Barry Lewis

Director of Postgraduate GP Education, North Western Deanery

I was, until 2012, a GP Principal in a training practice in Rochdale, Greater Manchester. I was an Associate Director in the department from 1997 before becoming GP Director in 2006. Prior to this I was a GP Trainer and then Course Organiser for the Vocational Training Scheme in Bury and Rochdale. At this time I was also RCGP North West Mental Health training fellow.

My role as GP Director involves oversight of the School of GP Specialty Training and involvement in the workforce planning of the NW LETB (Health Education NW) to ensure that the  ‘supply’ of trained GPs meets the needs of the population of the North West and delivery of health care in the modern NHS. Quality management of GP Specialty training and its interface with the foundation and specialty training programmes is a key part of the director's role.

Liaison with Primary Care organisations in the emerging structures of the reorganised NHS and the regulatory authorities such as the General Medical Council and Care Quality Commission is also a major part of the Director’s role. Arranging remediation for GPs with specific performance problems, arranging assessments in conjunction with the National Clinical Assessment Service and providing educational input into complex Primary Care performance issues forms a major part of the Director’s portfolio.

National involvement and representation with professional and administrative bodies is another strand of work. Close relationships with both NHS Employers and the Department of Health are paralleled by BMA and RCGP liaison groups. Since January 2011 I have been Chair of COGPED, the Committee of GP Education Directors, representing GP education and training in the UK.

My research interests focus on educational interventions to improve communication and consultation skills in GP generally as well as specifically relating to mental health in Primary Care.

April 2013