GP practices - is it usual for non-medical staff to be partners?

[TheTecknician]

Until fairly recently, my GPs had three doctors including the principal partner, another partner and an associate doctor. Since then it's just been the principal and two new associate doctors and the Practice Manager has become a partner. Just wondered if this was common in the UK. I suppose one advantage for the PM is gaining more clout in running the business if they have a financial stake.

there is a shortage people who want to own a gps

would you rather it closed?

It is unusual but does happen - I knew of a practice manager who was a partner 15 years ago.

The way I understand it, GP practices are private business who are (handsomely) paid by the NHS for the services they provide. So I guess they can be owned by anyone?

GP practices are private businesses who are currently struggling to stay afloat with no-one willing to become a partner and previously successful partnerships handing their contracts back as they aren't financially viable.

So 'paid handsomely' - don't make me laugh.

Thanks all. Not completely unheard of then. And no, I don't want my GP surgery to close. What a silly question.