Practice managers find support over coffee

Being a practice manager is demanding, and at times, isolating. Practice managers carry responsibility for operations, compliance, staff support, and systems needed to help practices deliver care.

To help practice managers connect, share experiences, and learn from one another, the Pegasus Health Practice Relationship Team launched the Practice Manager Coffee Group in 2024. The group meets quarterly and gives practice managers space to talk about successes and challenges, share ideas, and build relationships.

Originally set up for new practice managers, the group has now grown to also include those more established in the role.

Hornby Medical Centre Practice Manager, Ellen Entwistle, finds the group a valuable way to connect with people who understand the realities of the job.

“It’s really nice to be amongst other practice managers. It can be a lonely job at times, and it’s great to talk through shared challenges,” she said. “You wear 600 hats as a practice manager. You need to be able to get support from others.”

For Innes Road Medical Rooms Practice Manager, Christine Stewart, the connections have continued outside the meetings.

“If I have a question or want to get a different perspective, I will get in touch with the others from the group,” she said.

The Practice Manager Coffee Group is one of the ways the Practice Relationship Team supports practice managers across Waitaha Canterbury. Practice managers needing support, or interested in joining the coffee group, can contact their Practice Relationship Manager.

(L-R): Karyn Doherty - Barrington Medical Centre, Christine Stewart - Innes Road Medical Rooms, Bethany Jones - North Avon Medical Centre, Penny Case - Cashel Health Centre, and Ellen Entwistle - Hornby Medical Centre.