Wessex LMCs Podcasts

Coronary artery calcification is increasingly being reported on CT scans performed as part of Targeted Lung Health Checks. But what does it mean for patients, and how should primary care respond? In this podcast Dr Will Howard, GP and Medical Director at Wessex LMCs, speaks with Dr Os Alsanjari, Consultant Cardiologist at Basingstoke Hospital, about the clinical significance of incidental coronary artery calcification and its implications for cardiovascular risk management. Designed for GPs and other patient-facing primary care clinicians, this practical discussion explores how to interpret these findings, answer patients' questions with confidence, and support shared decision-making when CT results identify coronary artery calcification.

An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs. Please see www.wessexlmcs.com/guidance/practice-manager-updates/ for slides and resources referred to in this recording.

Louise Greenwood (Director of Education and Training at Wessex LMCs) talks to Bea Udale-Smith from The Environment Centre. They chat about how clinicians can help their patients in consultations, social prescribers can signpost patients to resources, how managers can help staff – and how we can all help ourselves. It is not just about our lungs - air pollution can affect so much more. Find out how to become a clean air champion, undertake a module to learn more and take home some handy tips for living with cleaner air.

An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs. Please see www.wessexlmcs.com/guidance/practice-manager-updates/ for slides and resources referred to in this recording.

In this podcast Dr Will Howard (Wessex LMCs Medical Director and GP) explores the basics of Digital Risk in the first part of a series around Digital Risk Management for practices. He is joined by Dr Keith Gomes Pinto who is a GP, and also leads Dorset ICB in the digital risk sphere, and they discuss why GP practices need to consider digital risk, why now, and how can practices start to approach, and risk assess their own digital solutions in this world of accelerating AI fuelled solutions. Future editions in this series will include more detailed considerations of the standards we are being asked to meet, including medical device accreditation, as well as more in depth discussions about the Clinical Safety Officer (CSO) role.

An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs. Please see www.wessexlmcs.com/guidance/practice-manager-updates/ for slides and resources referred to in this recording.

Mark Tyrrell and Lisa Fall from the Institute of General Practice Management (IGPM) join us at the PM Update webinar to discuss how the IGPM can support and empower practice managers at a national level. They explore the resources, guidance, and community available, and highlight the launch of the first National Practice Manager Day.

An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs. Please see www.wessexlmcs.com/guidance/practice-manager-updates/ for slides and resources referred to in this recording.

Dr Laura Edwards and Dr Andy Purbrick (Wessex LMCs Joint CEOs), talk through the latest content of the newsletter sent out this week (7th April) including reflections on the PCN DES, SFE, QOF and Neighbourhood framework, together with an update on the DDRB, the latest GPCE meeting and a reminder to complete our members survey. Read the newsletter here: https://www.wessexlmcs.com/newsletter/wessex-lmcs-newsletter-tuesday-7th-april-2026/

An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs. Please see www.wessexlmcs.com/guidance/practice-manager-updates/ for slides and resources referred to in this recording.

In this short podcast, we give you a preview of what to expect from our flagship event. Our Annual Conference brings together GPs, Practice Managers and Primary Care Leaders from across Wessex for a day of shared learning, discussion and collaboration. Listen to find out why it’s worth booking your place. Wednesday 3rd June | 09:30 - 16:30 The Stones Hotel, Highpost, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 6AT Book online at https://www.wessexlmcs.com/civicrm/event/info/?reset=1&id=1035  

Dr Will Howard, Medical Director at Wessex LMCs, talks to Professor Saul Faust about the recent outbreak of meningitis in Kent. There is useful written information here from NHSE: https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/outbreak-of-meningococcal-disease-linked-to-university-of-kent-and-the-area-of-canterbury/ Please also see the Wessex LMCs webpage: https://www.wessexlmcs.com/invasive-meningococcal-disease-outbreak-in-kent/  

An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs. Please see www.wessexlmcs.com/guidance/practice-manager-updates/ for slides and resources referred to in this recording.

Our CEOs Dr Laura Edwards and Dr Andy Purbrick talk through the new contract release and the associated controversies that have already arisen before the contract has even started.

Our CEOs Dr Laura Edwards and Dr Andy Purbrick talk through the new contract release and the associated controversies that have already arisen before the contract has even started. Hear the headlines of the new contract and their views on it.

An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs. Please see www.wessexlmcs.com/guidance/practice-manager-updates/ for slides and resources referred to in this recording.

In this podcast, Dr Laura Edwards, Joint CEO at Wessex LMCs, is joined by Dr Edd Rendell, Medical Director, to raise awareness that over half of GPs in England do not have an up-to-date pension record. Hear about clear, step-by step guidance from the BMA about how to get your record updated and why this is important. https://www.bma.org.uk/pay-and-contracts/pensions/additional-pensions-advice/guidance-for-gps-in-england-on-getting-your-pension-record-up-to-date

An opportunity for PMs to hear the latest guidance for practices from the team at Wessex LMCs. Please see www.wessexlmcs.com/guidance/practice-manager-updates/ for slides and resources referred to in this recording.

Dr Andy Purbrick, Wessex LMCs Joint CEO, had the opportunity to talk to BBC Radio Wiltshire about the challenges facing General Practice and posed a question live to the Health Secretary, Wes Streeting. Listen back to the recording from 22nd January 2026.

Louise Greenwood (Director of Education & Training) talks to Sue Scott (previous PM Supporter) about what specifically PM Supporters can do for PMs. If you are a PM, a deputy, or a PCN Manager do listen and hear how our PM Supporters can help with finance, HR, workflow and so much more. It can be a small problem or a big challenge – the PMs have walked in your shoes and can confidentially help in so many ways. Do get in touch with one of them or with Louise to find out more.

Christmas is often portrayed as a time of joy and celebration, but for many people it can bring added pressure, loneliness, financial strain, and emotional challenges. Dr Laura Edwards, Joint CEO, speaks to Louise Greenwood, Director of Education, about the resources and guidance available to offer routes to support throughout the festive season. https://www.wessexlmcs.com/wellbeing-support-this-christmas/

Dr Laura Edwards and Dr Andy Purbrick, Joint CEOs of Wessex LMCs, discuss this letter that was sent on behalf of Wessex Constituents to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on the 9th December 2025. The letter has been copied to all MPs across Wessex. This was our response to the letter that was sent to all GPs by Wes Streeting on 27th November 2025. Wessex LMCs Ltd remains committed to supporting and representing you at a local, regional, and national level. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you and your teams for your commitment and dedication in continuing to deliver the best general practice for our communities.

Contracts underpin all we do in the practice – including care in the treatment room. Lisa Harding (Director of Primary Care) & Zoe Tobin (previous Nurse Advisor) talk to Louise Greenwood (Director of Education & Training) about the importance to the nursing team of understanding how the contracts work. The contracts can affect the treatment that the nursing team give, the equipment that they use and the education that they need. And this understanding can assist in conversations with patients. Do listen to find out more and share with all members  of the nursing team.

In this podcast, Dr Will Howard, Medical Director at Wessex LMCs, is joined by Cathy Price, a Pain Medicine Consultant with over 25 years of experience. Together, they explore current pain services and how GPs can make the most of them, discuss how to identify appropriate patients for referral, and consider the value of a multidisciplinary approach. Useful Links: British Pain Society - https://www.britishpainsociety.org/ Live Well with Pain - https://livewellwithpain.co.uk/ Persistent Pain - https://hiowhealthcare.nhs.uk/msk/our-services/persistent-pain

Dr Will Howard (Medical Director) chats to Kerry March (Deputy Director of Primary Care) and Zoe Tobin (previous Nurse Advisor) following the publication of a recent document from UKSHA. They look at informed consent and consent to administer a vaccine and explore the situations that might arise in practice when nurses and HCAs are running vaccination clinics. If you enjoyed this podcast and found it useful, please do listen to What exactly are PGDs & PSDs? And why are they important? Please visit our webpage here : UKHSA clarification on Healthcare Support Workers and Informed Consent for Immunisation

Louise Greenwood (Director of Education & Training) asks Kerry March (Deputy Director of Primary Care) and Zoe Tobin (previous Nurse Advisor) what exactly are PGDs & PSDs? And why are they important?  During the discussion, the legal importance of these directives and their practical application is analysed in addition to how they are used and why. Delegated responsibility & consent are among the topics scrutinised during their conversation. If you enjoyed this podcast and found it useful, please do listen to Consent for a vaccine – who has to do this and how? Please visit our webpage here : UKHSA clarification on Healthcare Support Workers and Informed Consent for Immunisation

The Wessex Maternal Medicine network coordinates and supports care for women across Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire to improve outcomes for women with medical conditions detected before, during and after pregnancy. In this episode, we explore the latest developments, guidance, and collaborative efforts shaping maternal medicine across the region including: The evolution of the Maternal Medicine Network and its role in improving continuity of care. Updates on regional pathways, education, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Valuable perspectives on delivering safe, compassionate, and joined-up care for women across Wessex. Useful Resources: UKTIS (UK Teratology Information Service) - https://uktis.org/ or phone 0344 892 0909 BUMPS (Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy) - https://www.medicinesinpregnancy.org/ LactMed (Drugs and Lactation Database) - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/ Healthier Together (pregnancy and birth page on pre-existing conditions ) - https://www.healthiertogether.nhs.uk/pregnancy-and-birth#existing-conditions Healthier Together (professionals page) - https://www.healthiertogether.nhs.uk/professional  

Dr Laura Edwards and Dr Rebecca Payne talk through some in depth research that has been done looking at remote consulting in General Practice.  They highlight some of the complexities the medium brings together with how practices might use the developed resources to have powerful conversations about minimising any risks to patient safety. You can find the resources referred to here: https://www.phc.ox.ac.uk/research/groups-and-centres/interdisciplinary-research-in-health-sciences/remote-by-default-2/Remote-by-Default-2-project-resources

Louise Greenwood (Director of Education, Wessex LMCs) talks to Matthew Miller-Hall, Digital & Facilities Manager, Chawton Park Surgery and NHS App Ambassador about the NHS App. Have you got the NHS App? Have you downloaded it and then forgotten all about it? Louise and Matthew discuss the benefits of using the App for patients & practices and how to encourage more patients to use it. It can save everyone time and money! Download the NHS App toolkit campaign at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/south-east/info-professionals/south-east-region-primary-care-transformation-programme/introduction/communications-for-primary-care-providers/nhs-app-toolkit-campaign/

Our Joint CEO Dr Laura Edwards talks to Artur Pysz from Community Pharmacy Hampshire and Isle of Wight about understanding pharmacy a bit more and the current challenges they are facing in their sector. At a time where General Practice and community pharmacies are expected to work closer together listen in to learn about the balance of commercial and NHS work and how their sector is feeling.

Dr Laura Edwards leads us through the spending review and first thoughts about the NHS 10 Year Plan. Laura discusses themes with Dr Andy Purbrick and both Wessex Joint CEOs take questions from the audience at the PM webinar on 29th July.  Download the accompanying slides and documents here: www.wessexlmcs.com/guidance/practice-manager-updates/

Ed Kennedy, Managing Partner at Wickham Surgery, and Director at IGPM (Institute of General Practice Management) talks to Louise Greenwood, Director of Education & Training at Wessex LMCs, about raising the profile of PMs at national level. The Directors of IGPM were invited to the Houses of Parliament to speak to the Health and Social Care Select Committee about the NHS 10-year Plan. Listen to how their meeting went – and if you are a PM, you might want to consider joining this, a-political organisation that wants PMs to be in every conversation about general practice at every level.   

In this podcast, Louise Greenwood (Director of Education & Training) talks to Dr Sam Robinson (GP & PCN Clinical Director) and Lucy Hitchcock (PCN Manager) from Minerva Primary Care Network (PCN) in Bath and NE Somerset (BaNES). Sam and Lucy have introduced a number of Ai, Automative and non-digital innovations within their PCN. They discuss total triage, Ambient Scribe, Workflow Automation and Automatic Processing of Lab Results. They have some fascinating insights but also share in a pragmatic, practical ways that make their changes seem achievable for others who are not as far along this journey. They stress the need to bring governance issues and patients along with you at every stage!

At Wessex LMCs we realise that many of you are too busy to read long documents. We believe the 10 year plan is essential reading but at 168 pages - very long. The Executive Summary is extremely helpful to get a good enough feel for most of the content. To help you stay informed therefore we have recorded, verbatim, without comment or endorsement the Executive Summary of the 10-year plan so that you can access this vital content in a convenient way. Analysis and comment on the content will come in due course from the LMC team. As ever with the possibility of change there is the possibility of threats but also opportunity. Knowledge is power. Listen to the content and give yourself the foundation to build an informed opinion. The full plan can be viewed here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6866387fe6557c544c74db7a/fit-for-the-future-10-year-health-plan-for-england.pdf

Dr Laura Edwards, Joint CEO at Wessex LMCs, and Bryony Allen, Chair of Hampshire Local Optical Committee, discuss all things relating to opticians. How are they trained? Who can receive NHS services? Why can’t opticians refer directly? How are things in the world of optometry? All this and more...

In the fifth podcast of our Innovation Series, we take a look at whether innovation using technology and automation is suitable for all practices. Jenny Partridge (Innovation Manager, Kent, Surrey, Sussex) speaks to Practice Manager Shaun Austin-Bailey about how to position trying new ways of working if the practice staff are comfortable working in a traditional way. They discuss lab results automation, how safe it is clinically, and how you can find out more about automation to assure yourself on its effectiveness. Non-clinical uses of automation and AI are often an easier place to start and build confidence in the benefits of technological solutions; for example helping patients to register more easily or providing website assistants to help patients navigate to the services they need.

Professor Ryan Buchanan (Wessex Clinical Hepatitis C Lead) and Dr Nicholas Ballantyne (Wessex Clinical Hepatitis C GP Champion) talk to Dr Laura Edwards (Joint CEO Wessex LMCs) about the complete transformation in treatment approach and outcomes for Hepatitis C and talk about the possibility of elimination of this disease. Listen to this good news story and share the positive message. Look at HepCulater: https://www.hepculater.com/ for more resources and for self referral for free NHS testing and follow up for your patients.    

This is the fourth episode in our Innovation podcast series. Alex Kimber, Managing Partner at The Grove Medical Centre & Wessex PM Supporter is keen to use innovation to find solutions. Alex talks to Jenny Partridge, Innovation Manager at Health Innovation Kent, Surrey, Sussex about the recording of consultations, registration processes & an efficient use of time using meeting-recording software. As ever change management and the funding of innovation is discussed and the podcast is hosted by Louise Greenwood, Director of Education & Training, Wessex LMCs.  

Introducing a new product or way of working can be seen as the way to fix a problem, but why is it that an innovation that works well for one practice does not work so well for a neighbouring practice?  What is it that helps an innovation be introduced successfully? In the third of our innovation podcast series, Jenny Partridge, Innovation Manager at Health Innovation Kent, Surrey, Sussex and Louise Greenwood, Director of Education & Training at Wessex LMCs discuss some of the findings from discussions with practices who have all implemented the same innovation, but with widely varying results. Learn what you can do to help ensure that the innovation you introduce works well.   Automation of admin tasks – examples of products & further reading BetterLetter  GP Automate  Healthtech1  Rapid Health Case study: Transforming primary care access and efficiency through Smart Triage An evaluation of Rapid Health’s Smart Triage at The Groves Medical Centre eGPlearning – eGPlearning (episodes 488 & 489) Administrative triage using digital tools in General Practice – elearning for healthcare Digital Resources Hub | Health Innovation Wessex Innovation Portal – Health Innovation South West

In this podcast, Zoe Tobin, Previous Nurse Advisor for Wessex LMCs is kindly joined by Dr Kate Szymankiewicz, a GP in a Wiltshire practice, with a specialist interest in Tourette's syndrome and young people’s mental health, to raise awareness around the syndrome and in particular the role of the GP in the patient’s journey and diagnosis, the podcast will cover: What is Tourette’s Syndrome - is there a known cause, other co- existing conditions and associated stigma and challenges of living with the syndrome How do you diagnose - when do the symptoms first present, can this develop at anytime to anyone, what is the difference between experiencing ‘ticks’ and a diagnosis of Tourette’s Syndrome How can we support the individual and family post diagnosis - impact a diagnosis can bring for the individual and their family, strategies to support them. What support is available for the individual and their families - where can we signpost for further support. Where can I access learning support as a clinician - e-learning modules and further resources. Supporting resources: e-learning modules: TA website Tourettes Action eLearning Module (tourettes-action.org.uk) NHS Learning Hub - Resource (learninghub.nhs.uk) Tourette’s Action homepage: https://www.tourettes-action.org.uk/ Functional symptoms: https://neurosymptoms.org/en/  

This is the second in our series on Innovation led by Jenny Partridge, Innovation Manager at Health Innovation Kent Surrey Sussex. Smart triage is one solution to the problem faced in general practice of balancing patients’ clinical needs with practice clinical capacity. It is a way of automating the triage process, allocating patient appointments based on their clinical need and approved patient pathway, saving clinical and admin time in the triage and reception process. This podcast discusses why you might consider implementing smart triage, how you could justify it, and shares some tips for implementation. Hear from Cathie Sims, a practice manager who implemented a smart triage system recently and the positive impact this has had on her practice, both for patients and staff. Dan Ferrett, a Practice Manager & Practice Manager Supporter, is considering smart triage & explores the concerns about making such a change, including patient safety, accessibility for all patients and data security questions. Automation of admin tasks – examples of products & further reading BetterLetter  GP Automate Healthtech1  Rapid Health Case study: Transforming primary care access and efficiency through Smart Triage An evaluation of Rapid Health’s Smart Triage at The Groves Medical Centre eGPlearning – eGPlearning (episodes 488 & 489) Administrative triage using digital tools in General Practice – elearning for healthcare Digital Resources Hub | Health Innovation Wessex Innovation Portal – Health Innovation South West

In the first of our series of innovation podcasts, two PM Supporters Jenny Partridge & Sue Scott discuss how and why AI & Automation can make general practice more effective. Jenny is the Innovation Manager from Health Innovation Kent Surrey Sussex and answers questions posed by Sue such as – how do you start in this daunting world of AI? Jenny identifies some quick wins - registrations, repeat prescriptions and lab results and suggests what your next steps might be. Sue and Jenny also look at change fatigue and how to introduce innovation when the team is at full capacity. Automation of admin tasks- examples of products & further reading BetterLetter  GP Automate  Healthtech1   Rapid Health Case study: Transforming primary care access and efficiency through Smart Triage An evaluation of Rapid Health’s Smart Triage at The Groves Medical Centre eGPlearning - eGPlearning (episodes 488 & 489) Administrative triage using digital tools in General Practice - elearning for healthcare Innovation Checklist: Innovations and New Ways of Working - Wessex LMCs Digital Resources Hub | Health Innovation Wessex Innovation Portal - Health Innovation South West

In this podcast, Zoe Tobin, Nurse Advisor at Wessex LMCs, is kindly joined by Karen Hawksworth, registered nurse, and course leader for adult nursing at Southampton Solent University and HIOW Autism Ambassador. They discuss reasonable adjustments including; What do we mean by a reasonable adjustment? What does the law say about reasonable adjustments? Examples of reasonable adjustments Examples of how reasonable adjustments have worked well or not been effective How do we overcome the risk of in-direct discrimination? Sources of support and guidance Related resources: B0467_i_sensory-friendly-resource-pack.pdf Professionals- National Autistic Society GP Surgery | Mencap LeDeR Report 2022 Autism Ambassador Scheme for Hampshire, Portsmouth, Southampton and Isle of Wight

In this podcast, Zoe Tobin (previous Nurse Advisor) is joined by Gemma Burley, Registered Nurse, and course lead for the Foundation degree in Health & Social Care at Southampton Solent University. They discuss the role of the Practice Supervisor (PS) and Practice Assessor (PA) in supporting nursing students in general practice. This podcast covers: Why the PS/PA was introduced by the NMC, in place of the ‘sign off mentor’ role The difference between the PS & PA roles and the role of the Academic Assessor (AA) Accountability concerns- around the use of the term ‘proficiencies’ and recognised lack of available support and training for PS/PA in general practice Training and support available for PS/PAs Tips on how to support a struggling student- role of the PA/AA, action plans and reasonable adjustments Benefits of having a student nurse in practice. Practice Assessor Training, Wednesday, June 4 · 9am - 5pm, Find out more and book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/practice-assessor-training-tickets-1292648359039?aff=oddtdtcreator

In this podcast, Dr Andy Purbrick, Wessex LMCs Joint CEO is joined by David Thomas, TB Consultant Nurse from University Hospital Dorset. They discuss important aspects of Tuberculosis (TB), particularly focusing on the rise in TB cases, screening, risk factor groups and common signs and symptoms associated with the disease.

Dr Laura Edwards, Joint CEO at Wessex LMCs, discusses this hot topic with Dr Helen Thomas. What is your child doing with their smartphone? What are teenagers doing? Just how bad are these devices for their health? - and what can we actually do? Hear about Helen’s inspiring work and steps that you can take. An eye opening listen!

In this podcast Dr Camilla Janssen talks with Dr Jenny Rattray, GP Retainer and GP advisor at Wessex Cancer Alliance. She has an interest in urological cancers and has just completed the Prostate Cancer UK Primary Care Programme. They discuss: The new consensus statement on PSA testing for prostate cancer. The background of prostate cancer and the diagnostic challenges, i.e. trying to catch it early without over diagnosing. Looking at which patients are at high risk. Thinking about when it's appropriate to test men without symptoms and how to counsel them before giving them a PSA test. The pros and cons of the PSA test itself. What symptoms would make clinicians think about offering a PSA test. Evolution in the diagnostic pathway and the implications of this. When interpreting a PSA test what additional things to take into account. Older patients and the implications of testing and referring into fast track pathways. Wessex Cancer Alliance - https://wessexcanceralliance.nhs.uk/ Consensus Statement on PSA Testing for Prostate Cancer 2025.pdf

In this podcast Zoe Tobin, (previous Nurse Advisor) is joined by Connie Timmins and Jenny Bennett- Britton, IPC Leads for BSW ICB to discuss all things Infection Prevention and Control (IP&C) in terms of the challenges we face this winter in primary care and tips on how to manage any potential concerns or infections. This podcast covers: Current circulating infections (such as influenza, Covid and RSV) that we are managing in primary care Potential community outbreaks and care homes Practical solutions for practices, including PPE, IP&C measures, patient placement etc Management of staff with confirmed or suspected respiratory infections Resources: NHS England » National infection prevention and control manual (NIPCM) for England NHS England » National Standards of Healthcare Cleanliness Infection Prevention and Control in General Practice - Wessex LMCs Mpox - Wessex LMCs- although not covered in podcast, some great resources and updates shared by Connie & Jenny available here

Wessex LMCs Joint CEO, Dr Andy Purbrick, is joined by Dr Jason Mainwaring, Consultant Haematologist to discuss top tips on dealing with haematology in General Practice. As referenced in this discussion, please see Jason’s document covering common advice and guidance for GPs here: HAEMATOLOGY GP ADVICE AND GUIDANCE 2024.pdf