NHS England · Primary Care Bulletin
NHS England Primary Care Bulletin – 26 March 2026 (issue 382)
10 items
This week from NHS England
- GP practice level reimbursement scheme
NHSE Contracts & funding, Workforce & employment
In brief
The new practice-level GP reimbursement scheme for 2026/27 is still being developed and won't be in the SFE from 1 April.
- Working with general practice on elective pathways and outpatient reform
NHSE Referrals & hospital services
In brief
Reassurance that elective pathway changes, including Advice and Guidance and the move to a single point of access, will involve general practice.
- NHS Diabetic Eye Screening Programme – cohorting transformation pilot
NHSE Referrals & hospital services, IT, data & cyber security
In brief
Diabetic eye screening will pilot 'Cascade', a new process to identify patients, which will eventually replace GP2DRS.
- Changes to the sign-up process for the 2026/27 COVID-19 vaccination service from 1 April 2026
NHSE Vaccinations & screening
In brief
From April 2026, sign-up for the COVID-19 vaccination service is via the data collection form; CQRS is for claiming payments only.
- PCN collaborative arrangements for the COVID-19 vaccination service
NHSE Vaccinations & screening, PCNs & neighbourhoods
In brief
PCNs can agree for opted-in practices to vaccinate other PCN practices' patients against COVID-19.
- NHS cervical screening programme – all communications now available digitally
NHSE Vaccinations & screening, IT, data & cyber security
In brief
All cervical screening communications, including results, are now digital, with letters if the message is unread after 72 hours.
- Menopause optimal pathway toolkit
NHSE Referrals & hospital services
In brief
Menopause optimal pathway toolkit covering diagnosis, management and referral.
- Spring 2026 COVID-19 vaccination programme: New smaller pack size now available for Spikevax
NHSE Vaccinations & screening
In brief
Spikevax LP.8.1 is now available in a smaller 10-dose pack.
- Urgent community care: clinical decision-making framework
NHSE Referrals & hospital services Read at NHS England ↗
In brief
Clinical decision-making framework for urgent community care, especially for people living with frailty.
- Extension of electronic prescription service (EPS) for patients in places of detention in England
NHSE Prescribing & medicines
In brief
People released from places of detention will leave with a first repeat EPS prescription, from April 2026.