The way we provide care in General Practice has changed forever. We have now explored and found new ways to work which we would never have considered before.

The GP is not just a GP. He or she is also a counsellor, an advocate and life-long confidante who cares for their patients during some of the most vulnerable times of their lives. GPs are in it for the long haul, with many caring for patients from the cradle to the grave. This extract…

Does how we work make a difference to the outcome? I have the privilege of working in Practices all over the country which has provided me with so many interesting insights into how work is completed. Is there a right or wrong way or is it just swings and roundabouts? As creatures of habit, we…

Listen Back to Asumpta Gallagher interviewed on the Keith Finnegan Show, Galway Bay FM on September 17th.  She explains to listeners what Best Practice is about, how it can help Healthcare Practices and GP’s and details some of the new workshops that are starting in Galway from the end of this month and will roll…

In this blog, I wanted to talk about training and whether there is any value in it! I am one of those people who has always gone one step further to seek information. I have always been naturally curious about things. When I worked in retail I was always hungry for knowledge and would study the back…

A letter to the Editor in the Medical Independent some time ago will resonate with many GP’s and anyone with a management role in General Practice. Form filling and rituals are the order of the day to claim entitlements which any GP with a panel of 100 medical card patients or over is entitled to…

A Medical Secretary/Receptionist is a specialist role and therefore, for the majority of roles, you would be required to have an additional set of skills relating to this sector. As you would be handling correspondence and phone calls about a range of different medical conditions/matters, it would be hugely advantageous for you to have a…

I have worked in many different types of workspaces over the years, the most memorable was where I was sharing space with what was effectively a dumping ground for old furniture, shelving units (lots of shelving units!) and old files etc. My mahogany desk was antique and even though it looked really pretty with its…

Recently, I had the pleasure of providing one to one training to a GP Practice Secretary. The training was to help increase her knowledge of state claims, to ensure that the Practice was claiming all of their entitlements and to support her in her role in what was an extremely busy GP practice. This Secretary’s…

Most practices are made up of GPs and Reception Staff with some enjoying the luxury of having a Practice Nurse and/or Practice Manager. As the GP Practice is such a unique and sometimes challenging environment, there are many benefits in ensuring good teamwork. Here are some tips § Some person in the Practice needs to…

We sometimes hear about GP surgeries with fierce, fire-breathing receptionists and phone lines that are constantly engaged but what really goes on behind the reception desk? Lets have a look; Martina who has been a GP Receptionist for over 15 years, has had minimal formal training and possibly gets paid less than she deserves, but…

In the consulting room: a mild case of GDPR In which we establish an evidential link between data protection legislation, headaches and depression in general practice… GP: What can I do for you today, Mrs Smith? Patient: How did you get my name? GP: The receptionist told me before she buzzed you in Patient: I don’t remember giving her…