Welcome to Pulse Today

NHS managers call for new GP contract

NHS bosses have called for the GP contract to be torn up and rewritten to include tougher contractual levers for dealing with poor performers, and incentives for GPs to work in federations.

GPs set to miss access targets as survey scores dip further

GPs' are set to lose thousands from this year’s patient survey after their performance against two key access targets which cost them millions last year continued to fall in the third quarter of the controversial GP Patient Survey.

No need for a novella

18 Mar 10

Copperfield is asked for second opinion on a textbook neurological case.

Midnight at the cop-shop

18 Mar 10

After a busy week in general practice, our new blogger 'Through the K hole' is introduced to his new life as a trainee police surgeon.

Manifesto for General Practice - the 10 demands

As the 2010 General Election approaches, the profession has spoken. This manifesto distills the views of nearly 900 GPs surveyed by Pulse in the lead-up in what could be a critical election for the NHS.

Pledge your support and order free election badges

Join GP leaders in showing your support for Pulse's Manifesto for General Practice, by emailing us at campaign@pulsetoday.co.uk or leaving your comments below. You can also find out how to order free election badges below.

Practice dilemma: Holiday leave at an inconvenient time

15 Mar 10

One of your reception team has asked to take her last five days of annual leave at a time which is not convenient because others have previously arranged absence over the same period. The holiday year end is not too far away. What can you...

How the sick note is changing

15 Mar 10

From next month, the old Med 3 and Med 5 will be replaced by a new ‘fit note’. Dr Nerys Williams goes through the implications of the change and gives advice about how to complete the new form

PE7/PE8 easement calculator

15 Mar 10

Download this calculator that calculates the easements to the thresholds for QOF indicators PE7 and 8 contained in the directions on the swine flu vaccination agreement for clinical priority groups.

Revised statement of fitness for work (Med 3)

15 Mar 10

From April 2010, GPs will have to use a revised version of the Med 3 form, with a new section for patients that 'may be fit for work' subject to certain advice.

Lower GI Update

6 May 2010 (London), 20 May 2010 (Birmingham), and 27 May 2010 (Manchester) - Practical tips to improve management of IBS and other GI conditions.

Primary Care Dermatology

13th May 2010 - London