About GP Practice Ally
GP Practice Ally (GPPA) is a unique professional development network, serving the needs of GP practice managers in Ireland. With a membership of over 1700 individuals, spanning at least 65% of practices nationwide, our mission is to enhance the skills and confidence of practice managers in navigating the complexities of primary care service management by providing them with access to information, training, and peer support.
Our vision is a deeply connected community of GP practices, equipped to deliver efficient, quality patient care. Through our innovative online membership community, we provide informative updates, resources, and training; and facilitate peer support and connection. Our annual Summit and in-person training programmes strengthen these community bonds.
Our free membership provides access to an active community forum, an exhaustive guide to State Schemes, and essential updates on General Practice developments - information not easily accessible before the creation of GPPA.
For those seeking enhanced resources and support, our Premium membership offers access to an extensive array of practice management toolkits. These include practical guides, customisable templates such as employee handbooks and contracts, and informative webinars. Designed to streamline operations and bolster efficiency, our resources empower practices to implement meaningful change and effectively navigate the evolving landscape of General Practice.
We also specialise in designing and maintaining tailored websites for GP practices, enhancing patient access and practice efficiency with bespoke forms, practice policies, and regularly updated patient resources.
Allies combine or unite resources with each other for mutual benefit.
This is what we are all about at GP Practice Ally, combining the collective wisdom in the community to navigate change and sharing practical resources to benefit everyone. Our community welcomes not just practice managers, but also GPs, practice nurses and practice administrators as we understand that the practice management role is fulfilled by many different people across the country.
Our Story
Unexpectedly in 2018, Rachel Bothwell took over the management of her family's GP practice, due to her father's illness. During the next few years, she led the practice team through a time of unprecedented change and uncertainty, including a generational shift due to the sudden absence of the senior GP and practice manager (her parents) and pandemic-induced upheaval. Struggling to find clear guidance on the increasingly complex role, Rachel identified a need to improve practice management and patient care in Ireland.
Rachel's motivation to establish GPPA also stemmed from her passion for coaching and development. She emphasises the significance of peer learning in all GPPA endeavours, recognising the value of shared insights and experiences in professional growth.
Runner-up in the IMAGE Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2023 - Startup Category, Rachel’s leadership is characterised by her commitment to fostering a deeply connected community of empowered GP practices, equipped to deliver efficient, quality patient care.
Rachel’s vision for GPPA centres on the principles of connection, collaboration and support, underpinning the organisation's mission to elevate the role of effective practice management in primary care delivery.
OUR VALUES
Community First
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We love to feel connected.
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We put our community at the heart of everything we do because we believe that we all thrive through connection, collaboration and support.
Be Kind
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We love to be kind.
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We believe in fostering an environment where everyone is kind and considerate, friendly and generous, open and helpful, because we believe that every act of kindness has a ripple effect.
Build Confidence
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We love to feel confident.
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We believe in building confidence and equipping people with practical tools and support so that they can develop trust in their own judgement, skills and capacity to impact change.
Stay Curious
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We love to learn.
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No one has it all figured out, so we believe in embracing a beginner’s mindset, asking relentless questions, exploring new ideas and digging deeper to uncover the opportunities for transformation and growth.
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“In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's there are few.”