, and the running costs are low.

Published: 08 November 2021
Author: John Gooderham
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Commentary

Each facet of the GP service is in dire need of reforms, for it to deliver care to UK’s ageing population

Most of the care required in our country is dispensed by the General Practice. In this essay, Dean Eggitt breaks down the GP service – on financing, governance, and priorities – and suggests reforms that should better enable it to deliver on the UK’s primary care needs.

Published: 08 November 2021
Author: Dean Eggitt
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Commentary

There for us from cradle to grave, but have we ever considered what the GPs needs are?

The GP crisis long predated COVID-19. During the pandemic, despite being ideally placed, primary care was bypassed at every stage; triage, test and trace, vaccination boosters. In this essay, Simon Hodes paints a detailed picture of the myriad pressures placed on the GPs service, showing the necessity of greater attention and investment into it.

Published: 08 November 2021
Author: Simon Hodes
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Commentary

Troubling patterns of overworking but underserving in the GP service, and what to do about it

The COVID-19 pandemic created a stark divide between a public that was shut off from healthcare, whilst GPs and others found themselves severely overworked and under-appreciated - as highlighted by the response to James Kirkup's column in The Times. In this essay, Doug Russell sets out to answer two questions arising from the difference in responses: 1) why is there a rise in GPs working part-time? and 2) why is there 'under-doctoring' in areas of higher deprivation?

Published: 08 November 2021
Author: Doug Russell
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