In This Article
The Main Idea

Useful support is specific: the clinic knows who coordinates operations, what systems are in place and where to turn when something needs attention. That foundation supports the doctor’s focus on patients and continuity of care.

Start With The Patients And Practice

Before shaping the support team, we learn how the clinic works and the community it serves. Doctors and staff can explain the patient experience, their day-to-day responsibilities and where additional support would be useful.

Our vision is for holistic care and lasting patient relationships. Operational decisions should be considered in that context, with attention to the people receiving care and the team delivering it.

Build The Right Team Around The Doctor

We put in place clinic management, clinic assistants and locum support around the needs of each practice. Where a clinic joins the group, we also learn from the existing team and aim to retain staff who wish to stay.

The responsibilities should be clear: who coordinates daily operations, who handles a staffing question and who follows through when an issue is raised. Accounting, marketing and other agreed business support sit alongside the clinic team.

Introduce Shared Systems With Local Understanding

En Medical has operating systems and infrastructure that we introduce across clinics as the group grows. These provide a shared foundation for the work of clinic teams.

We combine that foundation with an understanding of each practice. Before changing a process, we listen to the team, explain the purpose and agree who will support its introduction. The doctor’s clinical judgement and knowledge of patients remain central to care.

Make Room For The Doctor’s Interests

The clinical role centres on patient care and continuing relationships. Doctors should also have a clear way to raise ideas about the patient experience and work with the team on improvements.

For doctors who want to learn about the business, we are happy to share our experience and involve them in developing the clinic. That involvement can grow around their interests and the role agreed together.

Keep The Support Practical

The doctor, clinic team and group should revisit the arrangement as they learn. A useful review focuses on everyday work and the experience of patients, with clear follow-up on issues raised.

  • Does the team know who is responsible for each recurring task?
  • Are staffing and operational arrangements suited to the practice?
  • Are the shared systems working well for the people using them?
  • What could we improve around the patient experience and continuity of care?
An En Medical perspective on working with clinics and doctors.