Podcasts for GPs - Hempsons health and social care law podcast

Frequently asked COVID-19 questions from GP practices

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 09:00:00 +0000

Listen to members of Hempsons' specialist GP team discussing some of the questions most frequently being asked by our GP clients since the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak. This is the first in our series of GP and practitioner focused podcasts and features Newcastle based partner Alison Oliver and London's Kirsty Odell from our corporate and commercial team, real estate partner Bryn Morgan from our London office and Harrogate's Julia Gray, an employment law expert.

Here you can access the links mentioned in the conversation:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19

https://www.acas.org.uk/coronavirus

https://www.england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/wp-content/uploads/sites/52/2020/03/preparedness-letter-primary-care-19-march-2020.pdf

PCN DES specification 2020

Tue, 05 May 2020 09:00:00 +0000

Listen to members of Hempsons' specialist GP team discussing some of the key issues surrounding the new Primary Care Network 2020 DES specification with Manchester BD Manager Puk Svensson. The latest in our series of GP and practitioner focused podcasts features Justin Cumberlege and Kirsty Odell from our London office, Newcastle-based Alison Oliver, and from our Harrogate office, Ross Clark.

GP partnership disputes

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 18:00:00 +0000

In this podcast Hempsons' primary care law expert Ross Clark looks at GP partnership disputes, what to do if you are involved in one and how to avoid them.

Valuations of GP surgery premises

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 18:15:00 +0000

Hempsons' primary care premises expert Bryn Morgan uncovers three top tips to help minimise the risk of getting into disagreements and disputes over the valuation of GP surgery premises.

Expulsions and compulsory GP retirement

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 20:00:00 +0000

One of Hempsons' primary care law experts Kirsty Odell explores the process and challenges of exercising a right to require a partner to leave the GP partnership.

GP practice mergers

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 20:15:00 +0000

Two of Hempsons' primary care law experts Alison Oliver and Kirsty Odell discuss some of the key considerations for GP practices considering mergers.

What it means to be a GP practice partner

Thu, 03 Sep 2020 12:00:00 +0000

In this podcast Hempsons' primary care law experts Alison Oliver and Kirsty Odell examine what it means to be a partner in a GP practice from a legal perspective and answer some key questions.

Commissioning NHS GP services

Fri, 23 Oct 2020 09:00:00 +0000

Hempsons GP expert Ross Clark explains how the commissioning of NHS GP services has become more involved and complicated recently, and the reasons why.

The role of GP provider organisations in primary care networks

Fri, 23 Oct 2020 11:00:00 +0000

Hempsons GP expert Ross Clark explains the role of GP provider companies in the context of primary care networks, and some of the key issues associated with the use of a PCN company.

Commissioning in primary care

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 15:00:00 +0000

Hempsons GP team lead partner Ross Clark introduces some of the key issues in commissioning in primary care, including the Health and Care Bill, primary care networks and incorporations.

Admitting a new partner - happy union or nightmare?

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 16:30:00 +0000

Partner Justin Cumberlege and associate Kirsty Odell cover the essential elements of bringing a new partner into your GP practice and the potential downfalls to avoid.

GP practice incorporations

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Partner Justin Cumberlege and James Gransby from RSM discuss the legal

requirements and considerations of incorporating your GP practice.

The future of PCNs

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Partner Justin Cumberlege and associate Kirsty Odell discuss the Health and Care Bill and future opportunities for primary care networks.

GP practice mergers - the key considerations

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Partner Alison Oliver and associate Kirsty Odell discuss issues and key requirements surrounding merging your GP practice.

GP indemnity scheme

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Associate Emma Summerfield and senior solicitor Vicky Rowlands discuss issues around the GP indemnity scheme NHS resolutions, GP claims and when to report them.

Employment issues in primary care

Thu, 21 Oct 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Associate Lucy Miles discusses employment issues in primary care including capability issues, performance management and dealing with disabilities under the Equality Act.

Is your GP Federation PCN friendly?

Mon, 03 Jan 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Corporate Primary Healthcare Partner Justin Cumberlege is joined by Solicitor Matthew Gale to discuss GP federations and PCNs.

GP Partnership Disputes

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Ross Clark, a partner in the Hempsons GP team discusses the common causes of GP partnership disputes, what to do if you get involved in one, and how to avoid them if possible.

GP Retirement - what to keep in mind

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Corporate Primary Healthcare Partner Justin Cumberlege is joined by James Gransby of RSM Accountants and Paul Gordon of MacArthur Gordon to discuss the issues that should be considered when a GP wishes to retire from their partnership or practice.

What to consider when incorporating your GP Practice

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 10:50:00 +0000

Hempsons corporate law partner, Ross Clark, discusses the legal considerations when incorporating your GP practice. In this episode, Ross covers what a company is in legal terms; why and how to create a company; what you need to do to satisfy the commissioner; premises considerations; what to consider around tax and pensions; and finally, the pros and cons of incorporating your practice. To find out more about how we can help practitioners and to contact the team, click here.

Hempsons and Morris Crocker: Incorporating your PCN

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Hempsons partner, Justin Cumberlege, and Sally Sidaway medical client director at specialist accountancy firm Morris Crocker, discuss the pros and cons of incorporating your Primary Care Network (PCN).

Preparing your PCN for 2024 and beyond

Mon, 15 May 2023 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode of our GP podcast, primary care law experts Justin Cumberlege and Robert McCartney discuss the future of PCNs and how GPs can prepare their businesses for 2024 and beyond.

00:16 - Introduction

01:05 - What have PCNs achieved since 2019?

01:55 - PCNs during the pandemic

03:11 - Staffing and incorporation

05:55 - Forming a company

06:25 - Director responsibilities

08:02 - The future of PCNs

09:50 - Finances

10:38 - Commissioner contracts

11:29 - The role of PCNs

13:27 - Super practices

15:15 - Primary Care Trusts

17:13 - Key things to consider

An introduction to inquests for the primary care sector

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Primary care partner Justin Cumberlege talks to Sam Wright, a senior solicitor in our healthcare advisory team specialising in inquests, about the role of primary care practitioners in the latest episode of our podcast for GPs.

00:16 - Introduction

01:36 - What is an inquest?

02:49 - What should/shouldn't you say in an inquest?

05:00 - Can inquest evidence be cited in a subsequent clinical negligence case?

05:54 - Quality of evidence

07:47 - Do GPs need to attend inquests in person?

11:36 - Who can support GPs throughout the inquest process?

12:53 - Potential adverse outcomes of inquests

Primary care contracts - don't get trapped!

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 12:15:00 +0000

Robert McCartney and Kirsty Odell, associates in Hempsons' primary care team, host this episode, focusing on common traps in primary care contracts.

In this episode, they discuss:

00:18 - Introduction: the purpose of contracts

01:45 - The pros and cons of NHS contracts

03:00 - Trap one: entering into a contract inadvertently

05:13 - Trap two: the role of customer practice

07:36 - Trap three: conflicts

10:12 - Trap four: gaps in subcontracting

13:00 - Trap five: unfair provisions in commercial contracts

16:39 - Trap six: unclear termination provisions

19:19 - Trap seven: insufficient payment provisions

Social media uses and abuses in primary care

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 08:00:00 +0000

What are the rules around social media for doctors and other primary care health professionals? Join Robert McCartney and Rachel Levine for the latest episode of our primary care podcast, where they navigate the complex and ever-evolving issue of social media uses and abuses in employment law.

In this episode they discuss:

00:16 - Introduction

01:00 - The evolving nature of social media

02:06 - Which social media platforms cause the biggest issues?

03:44 - Social media and the law

04:54 - Tribunal scenarios and outcomes

06:54 - Cyber bullying and the law

08:02 - Personal opinion or work issue?

11:13 - Different standards for different professions

13:12 - Data protection and company monitoring

15:35 - Processes for practice managers

19:10 - Freedom of expression

What does the PSR mean for primary care providers?

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Primary healthcare law experts Justin Cumberlege and Robert McCartney host our first podcast of the year, discussing what the new Provider Selection Regime means for primary healthcare providers.

In this episode, they discuss what the Provider Selection Regime is, and look at three different scenarios where it would apply.

For more information about our primary healthcare legal services and how we can help your business, visit our website.

NHS Resolution indemnity scheme for GPs: what you need to know

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 16:15:00 +0000

Healthcare litigation expert Patricia Roe and primary care expert Justin Cumberlege explain the NHS Resolution indemnity scheme for GPs. Find out more about our primary care law services and contact the team: https://hpsns.co/practitionerspodcasts

GP Practice Mergers explained

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Primary care experts, Justin Cumberlege and Robert McCartney, discuss the intricacies of merging GP practices.

They begin by clarifying what a merger typically involves - two or more practices coming together to operate as a single entity.

The conversation explores the strategic motivations for merging, such as financial sustainability, improved service delivery, and increased influence within Primary Care Networks (PCNs). They highlight the benefits of scaling up, including shared responsibilities, enhanced workforce capabilities, and greater resilience in a rapidly evolving NHS landscape.

The episode also examines different structural models, including incorporation as limited companies, and how regulatory changes have made such models more viable. The importance of thorough preparation is emphasised - particularly in establishing a shared vision, conducting due diligence, and understanding each practice’s assets, liabilities, and staffing structures.

Key legal and operational considerations are discussed, including staff restructuring, premises management, regulatory compliance (such as CQC registration), and the novation of GMS contracts. The hosts stress the value of early legal input, confidentiality agreements, and well-drafted heads of terms to guide the merger process effectively.