In this week's episode, brought to you in partnership with Practice Index, we welcome back to the podcast Peter Maynard, Executive Partner at Horfield Health Centre and Ceri Chaplin, Managing Partner at Hereford Medical Group. Following the publication of the 2026/27 GP contract, they discuss the headline changes and what they could mean for general practice. While the announcement highlights new investment, the reality for practices may be more complex, with funding pressures, operational changes and unanswered questions about how the proposals will work in practice.   The conversation explores the implications for practice finances, workforce recruitment, PCNs, advice and guidance, performance management and quality frameworks, alongside the practical challenges managers face when implementing national policy locally.   As always, the details still need to emerge, but this episode provides an early perspective on the potential risks, opportunities and uncertainties facing general practice over the next year. Introduction

Initial reactions to the GP Contract

Funding and the headline investment

Capacity and Access funding changes

Changes to ARRS funding

The future of PCNs and neighbourhood working

Advice and Guidance becoming core work

Increased expectations and performance management

QOF changes and obesity management

Childhood immunisation targets

What happens next?