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 […]
5 Essential Tips for Your First Shift as a First Contact Physiotherapist (FCP)

Starting your first shift as a First Contact Physiotherapist (FCP) is an exciting milestone in your career. As a frontline MSK specialist, you play a crucial role in supporting patients, improving musculoskeletal (MSK) care, and reducing pressure on GPs. To help you settle in quickly, here are five key tips to ensure a smooth transition […]
The Recruitment Partner You Can Rely On for Primary Care Staffing

At Vela Medical Group, we provide fully vetted, sector-specific clinicians who make an immediate impact and support the long-term success of your practice. Our expertise in primary care recruitment ensures we connect you with high-quality professionals who are ready to deliver. 1. A Pre-Built Talent Pipeline for Faster Hiring When you need staff, you need […]
How the National Insurance Vote Affects GP Practices & Healthcare Professionals

The recent House of Lords vote on National Insurance (NI) contributions has sparked debate across the UK healthcare sector. With GP practices already under financial strain, this decision could have a major impact on budget management, staff retention, and patient care. At Vela Medical Group, we specialise in locum GP and nurse recruitment, ensuring that […]
How to Choose the Right Primary Care Recruiter for Your Career

When searching for your next role in primary care, the right recruitment partner can make all the difference. But how do you know if a recruiter is truly invested in your career? Successful recruitment is about more than just matching CVs to vacancies—it’s about building a partnership that prioritises your goals, career growth, and long-term […]
How Vela Medical Group Supports GP Practice Managers with Primary Care Staffing

The Challenge of Managing a GP Practice Managing a GP practice has never been more challenging. Balancing patient care, workforce planning, and regulatory compliance can feel like an endless juggling act—especially when staffing gaps arise at short notice. Ensuring continuity of care while handling administrative pressures puts immense strain on practice managers and their teams. […]