Practice Manager Supporter – Emma Simpson
My name is Emma, and I am the Practice Manager at Orchid House Surgery in Ferndown, Dorset. Our practice is supported by four GP Partners, two Salaried GPs, an Advanced Nurse Practitioner, a visiting clinical team, a skilled treatment room team, and a dedicated administrative and reception workforce.
My background in primary care is firmly rooted in frontline experience. Before becoming Practice Manager, I supported Orchid House Surgery for several years through bank administrative and reception roles, which gave me a strong understanding of the day-to-day operational pressures faced by practices.
During the COVID pandemic, I worked for the Wimborne and Ferndown Primary Care Network as a Care Coordinator. This role included supporting the set-up of the COVID vaccination site at St Leonard’s Hospital and assisting with PCN-wide project submissions, giving me valuable experience of system working and collaborative working at scale.
Alongside my NHS career, I bring nearly 15 years of senior leadership and management experience from the retail sector. Developing, supporting and empowering people is something I genuinely enjoy and value as a core part of my leadership approach.
I recognise that stepping into a Practice Manager role can feel daunting and, at times, isolating. The role is vast and varied — one moment you are supporting reception or administration teams, the next you are dealing with premises issues or navigating leases and contracts. I am passionate about supporting peers, sharing practical insight, and helping others navigate the breadth and complexity of the role. While I absolutely do not have all the answers, I will always aim to signpost colleagues to the right support or help them feel a little less alone in what can be a very challenging job.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my fiancé and our two-year-old daughter, and exploring new places around the world together as a family, as well as reading and occasionally, running.
If I can be of any assistance don’t hesitate to contact me.
Practice Website: www.orchidhousesurgery.co.uk
Email: emma.simpson@dorsetgp.nhs.uk
Phone: 07585 225052