GP Partner

What does it mean to be a GP Partner?

Being a GP partner involves taking on a significant role within the practice. Let’s delve into the details:

1. Definition:
   • A GP partner is a self-employed general practitioner who, alongside other GPs (and sometimes nurses or other healthcare staff), is responsible for running their own practice.
   • Essentially, GP partners are owners of part of the practice they operate from, which grants them greater control over practice management and decision-making.
2. Advantages of Being a GP Partner:
   • Control: As a partner, you have a substantial say in how the practice operates. You can decide whom to hire, introduce new services, and shape the day-to-day organization.
   • Income: GP partners can be well compensated to reflect additional responsibilities though more recently this can fall to the disadvantages section for some GP partners.
   • Stability: Partnerships often represent long-term commitments, providing continuity of care and allowing you to shape the practice’s identity over time.
3. Disadvantages of GP Partnership:
   • Commitment: Becoming a partner requires a significant commitment in terms of time (often working 10-15 hours more per week than salaried GPs), expected tenure with the practice, and financial investment (especially if buying into the practice property).
   • Parity: Some partnerships have a gradual build-up to full parity, which affects your income and responsibilities.
   • Employer Responsibilities: As a partner, you become an employer, responsible for managing the practice team.

In summary, being a GP partner combines autonomy, financial rewards, and long-term stability, but it also entails substantial commitments and responsibilities

GP Partnership Model still very efficient on NHS resources

The GP partnership model plays a crucial role in the National Health Service (NHS) and offers several benefits that contribute to cost savings.

1. Tailored Care and Services: GP partnerships allow local practices to innovate and tailor care according to the specific needs of their patient population. By understanding the unique health challenges faced by their community, GPs can provide targeted services, preventing unnecessary referrals to hospitals or specialists. This personalized approach ensures efficient resource utilization and cost-effective care
2. Gatekeeper Role: GPs act as gatekeepers by managing patient access to other healthcare services. They evaluate symptoms, diagnose conditions, and determine whether patients require further investigations or specialist consultations. This gatekeeping function helps prevent unnecessary hospital visits, reducing the strain on NHS resources and minimizing costs
3. Value for Money: The GP partnership model relies on the goodwill of GP partners who often go above and beyond their contractual obligations. Their commitment to patient care ensures that services are delivered efficiently and effectively. Additionally, an independent review found the partnership model to be viable when appropriately resourced
4. Multi-Disciplinary Teams: GPs lead multi-disciplinary teams that include nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and other healthcare professionals. By delegating tasks to the right team members, GPs optimize their time and expertise. This collaborative approach enhances patient care while minimizing costs
5. Adaptability to Change: GPs are adept at adapting to evolving healthcare needs. They embrace new technologies, guidelines, and best practices. This flexibility ensures that the partnership model remains effective and responsive to changing patient demographics and health challenges

In summary, the GP partnership model is not only cost-effective but also essential for maintaining a robust healthcare system. However, it requires sufficient staffing and resources to continue delivering exceptional benefits for patients, the NHS, and taxpayers. A robust workforce plan and recruitment strategy are crucial for the model’s sustainability

What should I think about before becoming a GP Partner?

The choice of partnership for me boils down to knowing the specific practice as partnership can be so different between each one.

1. Can you see yourself working at that practice and at this location for the long term?
2. Do you get along with the team?
   1. How will decisions be made?
3. What are the specific responsibilities of partners at this practice?
4. Have you seen the practice accounts?
   1. Is it profitable?
   2. How many years does this go back?
5. Have you seen the Partnership Agreement?
   1. What does this say about your roles?
   2. What does it say about annual leave?
   3. What does it say about sick leave?
   4. There are many more questions to consider because each practice is different.
6. How much and how will you get paid?
   1. Will you get regular payments plus dividends?
   2. Will you get variable payments depending on profits?
7. Is there a practice accountant?
8. How are taxes covered?
9. What else is included? (GMC/RCGP/BMA)
10. Is there a ‘buy in’ on property?
11. Do you start at 100% parity?

Further Reading

Some really useful reading material about GP Partnership:

1. Obligations of a GP Partner
2. BMJ Guide to GP Partnership
3. RCGP: Future of the GP Partnership Model