We know that the idea transitioning from a partner can be daunting, and that it’s a worry about how this will impact your staff, you patients and your legacy. We want to provide you with the piece of mind you need before considering taking this important step.
Myth: Being part of an at scale organisation will mean a focus on profit before patients.
Reality: Many colleagues say they shared the same hesitation when they considered joining. Shared values are incredibly important.
At Operose Health, you’ll recognise the same values, fulfilment and impact you experienced elsewhere in the NHS. We’re all working towards a common goal of improving patient access, outcomes, and experience. You’ll find many of our senior leaders have backgrounds elsewhere in the NHS.
We invest in our people because we know engaged, healthy teams provide better care. Our turnover rates are significantly lower than the national average in the NHS (3% vs 7%).
All GP practices operate under the same national contract for funding. As a provider at scale, we centralise certain functions such as HR and IT to work more efficiently within the same budget constraints. We’re actually in a position to invest in colleagues and local delivery more because we’ve streamlined central support. That business model allows us to operate more effectively and sustainably.
Myth: Joining Operose Health might lead to staff being overworked and burnt out.
Reality: We know that developing a sustainable practice is paramount, overworking staff is simply not feasible. Quality working conditions, service delivery, and patient care are incredibly important to us, and essential for retaining both staff and patients, ultimately contributing to the success of the practice. We pride ourselves in a 3% staff turnover rate and over 93% of our GPs are employed directly with us.
Myth: Joining Operose Health will be disruptive to my staff and patients
Reality: Quality working conditions, service delivery, and patient care are incredibly important to us, and essential for retaining both staff and patients, ultimately contributing to the success of the practice. Operose Health places a primary focus on ensuring continuity of care for patients' and practice stability post-merger. One way we achieve this is by retaining the workforce in their current roles. We enact a 'First 100 Days' plan to gradually integrate new ways of working into the practice while providing hands-on support to minimise disruptions.
Our long-term goal includes introducing modern software and processes to enhance efficiencies and patient satisfaction.
Where practices already have robust operating models, our enhancements will be more light-touch and patients will see no material change to their care.
Myth: I’ll lose all my autonomy and become a corporate “cog”
Reality: It’s important to acknowledge that it's a big change, professionally and personally. Of course, if you’re currently a GP Partner, you may be concerned about a loss of autonomy. We get it, and we will support you through that transition.
You'll give up some of the control and decision-making authority you had as a partner, but in return, you gain the support of a larger group and mitigate the risks associated with being a partner. You no longer have to shoulder the responsibility of worrying about the financial future of your practice and the impact on your personal life.
But, no one understands your patients, your team, and your community better than you. Your expertise and local knowledge remain essential, and we will seek your input when shaping how services run.
Myth: Joining a large provider destroys work-life balance
Reality: From conversations with GPs who have joined us, we know people worry that joining a large provider may negatively impact work-life balance for the whole team. We believe that delivering excellent primary care doesn’t have to be stressful.
Our at scale model improves work life balance. Our clinical model frees up colleagues to focus on local health needs, priorities, and connections. That’s only possible because of our scale. You get access to support from regional and central teams.
Ultimately, we want to create a sustainable model of primary care for the future. Overworking teams is not feasible in the long run. Quality working conditions, service delivery, and patient care are essential for retaining both colleagues and patients, ultimately contributing to the success of primary care.
Myth: I’ll be stuck with my premises or forced to sell
Reality: Operose Health will look at all long-term solutions for your property. We understand that GP partners considering a new future may want to release their interest in the surgery premises. Or they may prefer to simply formalise their interest through a lease agreement, to become the landlord without the day-to-day pressure of being an owner-occupier of the building premises. From providing long-term tenancy commitments to working with industry specialist investors, Operose Health has experience in providing a range of solutions tailored to individual circumstances.
Myth: At scale providers don’t understand GP practices
This is our bread and butter. Led by GPs and staff with a wealth of experience within primary care, we have dedicated teams of experts who ensure a smooth transition into our organisation for you and your practice. With our refined integration process and extensive experience, we're adept at identifying and addressing potential challenges, making the transition to a salaried GP role as seamless as possible. Given our expertise in GMS/PMS mergers, we understand the unique nature of each practice and are prepared to adapt our approach accordingly. We recognise the process may seem daunting, but we're committed to providing support and maintaining high standards throughout.