Life Support 

Original version

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

BBC Radio 4 LW

Life Support: GP Practice Managers

GP Practice Managers

BBC Radio 4 - Life Support, GP Practice Managers

Managers discuss what life working in a GP surgery was like in the past, compared to now.

Two GP practice managers, one retired and the other recently appointed, meet for the first time to discuss what surgery life was like in the past, compared to how it is now.

Five episodes where two people at different stages of their careers, meet for the first time to share and contrast their experiences of working in the health service. Revealing and surprising insights emerge as the participants compare the pressures of the past with those we hear so much about today. In this episode we hear from GP practice managers. Retired manager Esther says she remembers when they used to be able to answer phone calls from patients within three rings and a time when everyone’s medical notes were written on card. It's all a far cry from recently appointed practice manager Tracey's experiences. The phone lines where she works regularly stack up with forty people calling for an appointment the moment the surgery opens. Despite having seven incoming lines and a team of thirteen administrative staff, Tracey fears it's still not enough to cope with patient demand. Despite the obvious contrasts it soon becomes clear that things weren't always plain sailing in the past.

Produced by Gill Kearsley and Nick Holland
Editor: Clare Fordham
Sound: Graham Puddifoot
Production Coordinators Sabine Schereck and Maria Ogundele

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Documentaries

Factual: Health & Wellbeing

Two health workers swap notes on the realities of working in health and social care today.

Two health workers, one newly qualified and one soon to retire, swap notes on the realities of working in the health and social care sector today compared to the past.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Life Support

GP Practice Managers

Genres

Series

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4