Stuart Bentley, Yarm Osteopathic Clinic

May 06 2010

The main reason for asking James to help me with the running of my practice was just that, the practice was running me and not the other way round. I felt that I was working in the practice rather than managing the practice.

There are 3 osteopaths and 8 other practitioners providing services to our patients. The main challenges which I considered important besides making more time for myself to run the clinic were

• increasing patient numbers
• developing effective strategies for marketing the clinic
• building relationships with patients through newsletters and providing information sheets and advice
• mentoring other osteopaths
• managing the practice better through delegation and clinical audits

Managing the practice, instead of being boring and time-consuming, has helped me to establish what works and is effective, how to use my time constructively, helped me to monitor other osteopaths progress and thus improve our patient management, and to really find out what patients want so that we improve the “osteopathic experience” offered to them.

Just because we are in the healthcare business does not mean that we should not act and run the clinic like a business. This does not mean our principles or ethics need to be compomised. This is one of the main things I have learned from James.

As a result of James coaching, I have learnt to enjoy managing the clinic, I am working less and patient numbers have increased too. Last year, despite the recession, the clinic’s patient numbers increased by 10%. True “painless practice”.

James has a warm and engaging manner and is very supportive and helpful in directing you to achieve the results you are looking for. I have enjoyed and found his coaching invaluable, it has been good to speak to someone not directly involved in the day to day running of your business.

I would recommend James to anyone who wanted to improve the way they run their practice.