Emma and Nick talk about some key news stories from the end of December and the start of this year linked to issues where we are expecting some major developments in the early part of 2026.

They talk about the 2026/27 GP contract, what the BMA and RCGP have said the contract needs to address, as well as some of their own predictions about what could happen.

They look at what comes next with neighbourhoods and how general practice can ensure it is protected against big changes that could be coming down the track.

And they discuss the impact the ongoing jobs crisis is having on the profession in England and what the government could do to address this in both the GP contract and the forthcoming workforce plan.

This week’s good news story is about the GPs and other general practice staff awarded new year honours.

This episode was presented by GPonline editor Emma Bower and deputy editor Nick Bostock. It was produced by Czarina Deen.

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Useful links

GPs, practice nurses and practice manager recognised in New Year Honours

BMA reveals GP contract demands for 2026/27

New RCGP chair outlines college response to GP contract consultation

GPs forming huge companies to bid for neighbourhood contracts

Registrars delay qualifying as GPs amid 'bleak' job market

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Emma speaks to the new chair of the Royal College of GPs Dr Victoria Tzortziou Brown, who took on the post at the end of November.

Victoria is the first international medical graduate to chair the college and has worked as a GP in East London for 20 years.

In this conversation, Victoria sets out her priorities for her time as chair, including defining the role of general practice in a changing healthcare system, tackling workload pressures and ensuring new technology supports GPs in practice - and why the college is running a consultation with members on these key issues.

She explains why she wants to bring hope back to the profession and help make general practice a sustainable and fulfilling career once again and highlights the importance of the college championing continuity of care as part of this.

Victoria also talks about the college's relationship with the government, her views on plans for a neighbourhood NHS and the current jobs crisis facing GPs, as well as the college's ongoing campaign to secure better visa rights for IMG GP registrars.

This episode was presented by GPonline editor Emma Bower. It was produced by Czarina Deen.

Useful links

Details of the RCGP consultation on its key priorities

Low pay could force IMG GPs to quit UK, doctors warn

Quarter of GPs use AI but 'wild west' rollout sparks safety fears

Nuffield Trust/RCGP report on how GPs are using AI

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Emma speaks to Dr Vish Ratnasuriya, a GP partner and the elected chair of Our Health Partnership, one of the UK’s largest super partnerships. Vish was also recently appointed as a member of the newly formed National Commission for the Regulation of AI in Healthcare.

In this episode, Vish explains how Our Health Partnership;s ‘decentralized’ super partnership model helps support practices while retaining local autonomy. He discusses the advantages of working at scale and the shift towards neighborhood working - and shares his views on why general practice needs to lead on this work and the opportunities for moving more care out of hospitals and into the community.

He also talks about the huge role technology and AI will play in the future of the NHS. Vish explains what the new national commission aims to achieve and the vital importance of establishing clear rules on liability and safety for new technologies.

This episode was presented by GPonline editor Emma Bower. It was produced by Czarina Deen.

Useful links

Our Health Partnership

National Commission for the Regulations of AI in Healthcare

Primary Care Accelerator

West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator

Quarter of GPs use AI but 'wild west' rollout sparks safety fears

Viewpoint: How can general practice make best use of AI?

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