Across healthcare, there is a growing recognition that identifying risks early and taking preventative action leads to better outcomes. Healthcare systems are increasingly focused on preventing illness and supporting long-term health rather than simply responding when problems arise.

The GPPA Practice Leadership Summit 2026, held on 2-3 October at the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise, explored how that same mindset can be applied to practice leadership.

As practice managers and leaders, we are often faced with the immediate demands of the day - staffing challenges, financial pressures, operational issues, compliance requirements and unexpected problems that require urgent attention.

The question at the heart of the weekend was this: what if we approached practice management through a preventative lens?

Over two days, speakers and workshop leaders looked at how proactive leadership can help practices:

Strengthen financial sustainability
Build safer systems and reduce risk
Support and retain teams
Improve operational efficiency
Prepare for future challenges with confidence