Mental Health Support for Primary Care Workers: What Is Available?
Primary Care workers are the backbone of our healthcare system. They are also under more pressure than ever. Long hours, rising patient demand, and emotional strain are taking their toll. Protecting the mental health of Primary Care professionals is no longer a nice to have. It is essential. So, what support is available right now? […]
New NHS Funding Announcements: What It Means for Locums and Practices
The NHS has recently confirmed new funding boosts for Primary Care, and it is big news for both locums and practices. From April 2025, an extra £2.4 billion a year is being channelled into Primary Care Networks (PCNs), aimed at growing the workforce, easing GP workloads, and improving patient access. The main focus is on […]
Tackling DNAs in Primary Care: What’s Working in 2025?
Missed appointments, often referred to as DNAs (Did Not Attend), remain a persistent challenge for GP practices across the UK. With growing patient demand and increasing pressure on clinical time, every unattended slot can have a significant impact on access and service delivery. In 2025, many practices are taking proactive steps to reduce DNAs. One […]
5 Essential Steps for a Successful First Shift as a Paramedic Practitioner in Primary Care
Starting your first shift as a Paramedic Practitioner in primary care is a significant transition. Whether you’re moving from emergency response or stepping into a new locum or permanent role, working in a GP surgery or urgent care centre comes with new challenges and opportunities. At Vela Medical Group, we specialise in placing highly skilled […]
5 Game-Changing Tips for Your First Shift as a Clinical Pharmacist
Starting your first shift as a Clinical Pharmacist in a GP surgery or primary care setting is a significant career step. Whether you’re in a locum or permanent role, adapting quickly and delivering high-quality care is key to success. At Vela Medical Group, we connect Clinical Pharmacists with top roles across primary care. Here are […]
Big News: The 2025/26 GP Contract Is Here
The 2025/26 General Practice contract has officially been announced, bringing with it the most significant investment in over a decade. With an £889 million boost to core funding, NHS England is aiming to strengthen primary care, improve access for patients and reduce pressure on clinical staff. For GPs, practice managers and primary care networks across […]
Compliance Corner: Are You Up to Date With Your BLS & Safeguarding?
In the fast-paced world of primary care, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day pressures of patient appointments, paperwork, and changing systems. But one area that should never slip through the cracks is compliance. At Vela Medical Group, we work closely with clinicians across the UK and we’re seeing a clear trend: audits […]
5 Essential Steps to Smash Your First Shift as a Locum Practice Nurse!
Stepping into a new locum role can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. To ensure a smooth transition and set yourself up for success, here are the top five things you should do before and during your first shift. Before Your First Shift 1. Get to Grips with the Practice’s Policies & Procedures Action: Familiarise yourself […]
The Growing Crisis: GP Shortages in the UK
GP shortages are putting immense pressure on practices, PCNs, and urgent care providers across the UK. When a practice struggles to fill vacancies, the impact goes beyond empty consultation rooms—it affects patient care, staff wellbeing, and financial stability. The True Cost of GP Vacancies Unfilled GP roles lead to:❌ Longer Patient Wait Times – Delayed […]
How Vela Stands Out in the Competitive Market
The healthcare recruitment market is crowded, but not all agencies offer the same level of expertise, reliability, and service. At Vela Medical Group, we do things differently. Our specialist approach ensures that GP practices and PCNs work with a recruitment partner who truly understands their needs. 1. Primary Care Expertise Unlike generalist agencies, we specialise […]