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Over the last few weeks, one thread has run through my conversations with consultants.

Quite a number of consultants trying to handle their own admin with help from well-meaning family and friends.

This is one possible solution when a consultant starts their own practice, but very much a short-term arrangement.

As the practice grows, the admin obviously follows suit, and relationships with family and friends become strained—not out of malice, but because the person helping out has a life too. They may have paid employment or family commitments, or they may simply want their free time back.

On top of running a busy practice, the consultant feels pangs of guilt about asking too much of family or friends, but the work still needs to be done. Eventually, the admin snowballs into a situation that swamps everyone concerned and spirals out of control. Patient complaints begin, hospital management becomes unhappy, and the pressure rises.

This is when the consultant decides to look for a medical secretary, although these are not always the best circumstances in which to begin the search. The pressure is already on from the get-go: there are new and follow-up patients to see, reports to chase up, letters to send and many other tasks. On top of this, the family member or friend is asking, “When are you going to get professional help with the admin?” It all adds to the desperation to find a secretary quickly.

It is easier said than done—and it may be stating the obvious—but plan ahead as your practice grows. When will you need help to continue that growth? Start looking earlier, when there is less pressure on you.

If you are just starting out with your practice, just about to go through your first growth spurt or have a well established practice and need help with practice management, then give us a call Wayne 07969 955361 or Amanda 07496 571624. We can build a support package for you around your practice size and needs. We can pick up any backlog that exists. Relieve that pressure on you and allow you to fully concentrate on your patients.