Hot Topics Interview: Dr Katie Bramall-Stainer, GP & Chair of the BMA General Practice Committee England
Dec 13, 2024
auto_awesome
Dr. Katie Bramall-Stainer, a GP and the chair of the BMA General Practice Committee in England, shares her inspiring journey from a disengaged medical student to a leading advocate for general practice. She discusses the pressing crisis facing GP practices, highlighting the need for urgent government intervention. The conversation also dives into the power of collective action to improve working conditions, enhance patient care, and advocate for crucial reforms in GP contracts to foster better work-life balance. Discover her vision for the future of healthcare in the UK.
Dr. Katie Bramall-Stainer's journey from medical student to chair of the BMA GPC illustrates her evolution into a pivotal advocate for general practice reform.
The collective action initiated by GP partners aims to safeguard the sustainability of practices while striving for a more favorable GP-to-patient ratio.
Deep dives
The Journey to Leadership
Dr. Katie Bramall-Stainer's path to becoming the chair of the General Practices Committee (GPC) in England showcases her evolution from a medical student to a committed advocate for general practice. Initially unaware of this career trajectory while in medical school, her involvement in debating and student leadership gradually honed her communication skills, ultimately leading her to engage deeply with the British Medical Association (BMA). Her leadership roles within the BMA, from a medical student representative to a GP trainee leader, exemplified her growing passion for advocating for primary care and addressing the challenges within the healthcare system. This progression reflects how her personal experiences and commitment to the field shaped her into a prominent voice for GPs, particularly during tumultuous times.
Challenges Facing General Practice
The podcast highlights the pressing issues confronting general practice, particularly the alarming loss of GP practices in England, with over 2000 closures since 2010. Dr. Bramall-Stainer discusses how recent financial burdens, such as increased national insurance contributions and living wage pressures, further complicate the sustainability of practices, leaving few options for GP partners. Unlike other sectors in primary care, GPs are unable to reduce bed numbers or raise prices, placing them in a uniquely challenging position. The urgency to address these issues is underscored by the distress reported by GPs who fear for the future of their profession amid growing pressures and less support.
The Power of Collective Action
Collective action is emerging as a significant response to the challenges faced by general practices, with an overwhelming majority of GP partners voting in favor of engaging in such initiatives. The responses have been positive, with many practices adopting limited consultation numbers to protect their sustainability and the quality of care provided to patients. Dr. Bramall-Stainer emphasizes that this movement is not just about striking but represents a lifestyle change aimed at ensuring practices can operate effectively without overwhelming their capacity. This gradual approach is designed to align GPs and their patients while fostering a safer and more manageable work environment.
Vision for the Future of General Practice
Dr. Bramall-Stainer articulates an ambitious vision for the future of general practice, advocating for a more favorable GP-to-patient ratio and greater autonomy for practices. She suggests that achieving a model of one GP per thousand patients could enhance patient care, improve health outcomes, and reduce pressures on the healthcare system. This transformation entails a significant shift in investment, trust, and resource allocation from the government to general practice. The discussion emphasizes the need for a new GP contract that prioritizes funding and support while championing the vital role that GPs play in delivering quality healthcare.
Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast with Dr Neal Tucker. This is the second in a series of special podcastswhere we talk to interesting and influential people in general practice.
In this interview we talk to Dr Katie Bramall-Stainer, GP and chair of the BMA GPC England, who is currently leading much of UK general practice through 'collective action'. We talk about her career and how she came to her current role, about the BMA collective action in England and what impact this is achieving, and what is the end goal for general practice in England.
www.nbmedical.com/podcast
References
BMA GP Collective action site
www.nbmedical.com/podcast
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
