How significant is the GP contract negotiations overhaul? And should GPs really lower elderly antibiotic prescribing thresholds?

Our new episode of Pulse in Focus: The Podcast for GPs is now live and available on all podcast platforms.

Pulse editor Sofia Lind and senior journalist Maya Dhillon reflect on the recent breakdown in the relationship between the BMA and the Government following months of growing animosity between the two.

Following Pulse’s exclusive reporting on the BMA losing its exclusive negotiating position for the 2026/27 GP contract, the pair look at how we got to this point, and what the new stakeholder consultation model could mean for the profession.

Sofia is then joined by GP and Pulse clinical adviser Dr Keith Hopcroft to discuss whether GPs should really have a lower threshold for prescribing antibiotics in older people. This comes following the publication of England’s chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty’s annual report – this year into infectious diseases.

And to round things off, Maya and Sofia check in with general practice in Northern Ireland following their visit to Pulse LIVE Belfast last month – with clips featuring RCGP NI chair Dr Ursula Mason; and the GMC’s chair and chief executive Dame Carrie McEwen and Charlie Massey.

This episode was produced by Maya Dhillon and Mollie Fraser-Andrews.

Pulse in Focus: The Podcast for GPs is hosted on Buzzsprout but you can find it wherever you get your podcasts.