NHS England Primary Care Bulletin – 5 November 2026 (issue 413)
Diabetes drug being discontinued · NHS Notify simplifies governance for GP messaging · Get veteran friendly accredited this Remembrance · Silicon Practice going into administration …
Category NHS England Primary Care Bulletin
Weekly NHS England Primary Care Bulletin: the general practice items, with BLMC’s own one-line summaries.
NHS England Primary Care Bulletin
The general practice items from NHS England's weekly Primary Care Bulletin. Headlines are NHS England's; the one-line summaries are BLMC's own, and links go to the public NHS England or GOV.UK page where one exists. To get the full bulletin, subscribe on the NHS England website.
By issue shows items in the order they appeared. By topic groups them by subject, such as contracts, workforce or funding.
Show: 76 items · hover a headline for BLMC’s summary
Bulletin 18 December 2025 7 NHS flu vaccine stock still widely available to order
- Flu vaccine stock is still available to order; keep offering appointments.
- Review local infection prevention and control pathways and promote face masks where appropriate.
- End-of-campaign actions for COVID-19 vaccination sites, added to the site campaign guide.
- Survey for vaccination providers to shape future COVID-19 vaccine supply, by 8 January 2026.
- Winter wellbeing resources for NHS staff, including a 24/7 text support service.
- Bipartite letter: the pneumococcal vaccine changes from PPV23 to PCV20 for adults and at-risk children aged 2 and over.
- Digital-first cervical screening posters for providers, on FutureNHS.
Bulletin 11 December 2025 8 Flu update
- NHSE Flu updateRecord flu hospital admissions; practices asked to keep vaccinating eligible patients.
- New public campaign, '24 hours NOT in A&E', explains pharmacy, 111, the NHS App and general practice.
- Primary care providers are expected to sign up to the Sexual Safety Charter's 10 principles and complete a self-assurance checklist.
- Neighbourhood health community of practice webinar on estates, 16 December 2025.
- Menitorix continues for children who turned 12 months by 30 June 2025 until stock runs out; others get a hexavalent Hib dose.
- How opt-outs carry over to the new childhood schedule from 1 January 2026, for MMRV and the fourth hexavalent dose.
- NHS App-first messaging case studies and webinar.
- Technology Innovation Framework updated, including an accelerated data migration process for switching GP systems.
Bulletin 4 December 2025 6 Winter and flu response
- Flu admissions rising, especially in the north and Midlands; keep offering vaccination to eligible people.
- National Patient Safety Alert: penicillin allergy wrongly recorded as penicillamine allergy in prescribing systems.
- From 1 December 2025 the Free Supply (FS) endorsement covers TB medicines, so they are free of charge on NHS prescription.
- New HIV Action Plan 2025–2030, including a trial of home HIV test kits ordered through the NHS App.
- Thanks for eDEC returns; ICBs will chase manual returns, and online consultation compliance is being monitored.
- Over 100 peer ambassadors are available to help practices implement modern general practice.
Bulletin 27 November 2025 5 Cloud-based telephony data published
- Cloud-based telephony data is now published for each GP practice, covering call volumes and outcomes.
- The Government is widening GP contract consultation beyond GPC England to the RCGP, NAPC, Healthwatch, National Voices and NHS Confederation.
- The updated IV Therapy Passport e-learning is live and free to registered professionals.
- National rollout of retrospective genetic testing for people previously diagnosed with eligible ovarian or breast cancers.
- NHS App webinar for GP teams on notifications and messaging, 4 December 2025.
Bulletin 20 November 2025 6 Flu vaccination drive – countdown to Christmas
- Flu vaccination push before Christmas, with a communications toolkit.
- Early UKHSA data show good flu vaccine effectiveness despite the drifted subclade K strain.
- National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme community of practice webinar, 24 November 2025.
- Webinar on neighbourhood-based elective respiratory care, featuring Birmingham's Respiratory Specialist Review Service.
- NHS.net Connect introduces a new Launchpad for Outlook, Teams and account settings.
- Final reminder: eDEC closed on 21 November 2025; it is a contractual requirement.
Bulletin 13 November 2025 10 Cloud Based Telephony publication release
- Cloud-based telephony data will be published at practice level from 27 November 2025, including call volumes and outcomes.
- MHRA action for services that prescribe isotretinoin, by 16 November 2025.
- GIRFT survey for practices and PCNs running MSK First Contact Physiotherapy services.
- NHS App GP appointment booking updates rolling out nationally, which should not change practice workflows.
- Updated GP registration paper form with Infected Blood Inquiry questions and Summary Care Record information.
- Case studies on inclusive approaches to HPV vaccination and cervical screening, on FutureNHS.
- Practices encouraged to become Veteran Friendly Accredited, which takes about 20 minutes.
- Resident doctors' strike, 14–19 November 2025: patients should continue to come forward for care as normal.
- BGS, RCGP and RPS guidance on pragmatic prescribing for older people with frailty.
- Health Innovation Network polypharmacy programme reports on stopping inappropriate medicines.
Bulletin 6 November 2025 8 Phase 2 of childhood immunisation schedule changes
- UKHSA and NHS England letter on phase 2 of the childhood schedule: routine MMRV at 12 and 18 months, with a selective catch-up.
- SNOMED procedure and product codes to use for MMRV vaccinations from 1 January 2026.
- Organisations asked to check MCCD stocks and order a year's supply early, as orders have a lead time.
- Diabetic eye screening: no extra screening is currently advised for rapid glucose improvement, including with GLP-1/GIP agonists, while evidence is reviewed.
- Reminder of the Healthier You Diabetes Prevention Programme for people at risk of type 2 diabetes, face-to-face or digital.
- The Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme takes GP referrals for eligible people recently diagnosed.
- Flu vaccination push as cases rise early; campaign materials are on the Campaign Resource Centre.
- Sites offering walk-in COVID or flu vaccination should keep their walk-in times updated in profile manager.
Bulletin 30 October 2025 7 eDEC now open for general practices
- Reminder: eDEC is open and due by 21 November 2025.
- Phase one report of the Medical Training Review sets four priorities, including more flexible training.
- Practices asked to promote the two to two-and-a-half year health and development review, for example at 18-month immunisations.
- NHS Resolution review of GP indemnity claims for delayed cancer diagnosis, with three areas for improvement.
- Rabies post-exposure treatment is part of essential services; vaccine is supplied free by UKHSA's RIgS, usually within 24 hours.
- The Medium Term Planning Framework 2026/27–2028/29 includes a target for same-day appointments for clinically urgent patients.
- The NHS Digital Weight Management Programme takes referrals for people with obesity plus diabetes and/or hypertension.
Bulletin 23 October 2025 6 Flu vaccinations – school aged children in a ‘clinical risk group’
- Flu cases rising in school-age children: parents of children in clinical risk groups may ask their practice for a vaccine.
- Reminder that NHS England's renewed deal with Novartis keeps inclisiran available within the lipid management pathway.
- The 2025 eDEC annual practice self-declaration is a statutory return, due by 21 November 2025.
- Patients will increasingly receive NHS messages through the NHS App first, then by SMS or email, with letters kept for those who need them.
- A new NHS App service lets patients update their home address, which also updates the national PDS record.
- The Infected Blood Psychological Service now takes online self-referrals and regional telephone referrals.
Bulletin 16 October 2025 5 Review of GP funding formula announced
- NIHR will run a six-month review of the GP funding formula, aiming for a fairer distribution that reflects health inequalities.
- NHS England confirmed the three 2025/26 contract changes now in force: online tools open in core hours, GP Connect Update Record, and a link to You and Your General Practice.
- A letter from the Health Secretary and Mencap urges practices to improve learning disability registers and annual health checks.
- Practice staff asked to complete the Clinical Systems Experience Survey by 16 November 2025.
- Doctors completing MCCDs should always fill in the implantable device field, for safe cremation and burial.
Bulletin 9 October 2025 8 Contract requirement to keep online consultation systems switched on
- Practices must keep online consultation tools open throughout core hours for non-urgent, medication and admin requests.
- The other October 2025 contract requirements: You and Your General Practice on practice websites, and GP Connect Access and Update Record switched on.
- The 2025 General Practice Staff Survey opened, with new questions on socio-economic background.
- Practices were reminded to instruct their clinical system supplier to make pseudonymised data available to OpenSAFELY.
- COVID-19 autumn 2025 eligibility: 75 and over, immunosuppressed people aged 6 months to 74, and older care home residents.
- UKHSA webinar on phase 2 of the childhood schedule changes from January 2026, including the MMRV programme.
- Call for evidence for the 10 Year Workforce Plan, inviting primary care examples of good practice.
- NHSmail has been renamed NHS.net Connect; addresses and logins are unchanged.
Vaccinations & screening 20 NHS flu vaccine stock still widely available to order
- Flu vaccine stock is still available to order; keep offering appointments.
- End-of-campaign actions for COVID-19 vaccination sites, added to the site campaign guide.
- Survey for vaccination providers to shape future COVID-19 vaccine supply, by 8 January 2026.
- Bipartite letter: the pneumococcal vaccine changes from PPV23 to PCV20 for adults and at-risk children aged 2 and over.
- Digital-first cervical screening posters for providers, on FutureNHS.
- Record flu hospital admissions; practices asked to keep vaccinating eligible patients.
- Menitorix continues for children who turned 12 months by 30 June 2025 until stock runs out; others get a hexavalent Hib dose.
- How opt-outs carry over to the new childhood schedule from 1 January 2026, for MMRV and the fourth hexavalent dose.
- Flu admissions rising, especially in the north and Midlands; keep offering vaccination to eligible people.
- Flu vaccination push before Christmas, with a communications toolkit.
- NHSE 20 NovEarly influenza virus characterisation and vaccine effectiveness in England in autumn 2025Early UKHSA data show good flu vaccine effectiveness despite the drifted subclade K strain.
- Case studies on inclusive approaches to HPV vaccination and cervical screening, on FutureNHS.
- UKHSA and NHS England letter on phase 2 of the childhood schedule: routine MMRV at 12 and 18 months, with a selective catch-up.
- SNOMED procedure and product codes to use for MMRV vaccinations from 1 January 2026.
- Flu vaccination push as cases rise early; campaign materials are on the Campaign Resource Centre.
- Sites offering walk-in COVID or flu vaccination should keep their walk-in times updated in profile manager.
- Rabies post-exposure treatment is part of essential services; vaccine is supplied free by UKHSA's RIgS, usually within 24 hours.
- Flu cases rising in school-age children: parents of children in clinical risk groups may ask their practice for a vaccine.
- COVID-19 autumn 2025 eligibility: 75 and over, immunosuppressed people aged 6 months to 74, and older care home residents.
- UKHSA webinar on phase 2 of the childhood schedule changes from January 2026, including the MMRV programme.
IT, data & cyber security 16 NHS App: First Messaging case studies and webinar
- NHS App-first messaging case studies and webinar.
- Technology Innovation Framework updated, including an accelerated data migration process for switching GP systems.
- Cloud-based telephony data is now published for each GP practice, covering call volumes and outcomes.
- NHS App webinar for GP teams on notifications and messaging, 4 December 2025.
- NHS.net Connect introduces a new Launchpad for Outlook, Teams and account settings.
- Cloud-based telephony data will be published at practice level from 27 November 2025, including call volumes and outcomes.
- NHS App GP appointment booking updates rolling out nationally, which should not change practice workflows.
- SNOMED procedure and product codes to use for MMRV vaccinations from 1 January 2026.
- Patients will increasingly receive NHS messages through the NHS App first, then by SMS or email, with letters kept for those who need them.
- A new NHS App service lets patients update their home address, which also updates the national PDS record.
- NHS England confirmed the three 2025/26 contract changes now in force: online tools open in core hours, GP Connect Update Record, and a link to You and Your General Practice.
- Practice staff asked to complete the Clinical Systems Experience Survey by 16 November 2025.
- Practices must keep online consultation tools open throughout core hours for non-urgent, medication and admin requests.
- The other October 2025 contract requirements: You and Your General Practice on practice websites, and GP Connect Access and Update Record switched on.
- Practices were reminded to instruct their clinical system supplier to make pseudonymised data available to OpenSAFELY.
- NHSmail has been renamed NHS.net Connect; addresses and logins are unchanged.
Contracts & funding 14 General Practice annual eDEC and online consultation compliance
- Thanks for eDEC returns; ICBs will chase manual returns, and online consultation compliance is being monitored.
- Over 100 peer ambassadors are available to help practices implement modern general practice.
- Cloud-based telephony data is now published for each GP practice, covering call volumes and outcomes.
- The Government is widening GP contract consultation beyond GPC England to the RCGP, NAPC, Healthwatch, National Voices and NHS Confederation.
- Final reminder: eDEC closed on 21 November 2025; it is a contractual requirement.
- Cloud-based telephony data will be published at practice level from 27 November 2025, including call volumes and outcomes.
- Reminder: eDEC is open and due by 21 November 2025.
- Rabies post-exposure treatment is part of essential services; vaccine is supplied free by UKHSA's RIgS, usually within 24 hours.
- The Medium Term Planning Framework 2026/27–2028/29 includes a target for same-day appointments for clinically urgent patients.
- The 2025 eDEC annual practice self-declaration is a statutory return, due by 21 November 2025.
- NIHR will run a six-month review of the GP funding formula, aiming for a fairer distribution that reflects health inequalities.
- NHS England confirmed the three 2025/26 contract changes now in force: online tools open in core hours, GP Connect Update Record, and a link to You and Your General Practice.
- Practices must keep online consultation tools open throughout core hours for non-urgent, medication and admin requests.
- The other October 2025 contract requirements: You and Your General Practice on practice websites, and GP Connect Access and Update Record switched on.
Public health 9 New campaign launched to raise awareness of NHS services
- New public campaign, '24 hours NOT in A&E', explains pharmacy, 111, the NHS App and general practice.
- New HIV Action Plan 2025–2030, including a trial of home HIV test kits ordered through the NHS App.
- Case studies on inclusive approaches to HPV vaccination and cervical screening, on FutureNHS.
- Practices encouraged to become Veteran Friendly Accredited, which takes about 20 minutes.
- Reminder of the Healthier You Diabetes Prevention Programme for people at risk of type 2 diabetes, face-to-face or digital.
- The Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme takes GP referrals for eligible people recently diagnosed.
- Practices asked to promote the two to two-and-a-half year health and development review, for example at 18-month immunisations.
- The NHS Digital Weight Management Programme takes referrals for people with obesity plus diabetes and/or hypertension.
- A letter from the Health Secretary and Mencap urges practices to improve learning disability registers and annual health checks.
Prescribing & medicines 7 National patient safety alert – harm from incorrect recording of penicillin allergy as penicillamine allergy
- National Patient Safety Alert: penicillin allergy wrongly recorded as penicillamine allergy in prescribing systems.
- From 1 December 2025 the Free Supply (FS) endorsement covers TB medicines, so they are free of charge on NHS prescription.
- MHRA action for services that prescribe isotretinoin, by 16 November 2025.
- BGS, RCGP and RPS guidance on pragmatic prescribing for older people with frailty.
- Health Innovation Network polypharmacy programme reports on stopping inappropriate medicines.
- Diabetic eye screening: no extra screening is currently advised for rapid glucose improvement, including with GLP-1/GIP agonists, while evidence is reviewed.
- Reminder that NHS England's renewed deal with Novartis keeps inclisiran available within the lipid management pathway.
Referrals & hospital services 7 NHS Retrospective Genetic Testing Programme
- National rollout of retrospective genetic testing for people previously diagnosed with eligible ovarian or breast cancers.
- Webinar on neighbourhood-based elective respiratory care, featuring Birmingham's Respiratory Specialist Review Service.
- Diabetic eye screening: no extra screening is currently advised for rapid glucose improvement, including with GLP-1/GIP agonists, while evidence is reviewed.
- Reminder of the Healthier You Diabetes Prevention Programme for people at risk of type 2 diabetes, face-to-face or digital.
- The Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme takes GP referrals for eligible people recently diagnosed.
- The NHS Digital Weight Management Programme takes referrals for people with obesity plus diabetes and/or hypertension.
- The Infected Blood Psychological Service now takes online self-referrals and regional telephone referrals.
CQC, regulation & governance 6 Infection Prevention and Control
- Review local infection prevention and control pathways and promote face masks where appropriate.
- Primary care providers are expected to sign up to the Sexual Safety Charter's 10 principles and complete a self-assurance checklist.
- National Patient Safety Alert: penicillin allergy wrongly recorded as penicillamine allergy in prescribing systems.
- Organisations asked to check MCCD stocks and order a year's supply early, as orders have a lead time.
- NHS Resolution review of GP indemnity claims for delayed cancer diagnosis, with three areas for improvement.
- Doctors completing MCCDs should always fill in the implantable device field, for safe cremation and burial.
Workforce & employment 6 An update on actions to prevent sexual misconduct in the NHS
- Primary care providers are expected to sign up to the Sexual Safety Charter's 10 principles and complete a self-assurance checklist.
- The updated IV Therapy Passport e-learning is live and free to registered professionals.
- Resident doctors' strike, 14–19 November 2025: patients should continue to come forward for care as normal.
- Phase one report of the Medical Training Review sets four priorities, including more flexible training.
- The 2025 General Practice Staff Survey opened, with new questions on socio-economic background.
- Call for evidence for the 10 Year Workforce Plan, inviting primary care examples of good practice.
PCNs & neighbourhoods 4 Estates and Neighbourhood Health: Community of Practice for Neighbourhood Health
- Neighbourhood health community of practice webinar on estates, 16 December 2025.
- National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme community of practice webinar, 24 November 2025.
- Webinar on neighbourhood-based elective respiratory care, featuring Birmingham's Respiratory Specialist Review Service.
- GIRFT survey for practices and PCNs running MSK First Contact Physiotherapy services.
PCSE & patient registration 2 New updates to the paper form for GP patient registrations
- Updated GP registration paper form with Infected Blood Inquiry questions and Summary Care Record information.
- A new NHS App service lets patients update their home address, which also updates the national PDS record.
Wellbeing & support 1 Winter wellbeing support for staff
- Winter wellbeing resources for NHS staff, including a 24/7 text support service.
Premises & estates 1 Estates and Neighbourhood Health: Community of Practice for Neighbourhood Health
- Neighbourhood health community of practice webinar on estates, 16 December 2025.
Collective action & GPC 1 New GP contract consultation process
- The Government is widening GP contract consultation beyond GPC England to the RCGP, NAPC, Healthwatch, National Voices and NHS Confederation.
Headlines are from NHS England’s Primary Care Bulletin; one-line summaries are BLMC’s own. Each item links to the full bulletin on patient.info, and to the public NHS England or GOV.UK page where we found one.
NHS England Primary Care Bulletin – 29 October 2026 (issue 412)
Reminder to ensure correct recording of COVID-19 vaccinations · Leaflet to support people prescribed tirzepatide · New report on green social prescribing activities · Support for the UK Government’s campaign against violence …
NHS England Primary Care Bulletin – 22 October 2026 (issue 411)
Guidance on single-sex services · General practice annual electronic self-declaration (eDEC) · General practice staff survey · Clinical support webinar on NHS prescribing pharmacy services …
NHS England Primary Care Bulletin – 15 October 2026 (issue 410)
Elective Single Point of Access: technical guidance · Zero tolerance on unlawful access of patient records · Multi-neighbourhood training hubs – market engagement · Improving flu vaccination uptake for frontline workers in social care settings …
NHS England Primary Care Bulletin – 8 October 2026 (issue 409)
‘How to’ guide on coding appointments for clinically urgent patients · Pneumococcal and flu vaccines for People Experiencing Homelessness · Payments for the MMRV catch-up programme 1 November 2026 – 31 March 2028 · Housebound and specialist support vaccination appointments …
NHS England Primary Care Bulletin – 1 October 2026 (issue 408)
Amendments to the GMS SFE – practice level GP reimbursement scheme and QOF improvement thresholds · Seasonal vaccination service – record creation · New referral arrangements for adult gender services · Identifying and supporting unpaid carers – guidance updated …
NHS England Primary Care Bulletin – 24 September 2026 (issue 407)
Coding appointments for clinically urgent patients · COVID-19 vaccination claims in CQRS · One year of Jess’s Rule · Newborn Hearing Screening Programme Targeted Follow-up Pathway: consultation on changes …
NHS England Primary Care Bulletin – 17 September 2026 (issue 406)
COVID-19 vaccine deliveries begin the week of 21 September 2026, ahead of the 1 October campaign start · National rollout of NHS App electronic referral service (e-RS) notifications · Selective MMRV catch-up programme information
NHS England Primary Care Bulletin – 10 September 2026 (issue 405)
Availability of the record a vaccination service (RAVS) system for GPs who collaborate to deliver seasonal vaccinations – amendment to the seasonal enhanced service specification · Calling GPs: help shape the future of health data policy · Importance of reviews for patients with known allergies · September bookings for pregnant women: publish capacity for what can be fulfilled …
NHS England Primary Care Bulletin – 3 September 2026 (issue 404)
New guidance and framework to improve health outcomes for people with a learning disability · Seasonal vaccinations updates · Updated contractual guidance for vaccinations · Change to NHS cervical screening intervals for people living with HIV …