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RCGP Launches New General Practice Foundation to Support Primary Care Teams

5th November 2009

The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) is today launching the General Practice Foundation (GPF), an exciting new initiative to support the professional development of primary care teams.

The GPF is aimed at members of primary care teams who are not GPs – specifically practice nurses, practice managers and physician assistants. It aims to enhance the professional development of primary care teams by providing educational and peer support.

Launching as one of the highlights of this year’s RCGP annual conference in Glasgow, the Foundation will provide a targeted package of benefits centred on education, information and networking.

All registered practice nurses, practice managers and physician assistants in the UK are eligible and the GPF will have three sub-groupings within it:

• Forum of Practice Management
• Forum of Nursing  in General Practice
• Forum of Physician Assistants

Members of the GPF will have access to online learning modules and a tailored programme of events. They will also be able to put together an e-portfolio to demonstrate learning and professional progression.

The GPF represents the RCGP’s recognition of the vital role played by primary care teams in general practice. It has been established in the wake of RCGP concerns about inconsistency in the support and professional development available to the three professions.

Dr Maureen Baker, Honorary Secretary of the RCGP Council and Chair of the GPF Steering Group said: “Primary care teams are playing an increasingly important role in supporting GPs and improving patient care.

“Having a Foundation within the RCGP that is dedicated to the support and development of general practice nurses, practice managers and physician assistants will ensure more quality and consistency in the professional development of the three professions, as well as giving them a stronger voice in the future development of general practice across the UK. This is good news for general practice and, most importantly, for patients.

“The Foundation has the backing of representatives for the three professions, including the Royal College of Nursing and the Institute of Healthcare Management which were part of the Steering Group developing the proposals.

For more information, please contact the RCGP Press Office at press@rcgp.org.uk, contact Charlie Breslin on 0207 344 3136 or the on-site conference press office on 07885 958 632

Notes for editors:

About the GPF:

The GPF will launch officially at on Thursday 5^th November at the RCGP Conference in Glasgow.