First 'Meet the Academy' event for GPs

The UHSM Academy held its first GP engagement event, aimed at building up closer relationships between the hospital and primary care.

GPs and practice managers – mainly from South Manchester – came to the ERC on March 25 to meet consultants and staff from most of the UHSM’s directorates, to whom they regularly refer patients. They also had the chance to view their display stands.

Presentations were given by Academy Director Ged Byrne, UHSM Medical Director Brendan Ryan and by Denis Gizzi Director of System Reform and Service Innovation from Oldham PCT, who gave a lecture he had already given at the King’s Fund about the challenge of delivering health care in a climate of financial constraint.

A useful debate followed in which GPs were able to air their views about what would be most helpful in building up closer relationships with the hospital and what role the Academy might play in helping GPs with training towards the new revalidation process.

The need to build up stronger bonds with the GP community are seen as one of the key aims of the Academy. A further engagement event is planned for July 2010.