The Business of Healthcare Podcast with Tara Humphrey

I have both Fiona Claridge and Dr Farzana Hussain joining me on the podcast this week. Fiona is the Regional Lead for London and East of England at the NHS Confederation. Her role is to support NHS confederation members and to represent the health care system across England Wales and Northern Ireland. And Farzana is a GP and Clinical Director of Newham Central 1 Primary Care Network. With the vast and rapid change that has happened over the last few weeks due to Coronavirus, Fiona and Farzana join me to share what they have learnt so far. We talk about leadership lessons, innovation, the role patients are playing amongst the changes and how well primary care has implemented digital technology. They also share some of the challenges they have faced so far and give their thoughts on what could be on the horizon.   “In terms of leadership, I would say we need to check in with others and keep raising the issues on what is affecting people, so that all the people working across the system and the patients are getting what they need.” Fiona Claridge   This week on The Business of Healthcare: Leadership lessons during Coronavirus. How well primary care has implemented digital technology. How primary care has had to innovate. The role of patients during coronavirus. How to support our own self-care. Insights and reflections on what has been happening during this difficult time. What is on the horizon.   Connect with Fiona Claridge: Fiona on Linkedin NHS Confederation website: https://www.nhsconfed.org/ Connect with Dr Farzana Hussain: Farzana on Twitter Farzana on Linkedin   Improving the Business of Healthcare – One Episode at a Time Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Business of Healthcare Podcast with your host, Tara Humphrey. If you enjoyed this episode, head over to Apple Podcasts to subscribe, leave your honest review, and share your favourite episodes on social media. Don’t forget to visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter for more great content and information to improve your healthcare organisation.

Shilpa Shah is a pharmacist and is the CEO of Kent Local Pharmaceutical Committee (Kent LPC). She has many years of experience working as a Pharmacist and is so passionate about Community Pharmacy. Shilpa joins me to talk about the role of the pharmacist and of local pharmacies. She shares what she is doing as a leader in her relatively new role as CEO and the ways she approaches engagement and productivity. We talk about some of the challenges she has encountered in her career, and what she has done to overcome them. This episode was recorded in March 2020, when the impact of Coronavirus was starting to be felt, and Shilpa touches on some of the ways that pharmacies have been adapting.   “I’d like everyone listening to this podcast to pop into their local pharmacy so they can find out for themselves about all the amazing things your community pharmacy can do – I think you’d be surprised.” Shilpa Shah   This week on The Business of Healthcare: What the role of the Pharmacist is. What the role of community pharmacy is. Ways Shilpa leads in her role as CEO. Approaches to engagement How to set up your day to be as productive as possible Challenges she has encountered and how to overcome them. Qualities needed in a leader. How to be approachable and confident as a leader.   Connect with Shilpa Shah: By email shah@kentlpc.org.uk Find out more about Kent LPC at http://www.kentlpc.org.uk/ Improving the Business of Healthcare – One Episode at a Time Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Business of Healthcare Podcast with your host, Tara Humphrey. If you enjoyed this episode, head over to Apple Podcasts to subscribe, leave your honest review, and share your favourite episodes on social media. Don’t forget to visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter for more great content and information to improve your healthcare organisation.

Dr Rachel Morris is a GP and Executive Coach with a specialism in resilience for professionals in high stress jobs. Rachel and I have been part of the same Mastermind Group for over a year now, and it’s brought us both huge benefits to how we run and implement our businesses. This week, Rachel joins me to talk about what a Mastermind Group is, how it works and what benefits you can achieve from it. We touch on what to do if the fit is not right and how to go about setting up your own group. We also share how it has been invaluable during the Coronavirus crisis having a group of people who know you supporting you through it.   “I come in with an issue and I come out with 10 more questions that I hadn’t even considered which were really important that people in the group spotted for me.” – Dr Rachel Morris   This week on The Business of Healthcare: What a Mastermind Group is. How the group works. The benefits of coming together. The investment and commitment needed to make it work. What to do if the fit with the Mastermind group is not right. The support you can receive from others in a crisis. How you can join a group or create one of your own.   Connect with Dr Rachel Morris: Dr Rachel Morris on Twitter @DrRachelMorris Dr Rachel Morris on LinkedIn Listen to Rachel’s podcast ‘You Are Not A Frog’. Find out about Shapes for Doctors   Improving the Business of Healthcare – One Episode at a Time Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Business of Healthcare Podcast with your host, Tara Humphrey. If you enjoyed this episode, head over to Apple Podcasts to subscribe, leave your honest review, and share your favourite episodes on social media. Don’t forget to visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter for more great content and information to improve your healthcare organisation.

Tara puts the mic in the other hand again this episode when she is interviewed by Ben Gowland, Director of Ockham Healthcare on The General Practice Podcast. They talk about the current Covid-19 crisis. How do you prepare for an upcoming crisis which is anticipated, yet unpredictable? What steps should a practice and a network be taking to manage its response and resources, whilst safeguarding its people? Which issues should be tackled and what workstreams should be put in place now? They talk about Ben and Tara's experiences so far offering practical advice for maximising efficiency ahead of time. Introductions (0:22) The state of play locally (0:56) What support is available now for practices? (1:30) Practical considerations (2:17) The importance of communication (3:46) Site/s management (5:08) What are the biggest challenges for practices and networks? (5:53) Co-ordinating skills and expertise (8:35) Managing communication effectively and supporting staff (8:59) Leadership during a crisis (10:59) The mood in general practice right now (14:26) Next steps (16:37) Supporting well-being (17:50)   NHS Confederation document (How CCGs can support PCNs and practices during the Covid-19 crisis) here Connect with Ben Gowland: Ockham Healthcare The General Practice Podcast The Future of General Practice Twitter Email: ben@ockham.healthcare

I’m sure we have all been dusting off our continuity plans, or if we don’t have one recently been trying to write one. These are the plans on how to manage during an accident or crisis and we always hope we’ll never need them. In this solo episode of The Business of Healthcare Podcast, I share the how, why and whats behind continuity plans. I share some of the main areas to think about when writing one including finances, safety and IT. And as Leaders in Healthcare, I share some of the things we can be doing to support our teams or employees, and how to make those tough decisions. As ever, we never know what life may bring, so having back up plans for your back up plans is key to cover all eventualities.   “When things do go off kilter keep calm, keep a cool head, regroup, assess and create a new plan.” Tara Humphrey   This week on The Business of Healthcare: Why we need a continuity plan. How to minimise, maximise or escalate in a crisis. The implications of finances Why you should be assessing the severity of the situation. How to make tough decisions as a leader The best way to communicate with others Key operating principles that will keep your business moving forward. How to make back up plans for your back up plans.   Connect with Tara: THC Primary Care https://www.thcprimarycare.co.uk/ Tara Humphrey on Linkedin Tara Humphrey on Twitter Tara Humphrey on Facebook Tara Humphrey on Instagram   Improving the Business of Healthcare – One Episode at a Time Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Business of Healthcare Podcast with your host, Tara Humphrey. If you enjoyed this episode, head over to Apple Podcasts to subscribe, leave your honest review, and share your favourite episodes on social media. Don’t forget to visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter for more great content and information to improve your healthcare organisation.

Another slightly different episode today, where I bring you insights into my work with Primary Care Networks, specifically Newham Central 1 PCN. Before the Coronavirus outbreak, Dr Farzana Hussain and I decided to share a warts-and-all approach to what we are working on at ground level with the Primary Care Networks. This week we talk about mindset and resilience. We are all being tested to the max at the moment, and we share how we are drawing from personal experiences to get through these hard times. We talk about the amazing speed at which general practices have managed to innovate and implement online and telephone consultations, a testament to the support teams are giving each other. We also talk about the need for both short-term and long-term planning at a time like this, so we don’t lose sight of what we want to achieve amongst the fire fighting.   “The last 2 weeks has shown how fantastic general practice and primary care is, and how we have transformed in 6 days to from face to face model to online and telephone consultations, things that would take months, if not years.” Dr Farzana Hussain   This week on The Business of Healthcare: What we’ve been doing in the Primary Care Network. The impact of Coronavirus. How quickly general practice has been able to innovate. How to remain positive even though it’s difficult. The need for short-term and long-term planning. How we can be resilient and draw from personal experiences to get through these hard times.   Connect with Dr Farzana Hussain: Farzana on Twitter Farzana on Linkedin   Improving the Business of Healthcare – One Episode at a Time Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Business of Healthcare Podcast with your host, Tara Humphrey. If you enjoyed this episode, head over to Apple Podcasts to subscribe, leave your honest review, and share your favourite episodes on social media. Don’t forget to visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter for more great content and information to improve your healthcare organisation.

With the outbreak of Coronavirus having a significant impact on our daily lives, it was difficult not to address the situation and talk about the reality of how it’s impacting healthcare, in particular Primary Care Networks. In this solo episode, I share my thoughts and feelings during this uncertainty. I talk about how physical interaction with people is important, how to keep your routine, ways of exercising without going to the gym. And I share how it’s ok to feel nervous, uncertain and perhaps a little scared. I also share how I’m helping support the Newham Central 1 Primary Care Network with continuity planning, and the amazing staff that are working hard to keep themselves safe but still provide the care that is so needed.   “People in healthcare are kind and compassionate at the best of times, but at the moment everybody is being a little bit kinder and considerate to support each other.” Tara Humphrey   This week on The Business of Healthcare: How Coronavirus is impacting THC and how we are feeling about it. What we are feeling in these uncertain times. How it’s ok to feel nervous and uncertain. Ways to manage, including keeping a good mindset and exercising. What Primary Care Networks are doing in this crisis. How continuity planning is being tested to the max. The amazing work healthcare staff are doing to provide care. How now is the time our leadership skill are being tested.   Connect with Tara: THC Primary Care https://www.thcprimarycare.co.uk/ Tara Humphrey on Linkedin Tara Humphrey on Twitter Tara Humphrey on Facebook Tara Humphrey on Instagram   Improving the Business of Healthcare – One Episode at a Time Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Business of Healthcare Podcast with your host, Tara Humphrey. If you enjoyed this episode, head over to Apple Podcasts to subscribe, leave your honest review, and share your favourite episodes on social media. Don’t forget to visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter for more great content and information to improve your healthcare organisation.

This episode is something slightly different. Due to my work with Primary Care Networks as a Network Manager, and Dr Farzana Hussain’s role as a Clinical Director at Newham Central 1 PCN, and current reign as GP of the year, we are increasingly being asked: “what is happening at ground level with Primary Care Networks?”. This week, Dr Farzana Hussain joins me again on the podcast to share our warts-and-all look at the work being delivered in primary care. And this week we discuss the impact of listening to feedback to create an impactful and meaningful meeting. Although this episode was recorded before Coronavirus started to really impact the UK and most of us are limiting face to face meetings at the moment, I believe these principles can still be put into practice for virtual meetings.   “Although I want to share a lot of information in a 2 hour meeting, cramming it all in when the group haven’t got theirs heads round the first thing is not an effective use of anyone’s time.” Dr Farzana Hussain   This week on The Business of Healthcare: How feedback from one person can be a wake-up call to the feeling of the whole group. How less is more to be effective when it comes to communication. How small changes in a meeting can have a huge impact. What planning you can do ahead of your meeting to make it a success. Keys questions to ask during a project. The power of a network manager. How facilitating a meeting can bring many benefits.   Connect with Tara: THC Primary Care https://www.thcprimarycare.co.uk/ Tara Humphrey on Linkedin Tara Humphrey on Twitter Tara Humphrey on Facebook Tara Humphrey on Instagram   Improving the Business of Healthcare – One Episode at a Time Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Business of Healthcare Podcast with your host, Tara Humphrey. If you enjoyed this episode, head over to Apple Podcasts to subscribe, leave your honest review, and share your favourite episodes on social media. Don’t forget to visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter for more great content and information to improve your healthcare organisation.

Please note: This episode was recorded before Covid-19 impacted the UK. Some of you may have some time on your hands at the moment to get your finances in order and if so, this one is for you.   Get practical advice on your finances from James Gransby, Partner at RSM Accountants. RSM provide a host of services including audit and insurance, legal accountancy, tax and other financial services. James looks after 300 GP Practices nationally and 2200 GPs. He works just with GPs and Surgeons and is also Director of The Association of Independent Specialist Medical Accountants (AISMA) that acts for 50% of GPs in the country.   With the end of financial year coming up, James joins me today to give us a checklist of things we could be doing to make that period a little less stressful. He talks us through cut-off periods for invoices, how important having regular bank reconciliations are. The benefits of having a payroll cut-off, benchmarking and tax planning. He touches on the added value of what accountants can do for you that you can’t do yourself.   “As accountants get to know you and your business, we can provide business advice, productive comments where we can add value.” – James Gransby   This week on The Business of Healthcare: What an end of year checklist looks like to make life easier. How you can manage your money efficiently and sustainably. How to implement cut off periods for invoices. The benefits of having regular bank reconciliations. How accountants can add value with benchmarking and tax planning. Where you can save time with accurate descriptions of expenses. Advice on how often you should look at your bank account. The added value of having an accountant.   Connect with James Gransby: The Association of Independent Specialist Medical Accountants (AISMA) https://www.aisma.org.uk/ RSM Accountants https://www.rsmuk.com/ James Gransby on Linkedin James Gransby on Twitter   Improving the Business of Healthcare – One Episode at a Time Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Business of Healthcare Podcast with your host, Tara Humphrey. If you enjoyed this episode, head over to Apple Podcasts to subscribe, leave your honest review, and share your favourite episodes on social media. Don’t forget to visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter for more great content and information to improve your healthcare organisation.

This is an extra special episode. Not only is it St Patrick’s Day and my birthday(!), today is also the five year anniversary of THC Primary Care. I thought this week, I’d share this extra episode on my reflections and lessons learnt from being a business owner and employer for the last five years.   I share how I love working in Primary Care, and that I’m braver and more resilient that I thought I was. There have been some downs along the way, but with my incredible support network of friends I’ve been able to move forward. I share how I’m always learning on this journey, but it’s one that I think is so worth it.   “Having it all to me means family, good job, good business, good friends and confidence in myself.” – Tara Humphrey   This week on The Business of Healthcare: Reflections and lessons learnt from five years of THC Primary Care. How I love working in Primary Care. How I’ve become brave and resilient. The benefits of having an amazing support network. How to move on from difficult situations. What I’ve learnt about myself. How I enjoy being an employer. How to look at staff recruitment as an opportunity. That you can have it all if you work hard and have confidence in yourself.   Connect with Tara: On Facebook On Instagram On Twitter On Linkedin   Improving the Business of Healthcare – One Episode at a Time Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Business of Healthcare Podcast with your host, Tara Humphrey. If you enjoyed this episode, head over to Apple Podcasts to subscribe, leave your honest review, and share your favourite episodes on social media. Don’t forget to visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter for more great content and information to improve your healthcare organisation.