Understanding GP Partnerships at The Bay Medical Practice

The Bay Medical Practice is a GP partnership, meaning it is owned and managed by a team of 14 GP Partners. These partners are responsible for both patient care and the overall management of the practice. They work together to ensure that high-quality healthcare services are provided to the local community.

What is a GP Partnership?

A GP partnership is a model where multiple GPs jointly manage a practice. This means they share responsibility for:

• Delivering safe and effective patient care
• Overseeing the practice’s staff and resources
• Ensuring compliance with NHS and Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards
• Making decisions about service improvements and investments

This structure helps create a stable and well-managed practice that is responsive to patient needs.

GP Partners and Salaried GPs

At The Bay Medical Practice, there are both GP Partners and Salaried GPs.

• GP Partners are responsible for both clinical care and management of the practice. They make decisions about service provision and staffing to ensure the practice meets patient needs.
• Salaried GPs are employed by the practice to provide patient care but are not responsible for management decisions.

Both groups work together to deliver high-quality medical services to patients.

How GP Partnerships Benefit Patients

Having a GP partnership in place offers several advantages:

• Continuity of Care – Patients receive consistent care from a dedicated team of GPs.
• Investment in Services – Decisions on new clinics, staffing, and technology improvements are made to benefit patients.
• Practice Stability – The long-term commitment of GP partners ensures a well-managed, sustainable practice.

The Healthcare Team at The Bay Medical Practice

In addition to GP Partners and Salaried GPs, The Bay Medical Practice has a multi-professional team that supports patient care. This ensures patients receive the right care from the most appropriate clinician.

Our team includes:

• Nurses – Providing a range of services, including immunisations, wound care, long-term condition management, and health advice.
• Healthcare Assistants (HCAs) – Supporting nurses and doctors by taking blood tests, checking blood pressure, and assisting with minor procedures.
• Pharmacy Technicians – Supporting medication queries, prescription processing, and medicines management.
• Clinical Pharmacists – Conducting medication reviews, prescribing medications, and managing long-term conditions.
• Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACPs) – Experienced professionals who diagnose, treat, and prescribe for a variety of conditions.
• Advanced Paramedics – Providing urgent care, assessing minor illnesses, and conducting home visits.
• Advanced Nurse Practitioners (ANPs) – Diagnosing conditions, prescribing medication, and managing chronic diseases.

This multi-disciplinary approach ensures that patients are seen by the most appropriate healthcare professional, improving efficiency and access to care.

How GP Practices Are Funded

GP practices operate under an NHS contract, which provides funding to deliver primary care services. This funding is used to:

• Pay clinical and administrative staff.
• Maintain and improve practice facilities.
• Provide essential equipment and services.

Some services, such as private medical reports, travel vaccinations, and certain non-NHS treatments, are not covered by NHS funding and may require a fee.

How Patients Can Engage with the Practice

Patients are encouraged to play an active role in shaping the services provided by the practice. You can get involved by:

• Providing feedback through the NHS Friends and Family Test.
• Joining the Patient Participation Group (PPG) to share ideas and suggestions.
• Using online services to manage appointments and prescriptions.

More Information

For further details on how The Bay Medical Practice operates or to provide feedback, please contact the reception team.