Liverpool GP Federation (LGPPO) 2-day event a huge success

Former Hollyoaks star, now yoga teacher, Gemma Merna prescribed light exercise and regular doses of relaxation at a Health and Wellbeing Event in Liverpool.

The two-day event was organised by Liverpool General Practice Provider Organisation (LGPPO) for Liverpool GPs and practice staff at the city’s Hilton Hotel (on Wednesday and Thursday, May 30-31).

Gemma, who played Carmel McQueen in the hit soap, said: “We can all appreciate that being a GP or working in a GP practice must be one of the most stressful jobs – but it’s one we all rely so heavily on and depend on.

“It’s vital when we are busy and under pressure to take time out of our day, if only for a moment, to calm and relax.”

She added that while many have an image of yoga as being something where people ‘sit in a room going omm’, it is one of many activities which allow us all to take care of our bodies and our minds.

“There are so many exercises you can do, even sitting at your desk, to help de-stress and take the tension out of your day – and yourself!”

Hundreds of GPs and staff from medical practices across the city came together for LGPPO’s two-day Recruitment Fair and Wellbeing event – the first of its kind held in Liverpool – along with student nurses, GPs, pharmacists and physician associates from universities including Liverpool, John Moores, Chester and Manchester.

Speakers at the event included Liverpool solicitor Thomas Keaney who turned his life around after suffering depression and the breakdown of his business, which left him suicidal.

Thomas, who now owns five companies, is also a motivational speaker in demand around the world.

Joining him and Gemma were ex-Emmerdale star Kurtis Stacey, who now combines acting with being a personal trainer, and stylist Lorraine McCulloch treated the fashion-conscious to a wardrobe makeover.

One of the main aims of the LGPPO is to support practices and their teams; making sure they are in the best shape to care for patients and each other, and to ensure the future of their much-needed service.

As the GP practice prepares for changes in the future, LGPPO wants to provide a voice and a united body for each individual practice; to ensure everyone is heard and ‘no-one gets left behind’.