The FCP Podcast

Send us Fan MailRichard is joined by Consultant Neurologist Dr Fiona McKevitt for a practical discussion around two common neurological presentations in primary care: tremor and headache.Using two patient cases, we explore the clinical assessment, key examination findings, appropriate investigations, neurological red flags, and when referral to specialist services is indicated.A clinically focused episode designed to help frontline primary care clinicians approach neurological presentations with greater confidence.Hope you enjoy the episode!Home - Coventry & Warwickshire Training Hubhttps://www.cwtraininghub.co.uk/https://collegeofparamedics.co.uk/Association of British Neurologistshttps://www.theabn.org/BASH  - The British Association for the Study of Headache. National guidelines on the management of headache. https://bash.org.uk An example of advice of local migraine management advice (plus red flag headache symptoms) is hereSouth Yorkshire Guideline Neurology Migraine Management.pdf www.migrainetrust.orgA patient support website for tremor.  TremorNeurology – Primary Care SheffieldA video that helps explain the difference between essential tremor and idiopathic Parkinson's disease tremor. www.tremor.org.ukA patient support website for tremor. 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The FCP Podcast, Richard is joined by Emily Styles to discuss the MAGIC project — a programme designed to help general practice teams prepare for and manage medical emergencies.We explore where the MAGIC project came from, the challenges it was developed to address, and how an initial idea evolved into a national programme.Emily explains the GP Quick Reference Handbook, including the clinical checklists designed to support teams during rare but high-pressure emergencies. We discuss how these resources can improve patient safety, support team performance, and provide a structured approach when every second counts.We also hear about feedback from practices using the handbook and MAGIC training, examples of its impact, and how GP practices and Primary Care Networks can access the resources and get started.A practical episode for anyone working in primary care who wants to improve their team's preparedness for managing emergencies in general practice.Hope you enjoy the episode!Home - Coventry & Warwickshire Training Hubhttps://www.cwtraininghub.co.uk/MAGIC Projecthttps://collegeofparamedics.co.uk/cop/ProfessionalDevelopment/MAGIC%20Project.aspx

Send us Fan MailRichard is joined by Occupational Therapist LIzzie Mattacola to discuss her service improvement  project she developed withing her General Practice role. We discuss how the project idea originated, the problem it aimed to solve, and what success looked like from the outset. We explore the planning process, including identifying the target patient population, selecting the right location, and deciding how best to introduce the service.We also delve into the practicalities of measuring impact—covering data collection, outcome measures, evaluation tools, and how meaningful metrics were chosen. Reflecting on the results, we discuss what worked well, what didn't go to plan, and the key findings that shaped the future of the service.Whether you're involved in quality improvement, service development, or looking to introduce change within your own organisation, this episode provides valuable insights, lessons learned, and practical advice for turning an idea into a sustainable service.Coventry and Warwickshire Training HubHome - Coventry & Warwickshire Training HubCollege of Paramedics https://collegeofparamedics.co.uk/Home | British Geriatrics Societyhttps://www.bgs.org.uk/Overview | Dementia, disability and frailty in later life – mid-life approaches to delay or prevent onset | Guidance | NICEhttps://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng16Leadership Academy – Better Leaders, Better Care, Brighter Futurehttps://www.leadershipacademy.nhs.uk/10 Year Health Plan for England: fit for the future - GOV.UKhttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/10-year-health-plan-for-england-fit-for-the-future

Send us Fan MailRichard is joined by ED Paramedic ACP Greg Markham to explore emergency presentations in general practice — and what truly constitutes an emergency in the primary care setting.Through case-based discussion, they work through presentations of syncope and angioedema, focusing on structured history-taking, clinical assessment, immediate management within general practice, and clear thresholds for hospital referral.With practical insights and real-world application, this episode is designed to build confidence in recognising and managing high-risk presentations safely and effectively in primary care.Enjoy the episode.Thank you for your support ScottCoventry and Warwickshire Training HubHome - Coventry & Warwickshire Training HubCollege of Paramedics https://collegeofparamedics.co.uk/https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/blackouts-syncope/Syncope toolkit | RCGP Learning https://elearning.rcgp.org.uk/mod/book/tool/print/index.php?id=12386Overview | Transient loss of consciousness ('blackouts') in over 16s | Guidance | NICEhttps://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg109

Send us Fan MailRichard is joined by ED Paramedic ACP Greg Markham to explore emergency presentations in general practice — and what really counts as an emergency in the primary care setting.Greg shares a structured approach to recognising and assessing the acutely unwell patient, including practical tools and resources that can support safe, confident decision-making under pressure.Through case-based discussion, they work through suspected sepsis and acute shortness of breath — covering clinical assessment, immediate management options within general practice, red flags, and when escalation is essential.A focused, clinically grounded episode designed to support frontline practitioners managing high-risk presentations in primary care.Enjoy the episode.As always - Thank you Scott for you supportCoventry and Warwickshire Training HubHome - Coventry & Warwickshire Training HubCollege of Paramedics https://collegeofparamedics.co.uk/JRCALC – Joint Royal Colleges Ambulance Liaison Committeehttps://jrcalc.org.uk/Healthcare professionals - The UK Sepsis Trusthttps://sepsistrust.org/healthcare-professionals/Emergency Oxygen | British Thoracic Society | Better lung health for allhttps://www.brit-thoracic.org.uk/clinical-resources/guidelines/emergency-oxygen/Scenario: Acute exacerbation of asthma | Management | Asthma | CKS | NICEhttps://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/asthma/management/acute-exacerbation-of-asthma/Scenario: Acute exacerbation | Management | Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease | CKS | NICEhttps://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease/management/acute-exacerbation/The Resus Room - Podcast - Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-resus-room/id1090433226GP mythbusters: recently updated - Care Quality CommissionHome | Resuscitation Council UKhttps://www.resus.org.uk/

Send us Fan MailRichard is joined by renal consultant Dr Debasish Banerjee for a practical deep dive into sodium disorders and what those blood test results really mean in clinical practice.In this episode, we break down the interpretation of sodium levels — from hyponatraemia to hypernatraemia — and move beyond the numbers to focus on real-world decision making. Through case-based discussion, we explore key elements of history taking, red flags you shouldn’t miss, and when sodium levels become genuinely concerning.We also cover appropriate further investigations, common pitfalls, and how to manage these patients safely in primary care — including when it’s time to escalate.A must-listen for clinicians who want to get sodium right… because getting it wrong can go south fast.As always thank you to Scott for your supportHyponatraemia | Health topics A to Z | CKS | NICEhttps://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/hyponatraemia/Hypernatraemia Algorithm – GP Gatewayhttps://www.coventryrugbygpgateway.nhs.uk/resources/hypernatraemia-algorithm/Coventry and Warwickshire Training HubHome - Coventry & Warwickshire Training HubCollege of Paramedics https://collegeofparamedics.co.uk/UK KidneyUK Kidney Association | The leading professional body for the UK kidney community

Send us Fan MailRichard is joined by renal consultant Dr Dabashish Banerjee for a practical deep dive into renal function tests and chronic kidney disease (CKD).In this episode, they break down what CKD actually is, how it’s diagnosed in primary care, and what the numbers really mean for your patients — beyond just the eGFR.Through case-based discussion, we explore a new diagnosis of CKD and a patient with worsening renal function, covering interpretation, red flags, progression, and when to escalate or refer.Clear, clinically focused, and designed for frontline practitioners — this episode will sharpen your confidence in managing kidney disease in everyday practice.Enjoy the episode.As always thank you for your support ScottUK Kidney CKD staginghttps://www.ukkidney.org/health-professionals/information-resources/uk-eckd-guide/ckd-stagingKidney Failure Risk Calculator https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/10045/kidney-failure-risk-calculatorNICE - Chronic Kidney Diseasehttps://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/chronic-kidney-disease/FLOW Studyhttps://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2403347Proteinuria UK Kidneyhttps://www.ukkidney.org/sites/default/files/education/Proteinuria%20quick%20reference.pdfCoventry and Warwickshire Training HubHome - Coventry & Warwickshire Training HubCollege of Paramedics https://collegeofparamedics.co.uk/UK KidneyUK Kidney Association | The leading professional body for the UK kidney community

Dr Dabasish Banerjee, renal consultant and academic at St George's, explains renal function tests and dives into potassium disorders. Short, case-based discussions cover when to request tests and how to approach high and low potassium. Practical pointers include red flags, monitoring thresholds, medication effects, potassium binders and simple non-drug fixes.

Send us Fan MailRichard is joined by consultant ophthalmologist Dr Stella Hornby for a practical deep-dive into eye assessment in general practice.In this episode we break down real-world cases including: 👁️ Acute vision loss 👁️ Eyelid swelling 👁️ Foreign bodiesTogether we cover structured history taking, focused clinical assessment, red flags you absolutely can’t miss, and — crucially — when, where, and how urgently to refer.If eyes make you nervous… this one’s for you.As always big thank you to Scott for your support.Richard Tennant - [email protected]‎Eye Handbookhttps://apps.apple.com/us/app/eye-handbook/id335546959Primary Care Eye Servicehttps://primaryeyecare.co.uk/

Dr Stella Hornby, a consultant ophthalmologist who runs an eye emergency service, shares practical approaches to assessing acute eye problems. Short tips on inspecting lids, using fluorescein and measuring vision. Clear guidance on distinguishing harmless red eyes from sight‑threatening signs, urgent referral cues, and when optometry or hospital care is needed.