Category GP Press Digest

A weekly round-up of GP news from the trade press, with BLMC’s own one-line summary of each story.

GP Press Digest

A weekly selection of GP news that matters for Birmingham practices, from Pulse, Pulse PCN, GPonline, Healthcare Leader and the RCGP. Headlines and links are the publishers'; the one-line summaries are BLMC's own. Pulse articles may need free registration.

By week shows each week’s stories split by topic. By topic groups them by subject, such as contracts, workforce or funding.

Show: 375 stories · hover a headline for BLMC’s summary

Week to 7 November 2026 14 GPs only need 20,000 of the 41,000 consultation rooms, NHSE chair says

Contracts & funding
Pulse PCN GPs only need 20,000 of the 41,000 consultation rooms, NHSE chair says
An NHS leader estimates GPs only require about 20,000 of their 41,000 consultation rooms to handle current demand.
Pulse ‘What next? GP to negotiate world peace?’
A GP jokingly suggests their broad knowledge allows them to handle complex issues, even beyond typical medical scope.
Pulse Patients told to text ‘here’ or ‘gone’ as part of NHS England GP list-cleansing pilot
NHS England is trialling a system where patients can reply to texts with 'here' or 'gone' to prevent being removed from their GP list.
Pulse PCN Cooper says she wants more GPs in community services
Health Secretary Yvette Cooper wants more GPs working in community services and questioned the NHS workforce plan's assumptions.
Pulse GP practice manager ‘knocking on patient doors’ to prevent list-cleansing removals
A GP practice manager personally visited patients to stop them from being removed during a national patient list review.
Pulse PCN Hundreds of GP practices hit by website outages
A website provider's collapse caused online service disruptions for hundreds of English GP surgeries.
Pulse Five-year UK settlement path to remain open to doctors
Government confirmed doctors and other public service workers can still gain UK settlement after five years via a new earnings requirement.
Healthcare Leader Third of workers delay GP visits due to work pressures
A survey found one-third of English workers delayed or skipped GP appointments due to work commitments.
PCNs & neighbourhoods
Pulse ICBs planning to spend less on neighbourhood services following restructuring, NAO finds
ICBs anticipate cutting spending on local health and community services due to recent organisational changes, the NAO reports.
Pulse PCN PCN commissions artist to create installation to raise cancer awareness
A local practice commissioned an artist to create an installation raising awareness about pancreatic cancer deaths.
CQC, regulation & governance
Pulse BMA warns GPs against ‘unnecessary’ and ‘erroneous’ GMC self-referrals
BMA advises GPs against making unnecessary or incorrect self-referrals to the General Medical Council.
IT, data & cyber security
Pulse PCN Delegates to hear how AI and digital tools can support PCNs
Attendees will learn how smart technology can aid better choices and service provision within local primary care groups.
Pulse NHS workforce plan being reassessed due to AI advances, says health secretary
Health secretary announced the NHS staffing plan is being reviewed because AI progress is significantly changing workforce needs.
Pulse PCN How long before the work needs a contract and a budget behind it?
Primary care groups are being urged to start local community projects without waiting for formal agreements or funding.

Week to 31 October 2026 29 NHS safety investigations body will no longer be abolished, Government confirms

Contracts & funding
Pulse NHS safety investigations body will no longer be abolished, Government confirms
Government reversed plan to scrap the safety investigation group, moving its work away from the CQC.
Pulse PCN NHSE chair urged to explain primary care double floor space claim
MPs asked the NHS England chair to explain the claim that primary care has double the necessary floor space.
Pulse About 500 GP practices affected by website outage, NHS England confirms
NHS England confirmed about 500 GP practices experienced website problems after a website service company entered administration.
Pulse Concerns raised over end of funding increase requirement for children’s mental health
A think tank warns ending funding increase requirements for children's mental health services undermines efforts to reduce waiting times.
Pulse Too many GPs still face uncertainty about employment, RCGP president warns
The RCGP president has warned that many GPs feel uncertain about their employment and conditions and will campaign for better opportunities.
Pulse Budget provides extra £190m for NHS winter pressures but no mention of GPs
The Autumn budget gave the NHS extra money for winter pressures, but did not mention funding for general practice.
Pulse Healthwatch to be ‘retained’ in Government U-turn
The Government has reversed its decision to scrap Healthwatch, choosing instead to keep and improve Healthwatch England and local bodies.
Pulse GP practices’ websites ‘taken down’ after company enters administration
A company providing GP practice websites entered administration, causing disruptions to practice websites in England and Wales.
Pulse PCN The circle of (NHS) life
Experienced GPs note that the NHS often repeats itself due to changing government policies and priorities.
Pulse ICB monitoring GP practices for ‘low performance’ on GP-to-patient ratios
One Integrated Care Board is checking GP practices for low patient-to-doctor ratios and may take action.
Pulse LMCs to debate calling for LES funding to be moved into core
Local medical colleges will discuss moving local enhanced services funding into core GP contracts to end postcode lottery issues.
Pulse ‘Why GPs must look for their “missing” patients’
Professor Williamson suggests GPs should find patients who are not currently using their services to improve health inequalities.
Healthcare Leader Confused about the changing NHS structure?
Beth Gault outlines the current state of the NHS following the abolition of NHS England in March 2025.
PCNs & neighbourhoods
Healthcare Leader Council footprint overhaul pause requires re-working of neighbourhood plans
The Essex ICB must revise its multi-neighbourhood plans because the government stopped local authority reorganisation plans.
Pulse PCN PAs employed by ARRS drops to three-year low
Physician associates employed under the additional roles reimbursement scheme have reached a three-year low across England.
Pulse Government neighbourhood ambitions risk failing amid lack of GP investment, RCGP warns
← GP Press Digest – week to 31 October 2026 PulseNews Read the full article at Pulse ↗ Headline and link from Pulse (pulsetoday.co.uk). Articles may need free registration. Inclusion isn't endorsement.
CQC, regulation & governance
Pulse New CQC chief executive takes up post
Emily Miles has become the new Chief Executive of the CQC, joining from DEFRA.
Pulse Fewer employers making ‘disproportionate’ FtP referrals of ethnic minority doctors, GMC says
The GMC reports fewer employers are making disproportionate fitness-to-practice referrals for ethnic minority doctors.
Referrals & hospital services
Pulse GP leaders to vote on pushing for ‘unequivocal contractual right’ to refer
GP leaders will vote on pressing for a clear contractual right for GPs to refer patients to specialists, rather than via advice and guidance or referral hubs.
Workforce & employment
Healthcare Leader Government confirms ICBs to receive funding for domestic abuse support
The government has allocated money to health boards to offer specialist help for domestic abuse referrals.
Pulse DHSC confirms first areas to roll out domestic abuse support via GP practices
DHSC has confirmed 12 Integrated Care Board areas where GP practices will access specialist domestic abuse support workers.
Collective action & GPC
Healthcare Leader Consultants to strike in dispute over pay and conditions
Senior hospital doctors in England plan a two-day strike next month over disagreements regarding pay and working conditions.
Pulse Hospital consultants to strike following lack of formal negotiations with Government
Hospital consultants in England plan a strike next month due to no formal talks with the Government.
IT, data & cyber security
Pulse PCN Chancellor announces review into NHS productivity and AI
The Chancellor has started a review of NHS productivity and AI to help staff focus more on patient care.
Pulse ‘Early-career GPs must have a seat at the table when it comes to the future of general practice’
New representatives for young general practitioners are now involved in shaping the future of primary care.
Pulse ‘AI can diagnose, but GPs’ empathy will always be needed’
A publication discusses how AI can diagnose, but human empathy from GPs remains essential for patient care.
Healthcare Leader ICB cluster to review primary care as it moves to strategic commissioning
An integrated care board group will examine local health services as they shift to a more strategic commissioning model.
Vaccinations & screening
Pulse UKHSA data highlights impact of flu on GP visits and missed work
UKHSA data shows nearly one in seven people visit the GP with flu symptoms, and half miss work or school.
Pulse PCN How this PCN used Sunday clinics to raise MMR uptake
Springfield Park PCN increased measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination rates by using Sunday appointments for the Charedi Jewish community.

Week to 24 October 2026 29 Government planning for 2.4% GP pay rise next year, DDRB told

Contracts & funding
Pulse Government planning for 2.4% GP pay rise next year, DDRB told
In evidence to the doctors’ pay review body, DHSC and NHS England say they are planning for a 2.4% pay uplift for GPs in 2027/28.
Pulse NHSE updates ‘patient charter’ rules for GP practices to include online access requirements
NHS England has published a new “You and your GP practice” document, with a new section on online requests and clearer response times. Practices must follow it and show it on their website.
GPonline Updated patient charter risks confusion over urgent online requests
GP leaders warn NHS England’s updated patient charter could confuse patients by saying some practices accept urgent requests online.
Pulse GP practices overlooked in Government £140m winter pressure boost
The Government has announced £140m for winter pressures. It mentions evening and weekend GP access but gives none of the money to general practice, and GP leaders have criticised this.
Pulse ICB may use Google reviews to check and manage GP practices’ performance
A London ICB confirms it uses Google reviews, among other sources, to gauge patient experience and could use them to manage practices with low satisfaction.
Pulse Newly-formed ICB apologises for delays in paying GP practices
An ICB in the east of England has apologised after its LMC estimated practices were owed around £50,000 each in delayed payments.
Pulse Baroness Gerada: ‘The Health Bill must protect GP continuity of care’
Baroness Gerada argues the Health Bill must protect continuity of care with a named GP.
Pulse I failed to bring back family doctors, says Jeremy Hunt
The former health secretary says he failed to restore the family doctor and urges changes in the next GP contract talks.
Pulse GP contract negotiations for 2027/28 to start next month, says BMA
← GP Press Digest – week to 24 October 2026 PulseNews Read the full article at Pulse ↗ Headline and link from Pulse (pulsetoday.co.uk). Articles may need free registration. Inclusion isn't endorsement.
Pulse What does the Fonagy review into ADHD mean for GPs?
← GP Press Digest – week to 24 October 2026 PulseNews Read the full article at Pulse ↗ Headline and link from Pulse (pulsetoday.co.uk). Articles may need free registration. Inclusion isn't endorsement.
Pulse PCN GPs to take part in new fit note pilot
GPs in Coventry and Warwickshire will pilot a new system to offer earlier support for fit notes.
Healthcare Leader ICB to launch programme to tackle fit note system
The Coventry and Warwickshire ICB is starting a pilot to improve the fit note system for GP practices.
Healthcare Leader Government must ensure children’s outcomes not driven by postcode
The Children's Commissioner found unacceptable outcomes and service levels for children in many parts of England, stressing that location should not determine their future.
PCNs & neighbourhoods
Pulse NHS England to spend £80m on ‘multi-neighbourhood’ GP training hubs
NHS England has opened market engagement on an £80m contract for multi-neighbourhood training hubs as go-to points for GP training.
Pulse PCN GPs back neighbourhood health reforms but are split over delivery
Most GPs support neighbourhood health reforms aiming to link GP, community, and social care, but disagree on how these services should be organised.
Pulse PCN Neighbourhood transformation does not need to begin at scale, policy expert says
A policy expert suggests neighbourhood transformation should start locally before being expanded across wider areas.
Pulse PCN ‘This could be the worst of all worlds for PCNs’
Government plans for performance checks in primary care networks may negatively impact their operations.
CQC, regulation & governance
Pulse CQC must be prepared to do on-site inspections in a future pandemic, Covid Inquiry says
The Covid Inquiry recommends CQC draw up a protocol for on-site, hybrid and remote inspections in any future public health emergency.
Pulse NHSE reminds GPs of carcinogenic risk of some cancer treatments following patient death
After an inquest into a death from radiation-induced cancer, NHS England asks GPs to be aware that some cancer treatments carry a later cancer risk.
Pulse NHS 111 calls reduced following GP online access changes, CQC finds
← GP Press Digest – week to 24 October 2026 PulseNews Read the full article at Pulse ↗ Headline and link from Pulse (pulsetoday.co.uk). Articles may need free registration. Inclusion isn't endorsement.
CQC State of Care 2025/26: what CQC found in general practice
CQC's annual State of Care finds 87% of GP practices assessed under its new framework rated good and 3% outstanding; practices rated requires improvement or inadequate often had staffing gaps that left staff behind on training. It also notes general practice's share of NHS spending fell from 8.8% to 8.3% in a decade.
Healthcare Leader ‘Unwarranted variation’ exists across system, regulator finds
The CQC found unequal access to care across the system, meaning experiences depend heavily on where people live.
Referrals & hospital services
Pulse GPs left chasing patients’ ‘disappeared’ hospital referrals in NHS safety failure
A safety investigation found the e-referral service silently drops referrals from hospital worklists after 180 days, leaving GPs to chase patients’ missing referrals.
Pulse PCN GPs must have role in designing elective single point of access pathways
New NHS England guidance says ICBs and trusts must involve GPs in designing elective single point of access pathways, alongside more advice and guidance.
Workforce & employment
Pulse GPs urged to write to RCGP opposing physician associate protocol
The BMA is urging GPs to write to the RCGP opposing a draft protocol that would let physician associates see undifferentiated patients under supervision.
GPonline Physical violence and threats to kill: GP staff facing extreme abuse
A study finds practice staff facing harassment, racism, physical violence and threats to kill, leaving many fearful and distressed.
GPonline Could the NHS level up GP and consultant pay?
The BMA’s sessional GP committee wants equal career earnings for GPs and consultants; GPonline looks at how pay parity could work.
IT, data & cyber security
Pulse Single patient record could remove need for patient consent to share GP data, BMA warns
The BMA and National Data Guardian want the Health Bill amended so the duty of confidentiality still covers GP records under a single patient record.
Pulse Government to explore linking GP and hospital records to monitor vaccine safety
The government has accepted the Covid inquiry’s call to link GP and hospital records across the UK to monitor vaccine safety, which would need a new UK-wide framework for sharing health data.

Week to 17 October 2026 28 How do GP income and expenses vary by practice list size?

Contracts & funding
GPonline How do GP income and expenses vary by practice list size?
GPonline compares income and costs across small and large practices as list sizes keep rising through closures and mergers.
Pulse ‘Are we robbing GP Peter to pay Pharmacist Paul?’
Opinion: is money going to community pharmacy at general practice's expense?
Pulse Hospital trust to divert £325,000 into GP practices to tackle underfunding
Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust will pay £325,000 directly to 12 underfunded GP practices: a rare case of hospital money moving into general practice.
GPonline ‘Madness’ for GPs not to pass clinical work to pharmacies, says NHS official
An NHS official says Pharmacy First is only the start of the clinical work community pharmacies could take from general practice.
GPonline Viewpoint: Does the evidence really support expansion of Pharmacy First?
Opinion: a GP questions whether NHS England's figures really support expanding Pharmacy First.
Pulse Dispensing GP practices should deliver pharmacy services in rural areas, report says
A Policy Exchange report backed by Jeremy Hunt calls for dispensing practices to be paid to provide rural pharmacy services, with extra rural weighting in primary care budgets.
PCNs & neighbourhoods
GPonline Essex GPs in talks over PCN DES variation
Essex practices are negotiating with their ICB to vary the network contract DES, one of the routes NHS England has proposed for single neighbourhood providers.
Pulse PCN Adding up the true cost of neighbourhood services
Before taking on neighbourhood services, practices, PCNs and federations should work out what each service will really cost to deliver.
Pulse GPs to lead neighbourhood health model with £8m fund repurposed from hospitals
In one area a GP federation will lead the neighbourhood health model, funded by £8m moved out of hospital growth money.
GPonline NHS trust boss to lead national neighbourhood programme
A hospital trust chief executive will take over as national lead for neighbourhood health, replacing the GP who left the role.
Pulse GPs in one area given £2m ‘premium’ to ‘support shift from hospital to community’
One ICB has redesigned its GP premium scheme, worth £2m, to back the neighbourhood health model and move care away from hospitals.
Healthcare Leader Public capital alone cannot deliver neighbourhoods, report warns
A report warns that the investment needed for neighbourhood health services and buildings is too large for public capital alone.
Pulse PCN Social prescribing leads to improved mental wellbeing, research finds
A Patients Association survey found referral to social prescribing link workers improved patients’ wellbeing, confidence and access to local services, supporting the ARRS role.
CQC, regulation & governance
Pulse GPs given new legal duties to proactively share information for child safeguarding
New government guidance puts a legal duty on GPs to share information about children early, when needs are emerging, not only once harm is suspected.
Pulse CQC to regulate all diagnostic assessments for ADHD and autism
The Government has asked the CQC to regulate every ADHD and autism diagnostic assessment once new regulations are in place.
Referrals & hospital services
GPonline NHS England could intervene in GP disputes over single point of access
NHS England may step in where practices and hospital trusts cannot agree how the new single point of access for patients’ hospital queries should work.
Pulse GPs should have ‘clear escalation routes’ for raising A&G safety concerns, says NHSE
NHS England's single point of access guidance asks practices to report delayed or unclear advice and guidance replies and to escalate safety concerns, and says A&G should still come before or instead of referral this year.
RCGP More than four in five patients unsure who to turn to in NHS care, warns RCGP
RCGP polling finds 64% of patients contacted their GP while waiting for another NHS service, adding avoidable practice workload.
Pulse PCN More than 60% of patients contacted GP while waiting for other care, poll finds
Over 60% of patients contacted their practice at least once in the past year while waiting for another NHS service: evidence of the knock-on workload long waits create for practices.
GPonline How NHS delays are piling extra work on GPs
Evidence suggests delays and poor communication elsewhere in the NHS are pushing extra work onto general practice.
Workforce & employment
Pulse PCN PAs must not hold ‘sole responsibility’ for final diagnosis, protocol says
A draft protocol says physician associates in general practice must not be solely responsible for a final diagnosis, so the supervising GP stays involved.
GPonline AI complaints swamp practice staff and hit morale, poll shows
Nearly half of practice managers say AI-written patient complaints, some nearly 20 pages long, add workload and hurt morale.
IT, data & cyber security
Pulse Major IT migration programme causing GPs ‘real anxiety’ and severe delays, BMA warns
The BMA says a large GP IT migration programme is causing severe delays and worry in practices.
Prescribing & medicines
Pulse GPs to advise about suicidal behaviour risks when prescribing antidepressants
New MHRA guidance says GPs should discuss the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours when starting an antidepressant or changing the dose.
Pulse ASA clamps down on rule-breaking pharmacy weight-loss medicine adverts
The advertising regulator has ruled for the first time against online pharmacies promoting oral weight-loss drugs.
Pulse Pharmacy First-issued medicines increase by nearly a third
Medicines issued in Pharmacy First consultations for seven common conditions rose 32% in 2025/26, NHSBSA figures show.
Pulse What will the arrival of thousands of new pharmacist prescribers mean for general practice?
The first pharmacists to qualify with prescribing rights graduate this autumn. A look at how they will work alongside general practice and the safeguards planned.
PCSE & patient registration
Pulse Frontline doctors demand ‘independent review’ of GP list-cleansing drive
Doctors are calling for an independent review of NHS England's list-cleansing drive.

Week to 10 October 2026 31 Next year’s GP contract to be decided through consultation again, Government tells BMA

Contracts & funding
Pulse Next year’s GP contract to be decided through consultation again, Government tells BMA
The government will consult on the 2027/28 contract rather than negotiate it with the BMA.
GPonline What can GPs expect from the 2027/28 contract?
With talks back on, a look at what the profession wants from next year's contract.
Healthcare Leader Merger of clustered ICBs delayed to 2028
The merger of nine ICB clusters has been delayed a year to 2028.
GPonline GPs slam impact on capacity and safety after a year of unlimited online demand
A year on, GPs say unlimited online requests have cut face-to-face capacity and affected safety.
Pulse ICBs must use data and patient feedback to improve GP access, says Healthwatch
Healthwatch wants ICBs to use data and patient views to improve GP access.
GPonline Hospital deficits block funding shift to neighbourhoods, NHS official admits
Planning guidance will prioritise primary and community care, but hospital deficits are holding the shift back.
Healthcare Leader Exclusive: London GP leaders slam ICB as winter funding allocated to trusts
West and North London ICB has put its £20m winter money into hospital and mental health trusts, with nothing for general practice. Londonwide LMCs say GPs were left out of the decision and the ICB does not value general practice.
PCNs & neighbourhoods
Pulse GP architect of neighbourhood health reforms to leave NHS England
Dr Claire Fuller, NHS England's GP lead for neighbourhood health, is stepping down.
Pulse ‘Same-day GP hubs’ to be established as part of ICB neighbourhood health plan
An ICB's neighbourhood plan includes same-day GP hubs to keep patients out of hospital.
Pulse PCN PCNs can help keep people with MSK conditions in work
How PCN first-contact physios can help people with MSK problems stay in work.
Pulse PCN How this PCN created a one-stop-shop for diabetes
A PCN case study on running all diabetes care in one place.
Pulse PCN Be careful what you automate: the wider value of care coordinators
Opinion: care coordinators do more than the tasks that could be automated.
CQC, regulation & governance
Pulse The top 10 triggers for complaints against GPs
An analysis of the most common reasons patients complain about GPs.
Pulse GP who entered incorrect data in death certificates suspended for 10 months
A GP has been suspended for ten months for putting incorrect details on death certificates.
CQC CQC to regulate autism and ADHD diagnostic assessments
Services that only diagnose ADHD or autism will now be registered with the CQC, which closes a gap in oversight of the private assessments that often lead to shared-care requests to GPs.
Referrals & hospital services
Pulse GPs should take on long-term ADHD management, landmark review recommends
A major review says GPs should take over long-term ADHD care.
Pulse Government could miss treatment waiting time target due to GP referrals increase
Rising GP referrals could put the elective waiting-time target at risk.
RCGP RCGP responds to the independent review into ADHD and autism
RCGP welcomes the review's approach and says young people with ADHD, autism and mental health conditions need a range of support.
RCGP RCGP responds to Health Foundation’s analysis of NHS waiting times
RCGP says GP referral numbers alone don't show whether referrals are appropriate, and long waits add pressure on practices.
Workforce & employment
Pulse PAs can see ‘limited’ undifferentiated patients under GP supervision, says draft guidance
Draft guidance would let PAs see a limited range of undifferentiated patients under GP supervision.
Pulse GP-supervised physician associates seeing undifferentiated patients ‘dangerous’, BMA warns
The BMA calls the draft PA supervision plans unsafe.
Pulse Physician associates’ union granted permission for judicial review over Leng recommendations
The PA union can now take its challenge to the Leng review findings to court.
Pulse PA review lead Professor Gillian Leng to head up GP indemnity provider
Professor Gillian Leng is to become president of the Medical Protection Society.
Collective action & GPC
GPonline Government lays out plan to end GP collective action
The government sets out its route to ending GP collective action.
Prescribing & medicines
GPonline NICE plans to make guidance more accessible and relevant for GPs and patients
NICE plans to make its guidance easier for GPs and patients to use.
GPonline Pharmacist faked GP prescriptions to defraud NHS of £1.3m
A pharmacist forged GP prescriptions in a £1.3m NHS fraud.
Pulse PCN Autism and ADHD review recommends building capacity across multidisciplinary workforce
An independent review led by Professor Peter Fonagy finds that services for children and young people with mental health conditions, ADHD and autism fall short of need. It calls for more capacity across the multidisciplinary workforce.
PCSE & patient registration
GPonline Multimillion-pound list cleaning cuts ‘will be reinvested in core general practice’
Savings from list cleaning are promised back to core general practice funding.
Pulse GP practices affected by NHSE list-cleansing to be offered support, says minister
A minister says practices that lose income through list cleaning will get support.
Vaccinations & screening
Pulse Health officials urge vaccination amid signs of early flu season
Health officials say flu season is starting early and are pressing for vaccine uptake.
Public health
Pulse Smoking rates halve as over one million never-smokers take up vaping
Smoking has halved, but over a million people who never smoked now vape.

Week to 3 October 2026 18 GP reimbursement scheme rules relaxed to include locums

Contracts & funding
GPonline GP reimbursement scheme rules relaxed to include locums
The £292m GP reimbursement scheme can now be used for locums.
GPonline Revamped GP reimbursement scheme covers sessions by partners, BMA confirms
Partners working extra sessions as locums can be claimed under the revamped reimbursement scheme.
Pulse NHSE hints at ‘potential contractual action’ around same-day urgent GP access target
NHS England hints at contractual action over the 90% same-day urgent access target.
PCNs & neighbourhoods
GPonline ARRS funding shift as PCNs prioritise doctors and nurses
NHS data suggests PCNs are moving ARRS money towards GPs and nurses and away from other roles.
GPonline GPs urged to ‘seize’ neighbourhood model as Cooper hails improved access
The health secretary praises access gains and urges GPs to embrace neighbourhood working.
GPonline What did GPs at the Labour conference learn about the government’s vision?
GP leaders came away optimistic but want clarity on who does what in a neighbourhood NHS.
GPonline If hospital to community shift doesn’t work – stop it, says RCGP
RCGP says the move of care into the community should be halted if it isn't delivering.
CQC, regulation & governance
Pulse NHS England instructs GP practices to dismiss staff caught ‘snooping’ on patient records
NHS England says practices should dismiss staff caught "snooping" on patient records in almost all cases.
GPonline GPs to refer into new specialist domestic abuse service, Cooper announces
GPs will be able to refer patients to a new specialist domestic abuse service.
CQC Have your say on CQC guidance on good dementia care
CQC is asking providers and professionals what good dementia care looks like to shape new guidance. The survey closes at 5pm on 30 October 2026.
Referrals & hospital services
Pulse NHS England commissions ‘external evaluation’ of advice and guidance
NHS England commissioned an external evaluation of Advice & Guidance, reporting by March.
GPonline GP-led advice and guidance could form part of single point of access
A GP-led advice and guidance model that cut costs may be built into a local single point of access.
Workforce & employment
GPonline BMA committee backs equal pay for GPs and consultants
A BMA committee supports pay parity between GPs and hospital consultants.
Pulse PCN BMA calls for an ‘urgent review’ into advanced practitioner (AP) scopes of practice
The BMA wants an urgent review of advanced practitioners' scopes of practice.
RCGP New RCGP report finds GPs do not have enough time to offer preventative care
An RCGP report finds patients trust GPs most on healthy living, but three in four GPs say they lack time for preventive care.
PCSE & patient registration
Pulse NHS England’s GP list-cleansing drive targeting six to seven million patients
NHS England's list cleansing is targeting 6–7 million patients, documents show.
PCSE PCSE GP Practice Update: October 2026
Approve locums’ Locum A forms promptly so they can pay pension contributions on time, get ready for the 2025/26 pensions end of year, and how to access hospital records.
Public health
RCGP RCGP responds to new public health approach to violence against women and girls
RCGP welcomes the public health approach and says GPs need time to build the trust that lets patients disclose abuse.

Week to 26 September 2026 12 Shifting funding to general practice will benefit wider NHS, says BMA

Contracts & funding
GPonline Shifting funding to general practice will benefit wider NHS, says BMA
BMA argues more money for general practice would ease pressure across the NHS.
GPonline General practice ‘at risk without immediate investment’
Warning that general practice needs urgent funding to stay sustainable.
GPonline Half of practices introduce waiting lists for non-urgent appointments, poll suggests
Half of practices say they've had to introduce waiting lists for non-urgent appointments.
Pulse £50 extra per patient to be ‘major negotiating aim’ in GP contract talks, says BMA
An extra £50 per patient in core funding is a major BMA aim in contract talks.
PCNs & neighbourhoods
GPonline Innovative GP-led falls scheme ‘strong example’ of neighbourhood benefits
A GP-led falls service is held up as a model for neighbourhood working.
Pulse PCN GP federation most likely partner for MNP, papers suggest
A GP federation is the most likely partner for a multi-neighbourhood provider in West Yorkshire, papers suggest.
CQC, regulation & governance
Pulse GPs should let parents access children’s records but keep this ‘under review’, says GMC
The GMC says GPs should let parents access children's records with the child's consent, keeping it under review.
Workforce & employment
Pulse BMA report reveals accounts of non-doctors rejecting GP referrals and ‘taking the role of GPs’
A BMA report describes non-doctors rejecting GP referrals and calls for an end to "taskification".
Collective action & GPC
GPonline BMA warns practices against involvement with NHS app AI-triage pilots
The BMA advises practices not to take part in NHS England's AI-assisted triage pilots in the NHS App.
Pulse GPs to ‘limit appointments’ if Government doesn’t engage in contract talks
The BMA has plans to escalate, including limiting appointments, if contract talks don't progress.
IT, data & cyber security
GPonline GPs forced to use online consultation system not integrated with NHS app
Some practices are made to use an online consultation tool that doesn't link to the NHS App.
PCSE & patient registration
GPonline Patients flagged for removal at 10 times normal rate in list cleaning surge
Removal flags are running at nearly ten times previous years under the current list-cleaning drive.

Week to 19 September 2026 12 Viewpoint: List cleaning is like Carr-Hill reform on steroids – GPs need protection

Contracts & funding
GPonline Viewpoint: List cleaning is like Carr-Hill reform on steroids – GPs need protection
Opinion: practices losing income to list cleaning deserve the transitional protection promised for formula changes.
Healthcare Leader Exclusive: ICB workforce falls by 5,000, investigation reveals
ICBs employ about 5,000 fewer staff than in 2024, a Healthcare Leader investigation finds.
GPonline GP practices facing extra work and payment delays because of ICB cuts
Practices are absorbing extra admin and payment delays after ICB cuts, including to safeguarding roles.
GPonline List cleaning has slashed equivalent of 30m appointments from GP practices
List cleaning has removed funding worth around 30 million appointments from general practice.
PCNs & neighbourhoods
GPonline Government unveils six new neighbourhood health ‘trailblazers’
Six more areas named to pilot neighbourhood health services.
CQC, regulation & governance
Pulse PCN Baroness Neuberger appointed new CQC chair
Baroness Julia Neuberger will be the next chair of the CQC.
GPonline CQC highlights best practice examples from GP inspections
CQC publishes examples of good practice found on GP inspections.
Referrals & hospital services
Pulse NHS England chair hints at ‘getting rid’ of outpatient appointments
NHS England's chair suggested moving away from traditional outpatient appointments.
GPonline Nearly 60% of ICBs do not commission recommended child asthma test
Nearly three in five ICBs don't commission FeNO testing for children with suspected asthma in primary care.
Workforce & employment
GPonline Rise in GP locum bookings this year linked to online consultation workload
A sessional GP organisation links rising locum demand to the extra online consultation work.
Collective action & GPC
Pulse BMA postpones GP collective action escalation as it re-enters ‘bilateral’ contract talks
The BMA postponed collective action escalation until 1 December as it re-entered talks.
PCSE & patient registration
GPonline ‘Patients have missed out on medication because they’ve been removed unfairly’
Patients wrongly removed in list cleaning have reportedly lost access to their medicines.

Week to 12 September 2026 3 Confidence in NHS pension scheme undermined by ‘poor’ delivery of McCloud remedy

Contracts & funding
Pulse PCN Confidence in NHS pension scheme undermined by ‘poor’ delivery of McCloud remedy
Poor delivery of the McCloud remedy has damaged members' confidence in the NHS pension scheme.
Pulse GPs must not prescribe semaglutide for CVD risk without ‘written confirmation’ of funding
GPs should get written confirmation of ICB commissioning before prescribing semaglutide for CVD risk reduction.
PCNs & neighbourhoods
Pulse RCGP opposes NHS England’s proposals for neighbourhood contracts ‘in their current form’
The RCGP does not support NHS England's proposed neighbourhood contract models in their current form.

Week to 5 September 2026 4 Government U-turns on plan to remove councils from ICB boards

Contracts & funding
Healthcare Leader Government U-turns on plan to remove councils from ICB boards
The Government has dropped plans to remove council representatives from ICB boards.
CQC, regulation & governance
Pulse GPs to undertake extra training if they are to be involved in assisted dying, Government confirms
GPs involved in assisted dying will need extra training, from 90 minutes to a full day.
Workforce & employment
Pulse Third of GPs don’t have fully-qualified NHS roles within a year of finishing training, data shows
More than a third of GPs have no fully qualified NHS role a year after finishing training.
Collective action & GPC
Pulse BMA will not escalate GP collective action this month after ‘positive meetings’ with NHSE
The BMA did not escalate collective action in September after "positive" meetings with NHS England.

Week to 29 August 2026 8 Varying PCN contract least disruptive way to shift to neighbourhood models

Contracts & funding
Pulse PCN Varying PCN contract least disruptive way to shift to neighbourhood models
Varying the PCN contract is seen as the least disruptive route to neighbourhood models.
CQC, regulation & governance
CQC CQC passes 9,800 assessments and looks at AI in decision-making
CQC has beaten its target of 9,000 assessments by September and expects to set out possible use of AI to support regulatory decisions this autumn.
Referrals & hospital services
Pulse ADHD documentary may push worried parents to seek GP help, says GPC UK chair
The GPC UK chair expects a controversial ADHD documentary to prompt more parents to seek GP help.
Collective action & GPC
RCGP Past and present RCGP leaders unite behind five commitments for NHS reform
Nineteen current and former RCGP presidents and chairs back five commitments for NHS reform built on strong general practice.
IT, data & cyber security
Pulse AI GP receptionists ‘do not respond well’ to regional accents or speech impediments
AI receptionists used by some practices struggle with regional accents and speech impediments.
Pulse GP leaders warn of ‘inaccurate’ AI-generated hospital letters and patient complaints
GP leaders warn of inaccurate AI-generated hospital letters and patient complaints.
Vaccinations & screening
NHSE Vaccination standards and RSV contractual guidance updated for practices
Updated vaccination and immunisation standards and core contractual requirements, alongside new RSV contractual guidance covering the extended cohorts (all adults 80 and over and older care home residents), recording codes and payments.
RCGP RCGP responds to new HPV home-testing kits
The RCGP welcomes HPV self-sampling kits for women who have missed cervical screening.

Week to 22 August 2026 7 Neighbourhoods are not about ‘switching PCNs off’, legal expert says

PCNs & neighbourhoods
Pulse PCN Neighbourhoods are not about ‘switching PCNs off’, legal expert says
A legal expert says neighbourhoods will be built on PCNs, not switch them off.
Referrals & hospital services
Pulse DHSC sets out updated guidance on when GPs should offer PSA testing
DHSC's updated guidance: don't routinely offer PSA tests to men without symptoms or a BRCA2 variant.
RCGP Significant variation in A&G pathways must be addressed: RCGP responds to HSSIB report
Responding to HSSIB's interim report, the RCGP says wide variation in Advice and Guidance pathways must be tackled.
Pulse Advice and guidance ‘contributed to patient harm’, NHS safety investigation finds
A national safety investigation found Advice & Guidance contributed to patient harm and delayed diagnoses.
RCGP A&G initiatives have potential to support patient care but need to work for everyone involved
On two surveys of GPs and consultants, the RCGP says A&G can help patients but must work for everyone involved.
Pulse GPs estimate quarter of patient referrals now returned as unsolicited advice and guidance
GPs estimate a quarter of their referrals come back as unsolicited Advice & Guidance.
Vaccinations & screening
Pulse Flu vaccine delivery cancellations to cause ‘significant disruption’, GP leaders warn
GP leaders warn flu vaccine delivery cancellations will cause significant disruption.

Week to 15 August 2026 7 New report ‘lays bare’ challenges facing general practice

Contracts & funding
RCGP New report ‘lays bare’ challenges facing general practice
The RCGP says a Health Foundation report on GP funding in England lays bare the pressures on practices.
Pulse Only a minority of GP partners earn £250k-plus, despite headline figures
Only a minority of GP partners earn £250k or more, despite headline figures.
Pulse ICB boundaries to be redrawn by 2029
ICB boundaries will be redrawn to match strategic authority borders by 2029.
Pulse One in three GP practices reduce face-to-face appointments due to online access changes
A Pulse survey found one in three practices cut face-to-face appointments because of online access changes.
CQC, regulation & governance
RCGP GMC report highlights ‘worrying’ trends that must be addressed
RCGP says trends in the GMC's latest report need action.
Collective action & GPC
Pulse PCN Government confirms general practice and neighbourhood minister
Dame Diana Johnson is the minister responsible for general practice and neighbourhood health.
PCSE & patient registration
PCSE PCSE GP Practice Update: August 2026
New standard forms for changing practice bank details, how to read your PCSE Online contractual statement, moving records to Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, printing transit labels and supplies changes.

Week to 8 August 2026 3 GP leaders divided over ICB’s decision to distribute £2m using avoidable mortality formula

Contracts & funding
Healthcare Leader GP leaders divided over ICB’s decision to distribute £2m using avoidable mortality formula
One ICB's decision to share £2m between practices on avoidable mortality alone has divided GP leaders.
Referrals & hospital services
Pulse GPs forced to reorganise tests after ‘major’ delays at trust make 2,500 samples unusable
Major pathology delays at one trust made 2,500 samples unusable, forcing repeat tests.
PCSE & patient registration
Pulse Two thirds of GP practices have evidence of NHSE list cleansing process ‘getting it wrong’
Almost 70% of practices report patients wrongly removed in NHS England's list cleansing.

Week to 1 August 2026 6 First organisations to become IHOs confirmed

PCNs & neighbourhoods
Pulse PCN First organisations to become IHOs confirmed
NHS England has confirmed the first two integrated health organisations.
CQC, regulation & governance
CQC CQC adds clinical record reviews to some focused GP assessments
Enhanced Returning to Good and Outstanding assessments now include clinical searches and record reviews by a GP adviser or CQC pharmacist, and two more quality statements: medicines optimisation and evidence-based care.
Pulse GP FtP reports rise as GMC sees biggest increase in doctor complaints in 20 years
GMC complaints rose by 25%, the biggest increase in 20 years, prompting calls for fitness-to-practise reform.
RCGP RCGP responds to GMC data on fitness-to-practise complaints
The RCGP comments on the GMC's report of a 25% rise in fitness-to-practise complaints.
Pulse GPs could close if indoor temperatures rise above 30C, suggests RCGP
The RCGP suggests practices consider closing or relocating services above 30°C indoors.
Workforce & employment
Pulse ‘Astonishing’ GP unemployment crisis still ongoing, warns BMA sessional committee chair
The BMA sessional GPs chair warns the GP unemployment crisis continues.

Week to 25 July 2026 7 Standard GMS, PMS and APMS contracts for 2026/27 published

Contracts & funding
NHSE Standard GMS, PMS and APMS contracts for 2026/27 published
NHS England has published the July 2026 standard GMS contract, PMS agreement and APMS contract, with variation notices, reflecting this year’s contract changes.
Pulse PCN What the contract consultation means for PCNs
What the proposed neighbourhood provider contracts mean for PCNs, and why general practice needs to be involved.
RCGP RCGP welcomes new Health Secretary
RCGP welcomes the new Health Secretary and offers to work on the challenges facing general practice.
PCNs & neighbourhoods
Pulse GP leaders withdraw support for IHO model amid fears it will disadvantage practices
GP leaders in one area withdrew support for the local integrated health organisation model.
Workforce & employment
Pulse Burnout among GP trainers worsened in the last year, GMC finds
The GMC's training survey found burnout among GP trainers worsened this year.
Collective action & GPC
Pulse Grassroots GPs urge new administration to prioritise family doctor model
Grassroots GP groups urged the new administration to prioritise the family doctor model.
Pulse What will new health secretary Yvette Cooper do for general practice?
What new health secretary Yvette Cooper could mean for general practice.

Week to 18 July 2026 7 What will neighbourhoods and a new Prime Minister mean for GP local enhanced services?

Contracts & funding
Pulse What will neighbourhoods and a new Prime Minister mean for GP local enhanced services?
The future of local enhanced services under neighbourhood health and a new Prime Minister.
Pulse ICBs tasked with performance managing GP practice QOF achievement
ICBs are tasked with reducing variation in practices' QOF performance.
PCNs & neighbourhoods
Pulse NHSE reveals more details on neighbourhood contracts as consultation launched
NHS England published more detail on neighbourhood contracts and launched a consultation.
Pulse Neighbourhoods ‘will likely fail’ if Burnham doesn’t change course, says senior GP adviser
A senior GP adviser warns neighbourhood health will likely fail without a change of direction.
CQC, regulation & governance
CQC Emily Miles appointed CQC chief executive
Former Food Standards Agency chief executive Emily Miles takes over as CQC chief executive in October 2026.
Prescribing & medicines
Healthcare Leader First 13 ICBs to pilot single national formulary confirmed
The 13 ICBs piloting a single national formulary have been named.
Premises & estates
Pulse PCN Government confirms extra £200m for GP practice premises upgrades
A further £200m is available for practices to claim for premises upgrades.

Week to 11 July 2026 6 Five-year high for patient satisfaction with general practice

Contracts & funding
RCGP Five-year high for patient satisfaction with general practice
NHS England figures show patient satisfaction at a five-year high, with over three quarters rating their practice as good.
PCNs & neighbourhoods
Pulse PCN PCN GP practices can collaborate to deliver child flu vaccines
Practices in a PCN can collaborate to deliver childhood flu vaccines this winter.
Collective action & GPC
Pulse ‘Plan B’ will give GPs different options ‘if the NHS fails’, says new GPC chair
New GPC England chair Dr Clare Bannon says "plan B" gives practices options if the NHS fails.
Healthcare Leader GPs told to refuse shared care agreements in collective action escalation
The BMA's next stage of collective action asks GPs to refuse new shared care agreements.
Prescribing & medicines
CQC CQC annual update on the safer management of controlled drugs
CQC’s yearly report on controlled drugs sets out trends and lessons for prescribers and practices on safe management.
PCSE & patient registration
Pulse GP list-cleansing savings will be reinvested into practices, pledges NHS England
NHS England pledged that savings from list cleansing will be reinvested in general practice.

Week to 4 July 2026 8 Clustered ICBs should merge by April 2027

Contracts & funding
Healthcare Leader Clustered ICBs should merge by April 2027
NHS England says clustered ICBs should merge by April 2027.
Referrals & hospital services
CQC NHS England primary care guidance on children’s gender services
Guidance for GPs on referrals to the children and young people’s gender service, including record keeping, highlighted in CQC’s June bulletin.
Pulse Coroner raises GP referral concerns after boy dies from missed appendicitis
A coroner raised referral and information-sharing concerns after a boy died of missed appendicitis.
Collective action & GPC
Pulse New GPC England chair to keep ‘plan B’ on the table
The new GPC England chair is keeping "plan B" on the table.
Pulse England’s BMA GP Committee chair will not stand for re-election
GPC England chair Dr Katie Bramall stood down at the end of her term.
Prescribing & medicines
Pulse Mounjaro pilot to bypass GP appointments in parts of UK
A Mounjaro pilot in 12 areas lets some patients access weight-loss treatment without GP appointments.
PCSE & patient registration
PCSE PCSE GP Practice Update: June 2026
Changes to how GP and PCN bank account details are changed, supplies moving to fortnightly collections and deliveries, the digital patient documents service, an end to GP local codes, and duplicate NHS numbers.
Vaccinations & screening
RCGP RCGP welcomes expanded RSV vaccine offer for vulnerable adults
RCGP welcomes RSV vaccination being extended to more vulnerable adults.

Week to 27 June 2026 2 Government to ‘ease pressure on GPs’ by expanding use of pharmacists, says minister

PCNs & neighbourhoods
Pulse Government to ‘ease pressure on GPs’ by expanding use of pharmacists, says minister
A minister says expanding the role of pharmacists will ease pressure on GPs.
Prescribing & medicines
Pulse GPs ‘pressured’ into prescribing weight-loss drugs without ICB-commissioned services
GPs report pressure to prescribe weight-loss drugs without ICB-commissioned services.

Week to 20 June 2026 5 Clustered ICBs to be ranked separately in upcoming league tables

Contracts & funding
Healthcare Leader Clustered ICBs to be ranked separately in upcoming league tables
Clustered ICBs that haven't formally merged, such as BSol and the Black Country, will be ranked separately in league tables.
Pulse GP practices facing £6m clawback from ICB may have to close, leaders warn
Practices in one area could close after an ICB moved to claw back about £6m paid in error.
RCGP Successful improvement programme for GP practices to continue across England
The RCGP has a three-year NHS England contract to keep running its Practice Level Support improvement programme.
CQC, regulation & governance
Pulse BMA to begin legal action against Government over GMC regulation ‘U-turn’
The BMA began legal action over the Government's plan for the GMC to keep its appeal rights.
Referrals & hospital services
Pulse GPs raise patient safety fears over 25,000-letter hospital backlog
GPs raised safety fears over a 25,000-letter outpatient letter backlog at one trust.

Week to 13 June 2026 4 Neighbourhood health centres to be approved by summer amidst unaffordable estate upgrade requests

PCNs & neighbourhoods
Pulse PCN Neighbourhood health centres to be approved by summer amidst unaffordable estate upgrade requests
The first neighbourhood health centres will be approved by summer, but many estate upgrade bids are unaffordable.
CQC, regulation & governance
Pulse Patients using AI to send legal letters to GP practices, says indemnity provider
An indemnity provider reports patients using AI to send long legal-style letters to practices.
Pulse Fear of complaints push 79% of GPs to practise ‘defensive medicine’
A survey found 79% of GPs practise defensive medicine for fear of complaints.
Referrals & hospital services
Pulse GPs ‘under pressure’ to diagnose autism and ADHD for benefit entitlement, report finds
A report says GPs face pressure to diagnose autism and ADHD linked to benefit entitlement.

Week to 6 June 2026 8 How can GP capacity grow when its share of funding is falling?

Contracts & funding
RCGP How can GP capacity grow when its share of funding is falling?
RCGP says the latest GMS statistics paint a deeply concerning picture for general practice funding.
CQC, regulation & governance
CQC CQC to pilot its new assessment frameworks from June to October
Around 40 pilot assessments will test the draft sector frameworks alongside normal inspections, with CQC planning to finish evaluating them in November 2026.
Referrals & hospital services
RCGP RCGP responds to PAC report on support for people living with frailty
The RCGP responds to the Public Accounts Committee's concerns about services for people living with frailty.
Healthcare Leader Quarter of ICBs not commissioning spirometry tests in primary care
A quarter of ICBs don't commission spirometry and other tests for asthma and COPD in primary care.
Workforce & employment
RCGP RCGP responds to Lord Mann review of racism in the NHS
RCGP says everyone working in or using the NHS should feel safe and respected, whatever their background.
Collective action & GPC
Pulse BMA’s England GP Committee could lose its funding grant in favour of ‘plan B’ alternative
The GP Defence Fund was to vote on stopping GPC England's funding in favour of a "plan B".
Pulse BMA goes ahead with GP collective action escalation ‘putting care ahead of cost savings’
The BMA's June escalation asked GPs to switch off medicines optimisation software.
Vaccinations & screening
RCGP RCGP responds to Government decision on prostate cancer screening
The RCGP says cancer screening must be evidence-based, responding to the Government's prostate screening decision.

Week to 30 May 2026 6 Practices to confirm transfer of GP reimbursement scheme funding with ICBs

Contracts & funding
Pulse PCN Practices to confirm transfer of GP reimbursement scheme funding with ICBs
Practices can ask their ICB to move GP reimbursement scheme funding between practices in the PCN.
Pulse Investigation: How ICB variation has created a LES lottery
A Pulse investigation finds wide variation in local enhanced service funding between ICBs.
CQC, regulation & governance
CQC CQC prioritises services with the oldest ratings
CQC has set out how it will prioritise assessments to deliver more of them and tackle aged ratings, including more use of specialist advisers.
Collective action & GPC
Pulse GPs to ‘remove or ignore’ medicines optimisation software in contract dispute escalation
GPs asked to "remove or ignore" medicines optimisation software as collective action escalated (see BLMC's local advice).
Pulse GPs to be balloted on ‘plan B’ including providing private services, BMA confirms
The BMA confirmed GPs will be balloted on a "plan B", including providing private services.
Vaccinations & screening
Pulse NSC advises against whole-population prostate cancer screening in final recommendation
The National Screening Committee advised against whole-population prostate screening, recommending a targeted approach.

Week to 23 May 2026 7 Financial incentives for GPs ‘effective’ to help reduce demand on fit notes, Government finds

Contracts & funding
Pulse Financial incentives for GPs ‘effective’ to help reduce demand on fit notes, Government finds
A Government evaluation found financial incentives for GPs could help a scheme that reduces fit note demand.
NHSE Supplementary information on the 2026/27 GP contract
NHS England’s detailed guidance for practices and commissioners on putting the 2026/27 contract changes into practice. Updated on 1 October 2026.
Pulse PCN Legal responsibility for primary care commissioning to pass to ICBs after NHSE abolition
ICBs will become legally responsible for primary care commissioning when NHS England is abolished.
PCNs & neighbourhoods
Pulse What will the Health Bill mean for general practice?
Pulse's Q&A on what the Health Bill means for general practice.
CQC, regulation & governance
CQC CQC sets out what it expects from providers using AI
CQC has published its role, expectations and plans for AI in health and care, including its own pilot of AI note-taking during inspections. Relevant to practices using AI scribes.
Referrals & hospital services
Pulse All A&G requests must come from named GPs, says NHS England
NHS England says all Advice & Guidance requests must come from named GPs.
Fees & non-NHS work
RCGP RCGP response to DWP’s fit note reform plan
The RCGP says fit note reform must put patients' health first rather than be driven by cutting benefit costs.

Week to 16 May 2026 8 College letter to new Health Secretary

Contracts & funding
RCGP College letter to new Health Secretary
RCGP writes to the new Health Secretary on GP access and moving care into the community.
RCGP RCGP responds to the King’s Speech
RCGP responds to the health measures in the King's Speech.
PCNs & neighbourhoods
Pulse Primary care networks given two weeks to submit neighbourhood health centre plans
PCNs in one area were given just two weeks to tell their ICB their role in neighbourhood health centres.
CQC, regulation & governance
Pulse GP partners ‘must act’ if unprofessional behaviour is reported to them, says GMC
The GMC says GP partners must act when unprofessional behaviour or discrimination by staff is reported to them.
Collective action & GPC
Pulse UK GP leaders vote to explore ‘dentist’ model ‘outside the NHS’
The UK LMC conference voted to explore a "dentist-style" model outside the NHS.
Pulse Wes Streeting resigns as health secretary citing Government ‘unpopularity’
Wes Streeting resigned as health secretary.
IT, data & cyber security
Pulse Single patient record to include primary, secondary and social care data, DHSC confirms
DHSC confirms the single patient record will include primary, secondary and later social care data.
Pulse EMIS owner bought by US private equity firm
US private equity firm TPG has bought Optum UK, owner of the EMIS clinical system.

Week to 9 May 2026 5 We need more GPs – not targets, says College President

Contracts & funding
RCGP We need more GPs – not targets, says College President
The RCGP president says patients need more GPs, not new access targets.
PCNs & neighbourhoods
Pulse PCN GPs and practice nurses paid for with scrapped PCN funding pot added to ARRS
GPs and practice nurses funded from a scrapped PCN funding pot can now be moved into ARRS.
Collective action & GPC
Pulse DHSC to continue negotiations with BMA as GP collective action will have ‘no impact’
DHSC said it would keep negotiating with the BMA, claiming collective action would have "no impact".
IT, data & cyber security
RCGP RCGP response to survey on online access to general practice
The RCGP stresses choice and safety after a report on online access tools in general practice.
Prescribing & medicines
Pulse Over one million switched to combined asthma inhalers since NICE update
Over a million asthma patients have switched to combination reliever inhalers since NICE's update.

Week to 2 May 2026 7 Government confirms new practice-level reimbursement scheme only covers salaried GPs

Contracts & funding
Pulse Government confirms new practice-level reimbursement scheme only covers salaried GPs
The new practice-level reimbursement scheme initially covered salaried GPs only (since extended to locums).
Pulse GP leaders voting on same-day access concession offer made by NHS England
NHS England offered a concession on same-day access, which GP leaders voted on.
PCNs & neighbourhoods
Pulse ICBs receive powers to vary PCN contracts locally to develop neighbourhood services
ICBs can now vary PCN contracts locally to develop neighbourhood services.
CQC, regulation & governance
CQC People posing as CQC inspectors: how to check an inspector’s ID
Some providers have been contacted by people pretending to be CQC inspectors. Genuine inspectors carry a photo ID badge with CQC’s warrant; ring CQC to check before letting anyone in.
Pulse GPs don’t need to be ‘100% sure’ of patient cause of death, says medical examiner
A medical examiner says GPs needn't be "100% sure" of cause of death to complete a certificate, but must be able to explain their reasoning.
Workforce & employment
RCGP GPs losing £400 worth of time a day to avoidable workload
An RCGP report estimates GPs lose about £400 worth of time a day to avoidable workload.
Public health
CQC Consultation on smoke-free and vape-free areas outside GP surgeries
The Government consulted on extending smoke-free rules to outdoor areas around health settings including GP surgeries, with vaping still allowed outside to support quitting.

Week to 25 April 2026 8 What new VAT exemptions for GP locums mean for PCNs

Contracts & funding
Pulse PCN What new VAT exemptions for GP locums mean for PCNs
A tax ruling means agency-supplied GP locums may now be VAT-exempt, which could cut locum costs for PCNs and practices.
Pulse Making the most of QOF 2026/27 – key tips
Practical tips for the new 2026/27 QOF indicators and boosting income.
Pulse GP partners approached by Operose with offers to take over their practices
Operose Health has approached GP partners about taking over their practices.
Referrals & hospital services
Pulse NHS England backtracks on target for one in four GP referrals to be diverted via A&G
NHS England dropped its target for a quarter of GP referrals to go via Advice & Guidance.
RCGP RCGP welcomes NHS England’s move away from rigid A&G target
The RCGP welcomes NHS England dropping a fixed 25% Advice and Guidance target.
NHSE NHS England letter on specialist advice and elective single point of access
Amanda Doyle’s letter explains specialist advice and the new elective single points of access for referrals, and what practices and patients should expect from secondary care.
Collective action & GPC
Pulse UK LMC conference to vote on plans for taking GPs outside NHS
UK LMC conference to debate a strategy for leaving GMS contracts and working outside the NHS.
IT, data & cyber security
Pulse PCN IT outages at GP practices being investigated
ICBs are investigating IT outages that left practices in three counties without internet or access to some systems.

Week to 18 April 2026 5 ‘Government must learn from mistakes of the past,’ RCGP responds to GP investment figures

Contracts & funding
RCGP ‘Government must learn from mistakes of the past,’ RCGP responds to GP investment figures
The RCGP warns the Government to learn from the past as general practice's share of NHS spending hits a low.
PCNs & neighbourhoods
Pulse Neighbourhood centres expected to include ‘on-site general practice’, says NHS England
New neighbourhood health centres are expected to include on-site general practice.
CQC, regulation & governance
Pulse CQC reveals how it intends to assess GP practices in new draft framework
The CQC's draft framework for GP practices includes expectations on AI use.
Premises & estates
Pulse Historic GP premises service charges unlikely to be written off, says NHSPS chief
NHS Property Services says historic GP premises service charges are unlikely to be written off.
RCGP RCGP response to Lib Dem proposal on GP provision in new housing developments
The RCGP says new housing developments must include investment in local GP services.

Week to 11 April 2026 2 Lack of guidance sparks GP confusion around contract changes implementation

Contracts & funding
Pulse Lack of guidance sparks GP confusion around contract changes implementation
GPs report confusion over the imposed contract changes because NHS England guidance was not ready.
Referrals & hospital services
Pulse Trusts must respond to GP A&G requests within five working days, says NHS England
NHS England says trusts must respond to GP Advice & Guidance requests within five working days.

Week to 4 April 2026 6 CQC chief inspector on how patient feedback shapes inspections

CQC, regulation & governance
CQC CQC chief inspector on how patient feedback shapes inspections
Professor Bola Owolabi, Chief Inspector of Primary Care and Community Services, explains how CQC uses people’s feedback on care to decide where to look.
Workforce & employment
Pulse Government launches consultation into physician associate name change
The Government is consulting on renaming physician associates as "physician assistants".
Collective action & GPC
Pulse 16 LMCs write to GPDF to urge it to pull BMA GP Committee funding
Sixteen LMCs urged the GP Defence Fund to stop funding GPC England.
IT, data & cyber security
Pulse GPs will not have data controller role within NHS single patient record
GPs will not be data controllers for the planned NHS single patient record, according to NHS England minutes.
Prescribing & medicines
Pulse NICE recommends semaglutide injections to prevent heart attack and stroke
NICE recommends semaglutide injections to prevent heart attacks and strokes in eligible patients.
PCSE & patient registration
PCSE PCSE GP Practice Update: April 2026
Performers list employment changes are now approved automatically, so practices no longer need to approve them. Also Easter supplies dates and changes to GP local codes.

Week to 28 March 2026 8 RCGP on British Social Attitudes survey

Contracts & funding
RCGP RCGP on British Social Attitudes survey
RCGP responds to the survey, noting GP teams now deliver over a million appointments a day.
PCNs & neighbourhoods
Pulse PCNs to be contractually required to risk-stratify patients for continuity of care
From 1 April PCNs must identify patients to prioritise for continuity of care.
Pulse What does the Government’s plan for neighbourhood health mean for GP practices?
What the Government's neighbourhood health framework means for practices.
CQC, regulation & governance
Pulse Government to consult on GMC gaining new powers over MPTS decisions
The Government is consulting on giving the GMC new powers over tribunal decisions.
CQC CQC confirms move to sector frameworks and an end to scoring
After its consultation, CQC will replace the single assessment framework with four sector frameworks, keep the five key questions, bring back key lines of enquiry and drop scoring.
CQC CQC starts shorter assessments of Good and Outstanding GP practices
From March 2026 lower-risk GP practices rated Good or Outstanding, last reported between 2017 and 2022, get a focused assessment of 10 quality statements with at least five working days’ notice.
Referrals & hospital services
Pulse BMA demands A&G ‘pause’ or GPs could take collective action from 30 April
The BMA demanded a "pause" on the A&G requirement, warning of collective action from 30 April.
Vaccinations & screening
RCGP Meningitis vaccination uptake welcomed by College
The RCGP welcomes higher meningitis vaccine uptake after the Kent outbreak.

Week to 21 March 2026 3 Hospital trusts to get delegated commissioning responsibilities for GP contracts

Contracts & funding
Pulse Hospital trusts to get delegated commissioning responsibilities for GP contracts
Hospital trusts are set to receive delegated commissioning responsibilities for GP contracts.
PCNs & neighbourhoods
RCGP RCGP comment on neighbourhood health framework
The RCGP comments on the long-awaited neighbourhood health framework and general practice's central role.
Wellbeing & support
Pulse GPs need ‘emotional support’ after extreme levels of burnout during Covid, inquiry finds
The Covid inquiry found pandemic work worsened GP wellbeing and calls for emotional support for GPs.

Week to 14 March 2026 4 GPs must take neighbourhood leadership role now – not wait for contracts, BMA advises

PCNs & neighbourhoods
Pulse GPs must take neighbourhood leadership role now – not wait for contracts, BMA advises
The BMA advises GP leaders to set out written neighbourhood proposals now rather than waiting for contracts.
Premises & estates
Pulse Hospital trusts invited to bid to take over GP practice premises
Hospital trusts have been invited to bid to take over GP practice premises.
Fees & non-NHS work
RCGP College response to BBC research on fit notes
The RCGP responds to BBC research on how GPs issue fit notes for mental health.
Pulse GPs entitled to charge fees for safeguarding reports, says BMA
The BMA says GPs can charge fees for safeguarding reports, as these fall outside the core contract.

Week to 7 March 2026 3 BMA getting legal advice on A&G requirement amid fears it could remove GPs’ right to refer

Referrals & hospital services
Pulse BMA getting legal advice on A&G requirement amid fears it could remove GPs’ right to refer
The BMA sought legal advice on the new Advice & Guidance requirement, fearing it could affect GPs' right to refer.
Collective action & GPC
Pulse New GP collective action against imposed contract could start on 1 April, says BMA
The BMA said new collective action against the imposed contract could start on 1 April, alongside its referendum.
Prescribing & medicines
Pulse ICBs ration Mounjaro prescribing by GPs with additional eligibility criteria
Some ICBs are adding their own eligibility thresholds for GP prescribing of tirzepatide (Mounjaro).

Week to 28 February 2026 11 GP contract to mandate same-day access for ‘clinically urgent’ patients

Contracts & funding
Pulse GP contract to mandate same-day access for ‘clinically urgent’ patients
The 2026/27 contract requires practices to see "clinically urgent" patients the same day.
Pulse What does the 2026/27 contract mean for GP practices?
Pulse's guide to what the 2026/27 GP contract means for practices.
RCGP RCGP response to Health Foundation polling results
RCGP is concerned some patients delay seeking care because they expect getting an appointment to be hard.
NHSE NHS England confirms GP contract changes for 2026/27
Contract investment rises by £485m (3.6% cash). A new practice-level GP reimbursement scheme is funded by moving £292m from the PCN capacity and access payment, ARRS GP rules are widened, clinically urgent patients must be dealt with the same day and others answered by the end of the next core hours, plus QOF and vaccination changes.
RCGP RCGP responds to GP contract announcement
The RCGP responds to the Government's announcement of the 2026/27 GP contract.
Pulse Government details £485m uplift as part of imposed GP contract
The Government set out a £485m uplift in the imposed 2026/27 contract, including a new GP reimbursement scheme.
CQC, regulation & governance
CQC CQC updates GP mythbuster on emergency care
CQC has merged its mythbusters on resuscitation and emergency medicines into one, updated for current national guidance. Worth checking your emergency drugs and equipment against it.
Referrals & hospital services
RCGP GPs and patients join forces to call for end to NHS ‘maze’
The RCGP and Patients Association call for the NHS to be easier to navigate and GP care easier to access.
Collective action & GPC
Pulse BMA rejects GP contract unilaterally imposed by Government
The BMA formally rejected the 2026/27 contract imposed by the Government.
IT, data & cyber security
CQC CQC points practices to free NCSC cyber security tools
CQC is highlighting the National Cyber Security Centre’s free Cyber Action Toolkit, Cyber Essentials and Early Warning Service to help practices guard against phishing and ransomware.
PCSE & patient registration
PCSE PCSE GP Practice Update: February 2026
Last call for the 2026/27 pensionable profit estimate (28 February), the 2024/25 pensions end-of-year reminder, a report on drugs paid in the wrong group, supplies of FTR3012, and tips on FP69 flags and managing PCSE Online users.

Week to 21 February 2026 4 Global sum ‘barely covers’ staffing costs for GP practices, BMA data reveals

Contracts & funding
Pulse Global sum ‘barely covers’ staffing costs for GP practices, BMA data reveals
BMA analysis suggests the Global Sum barely covers staffing costs for the average practice.
Workforce & employment
RCGP Under a third of GPs likely to become partners
RCGP research finds fewer than a third of GPs are likely to consider partnership.
Prescribing & medicines
Pulse NICE confirms first-line SGLT-2 prescribing in final type 2 diabetes guidance
Final NICE type 2 diabetes guidance recommends offering SGLT-2 inhibitors much earlier.
Vaccinations & screening
Pulse GP practices considering stopping flu vaccinations due to financial viability
Some practices are considering not signing up to flu vaccination because they say it's no longer financially viable.

Week to 14 February 2026 4 Online access marketing campaign launches amid warning GPs see ‘25% fewer patients’

Contracts & funding
Pulse Online access marketing campaign launches amid warning GPs see ‘25% fewer patients’
A national campaign promotes online GP access, as GPs warn the requirements mean fewer face-to-face patients.
CQC, regulation & governance
Pulse GPs will struggle to implement new NHS requirements for chaperones, BMA warns
The BMA warns new NHS chaperone requirements will be hard for practices to implement.
Vaccinations & screening
Pulse HCAs can take ‘consent to proceed’ during vaccinations, says BMA amid UKHSA guidance concern
The BMA says healthcare assistants can take "consent to proceed" when giving vaccinations, despite concerns about UKHSA guidance.
Premises & estates
RCGP RCGP urges Government to unlock green investment for GP practices
The RCGP asks the Government to extend green investment to GP premises to meet net zero.

Week to 7 February 2026 6 CQC ahead of target as it rebuilds its inspections

CQC, regulation & governance
CQC CQC ahead of target as it rebuilds its inspections
CQC says it is ahead of its target of 9,000 assessments by September 2026, with 50% more inspections in November 2025 than a year earlier.
Referrals & hospital services
Pulse GPs to use AI to help find rare cancers under new plan
The Government's rare cancers plan encourages GPs to use AI tools to help spot rare cancers.
Workforce & employment
Pulse ‘Relentless’ triage model contributes to GP workforce problems, say researchers
Researchers say the "relentless triage" model of modern general practice is contributing to workforce problems.
Prescribing & medicines
RCGP RCGP responds to new Lancet study on statin side effects
The RCGP comments on a Lancet review finding most reported statin side effects aren't caused by statins.
Public health
RCGP College issues advice on recognising and treating scabies symptoms
The RCGP gives advice on recognising and treating scabies as cases rise.
Pulse Exclusive: GPs in more than 70 areas told to limit NHS Health Checks
A Pulse investigation found GPs in more than 70 areas have been told to limit NHS Health Checks.

Week to 31 January 2026 4 QOF could be replaced with annual reviews, BMA GP leaders propose

Contracts & funding
Pulse QOF could be replaced with annual reviews, BMA GP leaders propose
GPC England's contract proposals include replacing QOF with annual reviews.
Referrals & hospital services
Pulse GPs raise alarm over ICB limits on Right to Choose ADHD and autism assessments
GPs raise concerns after one ICB limited Right to Choose ADHD and autism assessments.
Workforce & employment
Pulse Government needs to redistribute money to end GP underemployment, says RCGP chair
The RCGP chair says the Government must find money, or redistribute it, to end GP underemployment.
PCSE & patient registration
PCSE PCSE GP Practice Update: January 2026
Pensionable profit estimates due by 28 February, 2024/25 Type 1 forms now in PCSE Online, new access for practice accountants, records moving to the home nations, and FP69 flags now lasting three months.

Week to 24 January 2026 5 Employment scheme aiming to reduce GP fit notes being rolled out nationally

Contracts & funding
Pulse Employment scheme aiming to reduce GP fit notes being rolled out nationally
A DWP employment support scheme intended to reduce demand for GP fit notes is being rolled out nationally.
CQC, regulation & governance
Pulse GMC has launched 60 appeals against fitness-to-practise decisions in last decade
The GMC has appealed 60 tribunal decisions in the past decade, 20 of them involving GPs.
RCGP RCGP backs Jess’ Rule to support best practice in general practice
The RCGP backs Jess's Rule as posters reach GP practices.
Referrals & hospital services
Pulse GPs told not to restrict eating disorder referral based on BMI in new guidance
New guidance says BMI alone must not be used to restrict eating disorder referrals for children and young people.
Public health
RCGP Digital harms are a modern determinant of health – and a population health issue
An RCGP position statement treats digital harms to children as a population health issue.

Week to 17 January 2026 4 ICBs told to give GPs extra training on postnatal checks

Contracts & funding
Pulse ICBs told to give GPs extra training on postnatal checks
NHS England has asked ICBs to give GPs extra training on postnatal checks, covering physical recovery and mental health.
Referrals & hospital services
Pulse NHS ‘heavily dependent’ on private ADHD providers – with a 252% increase in spending
A report finds NHS spending on private ADHD providers has risen by 252%, pushing ICBs over budget.
Workforce & employment
RCGP RCGP statement on new legislation on UK medical graduate prioritisation
The RCGP responds to legislation prioritising UK medical graduates for training posts.
Collective action & GPC
Pulse LMCs consider declaring no confidence in GPC leadership over lack of dispute escalation
Some LMCs considered a vote of no confidence in GPC England's leadership over the lack of dispute escalation.

Week to 10 January 2026 4 Calls to end GP-issued fit notes after 40,000 per day issued in 2025

Contracts & funding
Pulse Calls to end GP-issued fit notes after 40,000 per day issued in 2025
A think tank says GPs issued about 40,000 fit notes a working day in 2025 and wants the role moved away from general practice.
Workforce & employment
Pulse Doctors plan to report GMC to its own regulator over lack of PA scope of practice
Doctors plan to complain to the GMC's own regulator about its decision not to set a scope of practice for physician associates.
IT, data & cyber security
Pulse GPs to petition Google to disallow public reviews of practices
One LMC is campaigning for Google to stop public reviews of GP practices, citing online abuse of staff.
PCSE & patient registration
PCSE PCSE: 2026/27 estimate of pensionable profit now open
The 2026/27 Estimate of Pensionable Profit and Earnings form is open in PCSE Online. Practices that are NHS Pension Scheme employing authorities must submit it by 28 February 2026.

Week to 3 January 2026 3 GPs warned against relying on Google Translate amid lack of interpreters

CQC, regulation & governance
Pulse GPs warned against relying on Google Translate amid lack of interpreters
Research suggests relying on Google Translate in consultations can put patient safety at risk when interpreters aren't available.
Vaccinations & screening
RCGP RCGP response to chickenpox vaccine rollout
The RCGP welcomes chickenpox vaccine being added to the childhood schedule.
RCGP RCGP responds to the DHSC’s plan to have Health visiting teams offer vaccinations to children
RCGP responds to plans for health visiting teams to offer childhood vaccinations.

Contracts & funding 107 GPs only need 20,000 of the 41,000 consultation rooms, NHSE chair says

Pulse PCN 6 NovGPs only need 20,000 of the 41,000 consultation rooms, NHSE chair says
An NHS leader estimates GPs only require about 20,000 of their 41,000 consultation rooms to handle current demand.
Pulse 6 Nov‘What next? GP to negotiate world peace?’
A GP jokingly suggests their broad knowledge allows them to handle complex issues, even beyond typical medical scope.
Pulse 6 NovPatients told to text ‘here’ or ‘gone’ as part of NHS England GP list-cleansing pilot
NHS England is trialling a system where patients can reply to texts with 'here' or 'gone' to prevent being removed from their GP list.
Pulse PCN 5 NovCooper says she wants more GPs in community services
Health Secretary Yvette Cooper wants more GPs working in community services and questioned the NHS workforce plan's assumptions.
Pulse 5 NovGP practice manager ‘knocking on patient doors’ to prevent list-cleansing removals
A GP practice manager personally visited patients to stop them from being removed during a national patient list review.
Pulse PCN 3 NovHundreds of GP practices hit by website outages
A website provider's collapse caused online service disruptions for hundreds of English GP surgeries.
Pulse 3 NovFive-year UK settlement path to remain open to doctors
Government confirmed doctors and other public service workers can still gain UK settlement after five years via a new earnings requirement.
Healthcare Leader 2 NovThird of workers delay GP visits due to work pressures
A survey found one-third of English workers delayed or skipped GP appointments due to work commitments.
Pulse 30 OctNHS safety investigations body will no longer be abolished, Government confirms
Government reversed plan to scrap the safety investigation group, moving its work away from the CQC.
Pulse PCN 29 OctNHSE chair urged to explain primary care double floor space claim
MPs asked the NHS England chair to explain the claim that primary care has double the necessary floor space.
Pulse 29 OctAbout 500 GP practices affected by website outage, NHS England confirms
NHS England confirmed about 500 GP practices experienced website problems after a website service company entered administration.
Pulse 29 OctConcerns raised over end of funding increase requirement for children’s mental health
A think tank warns ending funding increase requirements for children's mental health services undermines efforts to reduce waiting times.
Pulse 29 OctToo many GPs still face uncertainty about employment, RCGP president warns
The RCGP president has warned that many GPs feel uncertain about their employment and conditions and will campaign for better opportunities.
Pulse 28 OctBudget provides extra £190m for NHS winter pressures but no mention of GPs
The Autumn budget gave the NHS extra money for winter pressures, but did not mention funding for general practice.
Pulse 28 OctHealthwatch to be ‘retained’ in Government U-turn
The Government has reversed its decision to scrap Healthwatch, choosing instead to keep and improve Healthwatch England and local bodies.
Pulse 28 OctGP practices’ websites ‘taken down’ after company enters administration
A company providing GP practice websites entered administration, causing disruptions to practice websites in England and Wales.
Pulse PCN 28 OctThe circle of (NHS) life
Experienced GPs note that the NHS often repeats itself due to changing government policies and priorities.
Pulse 27 OctICB monitoring GP practices for ‘low performance’ on GP-to-patient ratios
One Integrated Care Board is checking GP practices for low patient-to-doctor ratios and may take action.
Pulse 27 OctLMCs to debate calling for LES funding to be moved into core
Local medical colleges will discuss moving local enhanced services funding into core GP contracts to end postcode lottery issues.
Pulse 26 Oct‘Why GPs must look for their “missing” patients’
Professor Williamson suggests GPs should find patients who are not currently using their services to improve health inequalities.
Healthcare Leader 26 OctConfused about the changing NHS structure?
Beth Gault outlines the current state of the NHS following the abolition of NHS England in March 2025.
Pulse 23 OctGP contract negotiations for 2027/28 to start next month, says BMA
← GP Press Digest – week to 24 October 2026 PulseNews Read the full article at Pulse ↗ Headline and link from Pulse (pulsetoday.co.uk). Articles may need free registration. Inclusion isn't endorsement.
Pulse 23 OctWhat does the Fonagy review into ADHD mean for GPs?
← GP Press Digest – week to 24 October 2026 PulseNews Read the full article at Pulse ↗ Headline and link from Pulse (pulsetoday.co.uk). Articles may need free registration. Inclusion isn't endorsement.
Pulse PCN 23 OctGPs to take part in new fit note pilot
GPs in Coventry and Warwickshire will pilot a new system to offer earlier support for fit notes.
Healthcare Leader 22 OctICB to launch programme to tackle fit note system
The Coventry and Warwickshire ICB is starting a pilot to improve the fit note system for GP practices.
Healthcare Leader 22 OctGovernment must ensure children’s outcomes not driven by postcode
The Children's Commissioner found unacceptable outcomes and service levels for children in many parts of England, stressing that location should not determine their future.
Pulse 21 OctI failed to bring back family doctors, says Jeremy Hunt
The former health secretary says he failed to restore the family doctor and urges changes in the next GP contract talks.
Pulse 21 OctICB may use Google reviews to check and manage GP practices’ performance
A London ICB confirms it uses Google reviews, among other sources, to gauge patient experience and could use them to manage practices with low satisfaction.
Pulse 20 OctBaroness Gerada: ‘The Health Bill must protect GP continuity of care’
Baroness Gerada argues the Health Bill must protect continuity of care with a named GP.
Pulse 20 OctNewly-formed ICB apologises for delays in paying GP practices
An ICB in the east of England has apologised after its LMC estimated practices were owed around £50,000 each in delayed payments.
GPonline 20 OctUpdated patient charter risks confusion over urgent online requests
GP leaders warn NHS England’s updated patient charter could confuse patients by saying some practices accept urgent requests online.
Pulse 19 OctGovernment planning for 2.4% GP pay rise next year, DDRB told
In evidence to the doctors’ pay review body, DHSC and NHS England say they are planning for a 2.4% pay uplift for GPs in 2027/28.
Pulse 19 OctGP practices overlooked in Government £140m winter pressure boost
The Government has announced £140m for winter pressures. It mentions evening and weekend GP access but gives none of the money to general practice, and GP leaders have criticised this.
Pulse 19 OctNHSE updates ‘patient charter’ rules for GP practices to include online access requirements
NHS England has published a new “You and your GP practice” document, with a new section on online requests and clearer response times. Practices must follow it and show it on their website.
Pulse 16 OctHospital trust to divert £325,000 into GP practices to tackle underfunding
Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust will pay £325,000 directly to 12 underfunded GP practices: a rare case of hospital money moving into general practice.
Pulse 15 OctDispensing GP practices should deliver pharmacy services in rural areas, report says
A Policy Exchange report backed by Jeremy Hunt calls for dispensing practices to be paid to provide rural pharmacy services, with extra rural weighting in primary care budgets.
GPonline 15 OctHow do GP income and expenses vary by practice list size?
GPonline compares income and costs across small and large practices as list sizes keep rising through closures and mergers.
Pulse 12 Oct‘Are we robbing GP Peter to pay Pharmacist Paul?’
Opinion: is money going to community pharmacy at general practice's expense?
GPonline 12 Oct‘Madness’ for GPs not to pass clinical work to pharmacies, says NHS official
An NHS official says Pharmacy First is only the start of the clinical work community pharmacies could take from general practice.
GPonline 12 OctViewpoint: Does the evidence really support expansion of Pharmacy First?
Opinion: a GP questions whether NHS England's figures really support expanding Pharmacy First.
Healthcare Leader 8 OctMerger of clustered ICBs delayed to 2028
The merger of nine ICB clusters has been delayed a year to 2028.
GPonline 7 OctGPs slam impact on capacity and safety after a year of unlimited online demand
A year on, GPs say unlimited online requests have cut face-to-face capacity and affected safety.
GPonline 7 OctHospital deficits block funding shift to neighbourhoods, NHS official admits
Planning guidance will prioritise primary and community care, but hospital deficits are holding the shift back.
Healthcare Leader 7 OctExclusive: London GP leaders slam ICB as winter funding allocated to trusts
West and North London ICB has put its £20m winter money into hospital and mental health trusts, with nothing for general practice. Londonwide LMCs say GPs were left out of the decision and the ICB does not value general practice.
GPonline 5 OctWhat can GPs expect from the 2027/28 contract?
With talks back on, a look at what the profession wants from next year's contract.
Pulse 5 OctNext year’s GP contract to be decided through consultation again, Government tells BMA
The government will consult on the 2027/28 contract rather than negotiate it with the BMA.
Pulse 5 OctICBs must use data and patient feedback to improve GP access, says Healthwatch
Healthwatch wants ICBs to use data and patient views to improve GP access.
GPonline 2 OctRevamped GP reimbursement scheme covers sessions by partners, BMA confirms
Partners working extra sessions as locums can be claimed under the revamped reimbursement scheme.
Pulse 2 OctNHSE hints at ‘potential contractual action’ around same-day urgent GP access target
NHS England hints at contractual action over the 90% same-day urgent access target.
GPonline 30 SepGP reimbursement scheme rules relaxed to include locums
The £292m GP reimbursement scheme can now be used for locums.
GPonline 23 SepShifting funding to general practice will benefit wider NHS, says BMA
BMA argues more money for general practice would ease pressure across the NHS.
GPonline 22 SepGeneral practice ‘at risk without immediate investment’
Warning that general practice needs urgent funding to stay sustainable.
GPonline 21 SepHalf of practices introduce waiting lists for non-urgent appointments, poll suggests
Half of practices say they've had to introduce waiting lists for non-urgent appointments.
Pulse 21 Sep£50 extra per patient to be ‘major negotiating aim’ in GP contract talks, says BMA
An extra £50 per patient in core funding is a major BMA aim in contract talks.
GPonline 18 SepViewpoint: List cleaning is like Carr-Hill reform on steroids – GPs need protection
Opinion: practices losing income to list cleaning deserve the transitional protection promised for formula changes.
Healthcare Leader 17 SepExclusive: ICB workforce falls by 5,000, investigation reveals
ICBs employ about 5,000 fewer staff than in 2024, a Healthcare Leader investigation finds.
GPonline 16 SepGP practices facing extra work and payment delays because of ICB cuts
Practices are absorbing extra admin and payment delays after ICB cuts, including to safeguarding roles.
GPonline 14 SepList cleaning has slashed equivalent of 30m appointments from GP practices
List cleaning has removed funding worth around 30 million appointments from general practice.
Pulse PCN 8 SepConfidence in NHS pension scheme undermined by ‘poor’ delivery of McCloud remedy
Poor delivery of the McCloud remedy has damaged members' confidence in the NHS pension scheme.
Pulse 7 SepGPs must not prescribe semaglutide for CVD risk without ‘written confirmation’ of funding
GPs should get written confirmation of ICB commissioning before prescribing semaglutide for CVD risk reduction.
Healthcare Leader 3 SepGovernment U-turns on plan to remove councils from ICB boards
The Government has dropped plans to remove council representatives from ICB boards.
Pulse PCN 27 AugVarying PCN contract least disruptive way to shift to neighbourhood models
Varying the PCN contract is seen as the least disruptive route to neighbourhood models.
RCGP 12 AugNew report ‘lays bare’ challenges facing general practice
The RCGP says a Health Foundation report on GP funding in England lays bare the pressures on practices.
Pulse 12 AugOnly a minority of GP partners earn £250k-plus, despite headline figures
Only a minority of GP partners earn £250k or more, despite headline figures.
Pulse 11 AugICB boundaries to be redrawn by 2029
ICB boundaries will be redrawn to match strategic authority borders by 2029.
Pulse 10 AugOne in three GP practices reduce face-to-face appointments due to online access changes
A Pulse survey found one in three practices cut face-to-face appointments because of online access changes.
Healthcare Leader 6 AugGP leaders divided over ICB’s decision to distribute £2m using avoidable mortality formula
One ICB's decision to share £2m between practices on avoidable mortality alone has divided GP leaders.
NHSE 23 JulStandard GMS, PMS and APMS contracts for 2026/27 published
NHS England has published the July 2026 standard GMS contract, PMS agreement and APMS contract, with variation notices, reflecting this year’s contract changes.
Pulse PCN 22 JulWhat the contract consultation means for PCNs
What the proposed neighbourhood provider contracts mean for PCNs, and why general practice needs to be involved.
RCGP 21 JulRCGP welcomes new Health Secretary
RCGP welcomes the new Health Secretary and offers to work on the challenges facing general practice.
Pulse 15 JulWhat will neighbourhoods and a new Prime Minister mean for GP local enhanced services?
The future of local enhanced services under neighbourhood health and a new Prime Minister.
Pulse 15 JulICBs tasked with performance managing GP practice QOF achievement
ICBs are tasked with reducing variation in practices' QOF performance.
RCGP 9 JulFive-year high for patient satisfaction with general practice
NHS England figures show patient satisfaction at a five-year high, with over three quarters rating their practice as good.
Healthcare Leader 30 JunClustered ICBs should merge by April 2027
NHS England says clustered ICBs should merge by April 2027.
Healthcare Leader 18 JunClustered ICBs to be ranked separately in upcoming league tables
Clustered ICBs that haven't formally merged, such as BSol and the Black Country, will be ranked separately in league tables.
Pulse 17 JunGP practices facing £6m clawback from ICB may have to close, leaders warn
Practices in one area could close after an ICB moved to claw back about £6m paid in error.
RCGP 16 JunSuccessful improvement programme for GP practices to continue across England
The RCGP has a three-year NHS England contract to keep running its Practice Level Support improvement programme.
RCGP 5 JunHow can GP capacity grow when its share of funding is falling?
RCGP says the latest GMS statistics paint a deeply concerning picture for general practice funding.
Pulse PCN 26 MayPractices to confirm transfer of GP reimbursement scheme funding with ICBs
Practices can ask their ICB to move GP reimbursement scheme funding between practices in the PCN.
Pulse 26 MayInvestigation: How ICB variation has created a LES lottery
A Pulse investigation finds wide variation in local enhanced service funding between ICBs.
Pulse 21 MayFinancial incentives for GPs ‘effective’ to help reduce demand on fit notes, Government finds
A Government evaluation found financial incentives for GPs could help a scheme that reduces fit note demand.
NHSE 20 MaySupplementary information on the 2026/27 GP contract
NHS England’s detailed guidance for practices and commissioners on putting the 2026/27 contract changes into practice. Updated on 1 October 2026.
Pulse PCN 19 MayLegal responsibility for primary care commissioning to pass to ICBs after NHSE abolition
ICBs will become legally responsible for primary care commissioning when NHS England is abolished.
RCGP 15 MayCollege letter to new Health Secretary
RCGP writes to the new Health Secretary on GP access and moving care into the community.
RCGP 13 MayRCGP responds to the King’s Speech
RCGP responds to the health measures in the King's Speech.
RCGP 6 MayWe need more GPs – not targets, says College President
The RCGP president says patients need more GPs, not new access targets.
Pulse 30 AprGovernment confirms new practice-level reimbursement scheme only covers salaried GPs
The new practice-level reimbursement scheme initially covered salaried GPs only (since extended to locums).
Pulse 30 AprGP leaders voting on same-day access concession offer made by NHS England
NHS England offered a concession on same-day access, which GP leaders voted on.
Pulse PCN 22 AprWhat new VAT exemptions for GP locums mean for PCNs
A tax ruling means agency-supplied GP locums may now be VAT-exempt, which could cut locum costs for PCNs and practices.
Pulse 21 AprMaking the most of QOF 2026/27 – key tips
Practical tips for the new 2026/27 QOF indicators and boosting income.
Pulse 21 AprGP partners approached by Operose with offers to take over their practices
Operose Health has approached GP partners about taking over their practices.
RCGP 15 Apr‘Government must learn from mistakes of the past,’ RCGP responds to GP investment figures
The RCGP warns the Government to learn from the past as general practice's share of NHS spending hits a low.
Pulse 7 AprLack of guidance sparks GP confusion around contract changes implementation
GPs report confusion over the imposed contract changes because NHS England guidance was not ready.
RCGP 25 MarRCGP on British Social Attitudes survey
RCGP responds to the survey, noting GP teams now deliver over a million appointments a day.
Pulse 21 MarHospital trusts to get delegated commissioning responsibilities for GP contracts
Hospital trusts are set to receive delegated commissioning responsibilities for GP contracts.
Pulse 28 FebGP contract to mandate same-day access for ‘clinically urgent’ patients
The 2026/27 contract requires practices to see "clinically urgent" patients the same day.
Pulse 27 FebWhat does the 2026/27 contract mean for GP practices?
Pulse's guide to what the 2026/27 GP contract means for practices.
RCGP 25 FebRCGP response to Health Foundation polling results
RCGP is concerned some patients delay seeking care because they expect getting an appointment to be hard.
NHSE 24 FebNHS England confirms GP contract changes for 2026/27
Contract investment rises by £485m (3.6% cash). A new practice-level GP reimbursement scheme is funded by moving £292m from the PCN capacity and access payment, ARRS GP rules are widened, clinically urgent patients must be dealt with the same day and others answered by the end of the next core hours, plus QOF and vaccination changes.
RCGP 24 FebRCGP responds to GP contract announcement
The RCGP responds to the Government's announcement of the 2026/27 GP contract.
Pulse 24 FebGovernment details £485m uplift as part of imposed GP contract
The Government set out a £485m uplift in the imposed 2026/27 contract, including a new GP reimbursement scheme.
Pulse 19 FebGlobal sum ‘barely covers’ staffing costs for GP practices, BMA data reveals
BMA analysis suggests the Global Sum barely covers staffing costs for the average practice.
Pulse 12 FebOnline access marketing campaign launches amid warning GPs see ‘25% fewer patients’
A national campaign promotes online GP access, as GPs warn the requirements mean fewer face-to-face patients.
Pulse 29 JanQOF could be replaced with annual reviews, BMA GP leaders propose
GPC England's contract proposals include replacing QOF with annual reviews.
Pulse 20 JanEmployment scheme aiming to reduce GP fit notes being rolled out nationally
A DWP employment support scheme intended to reduce demand for GP fit notes is being rolled out nationally.
Pulse 12 JanICBs told to give GPs extra training on postnatal checks
NHS England has asked ICBs to give GPs extra training on postnatal checks, covering physical recovery and mental health.
Pulse 5 JanCalls to end GP-issued fit notes after 40,000 per day issued in 2025
A think tank says GPs issued about 40,000 fit notes a working day in 2025 and wants the role moved away from general practice.

PCNs & neighbourhoods 50 ICBs planning to spend less on neighbourhood services following restructuring, NAO finds

Pulse 4 NovICBs planning to spend less on neighbourhood services following restructuring, NAO finds
ICBs anticipate cutting spending on local health and community services due to recent organisational changes, the NAO reports.
Pulse PCN 3 NovPCN commissions artist to create installation to raise cancer awareness
A local practice commissioned an artist to create an installation raising awareness about pancreatic cancer deaths.
Healthcare Leader 29 OctCouncil footprint overhaul pause requires re-working of neighbourhood plans
The Essex ICB must revise its multi-neighbourhood plans because the government stopped local authority reorganisation plans.
Pulse PCN 27 OctPAs employed by ARRS drops to three-year low
Physician associates employed under the additional roles reimbursement scheme have reached a three-year low across England.
Pulse 26 OctGovernment neighbourhood ambitions risk failing amid lack of GP investment, RCGP warns
← GP Press Digest – week to 31 October 2026 PulseNews Read the full article at Pulse ↗ Headline and link from Pulse (pulsetoday.co.uk). Articles may need free registration. Inclusion isn't endorsement.
Pulse PCN 23 OctGPs back neighbourhood health reforms but are split over delivery
Most GPs support neighbourhood health reforms aiming to link GP, community, and social care, but disagree on how these services should be organised.
Pulse PCN 22 OctNeighbourhood transformation does not need to begin at scale, policy expert says
A policy expert suggests neighbourhood transformation should start locally before being expanded across wider areas.
Pulse PCN 21 Oct‘This could be the worst of all worlds for PCNs’
Government plans for performance checks in primary care networks may negatively impact their operations.
Pulse 20 OctNHS England to spend £80m on ‘multi-neighbourhood’ GP training hubs
NHS England has opened market engagement on an £80m contract for multi-neighbourhood training hubs as go-to points for GP training.
Pulse PCN 16 OctSocial prescribing leads to improved mental wellbeing, research finds
A Patients Association survey found referral to social prescribing link workers improved patients’ wellbeing, confidence and access to local services, supporting the ARRS role.
Pulse 15 OctGPs in one area given £2m ‘premium’ to ‘support shift from hospital to community’
One ICB has redesigned its GP premium scheme, worth £2m, to back the neighbourhood health model and move care away from hospitals.
GPonline 14 OctEssex GPs in talks over PCN DES variation
Essex practices are negotiating with their ICB to vary the network contract DES, one of the routes NHS England has proposed for single neighbourhood providers.
Pulse PCN 14 OctAdding up the true cost of neighbourhood services
Before taking on neighbourhood services, practices, PCNs and federations should work out what each service will really cost to deliver.
Pulse 14 OctGPs to lead neighbourhood health model with £8m fund repurposed from hospitals
In one area a GP federation will lead the neighbourhood health model, funded by £8m moved out of hospital growth money.
Healthcare Leader 14 OctPublic capital alone cannot deliver neighbourhoods, report warns
A report warns that the investment needed for neighbourhood health services and buildings is too large for public capital alone.
GPonline 13 OctNHS trust boss to lead national neighbourhood programme
A hospital trust chief executive will take over as national lead for neighbourhood health, replacing the GP who left the role.
Pulse 9 Oct‘Same-day GP hubs’ to be established as part of ICB neighbourhood health plan
An ICB's neighbourhood plan includes same-day GP hubs to keep patients out of hospital.
Pulse PCN 9 OctBe careful what you automate: the wider value of care coordinators
Opinion: care coordinators do more than the tasks that could be automated.
Pulse 8 OctGP architect of neighbourhood health reforms to leave NHS England
Dr Claire Fuller, NHS England's GP lead for neighbourhood health, is stepping down.
Pulse PCN 8 OctHow this PCN created a one-stop-shop for diabetes
A PCN case study on running all diabetes care in one place.
Pulse PCN 6 OctPCNs can help keep people with MSK conditions in work
How PCN first-contact physios can help people with MSK problems stay in work.
GPonline 30 SepWhat did GPs at the Labour conference learn about the government’s vision?
GP leaders came away optimistic but want clarity on who does what in a neighbourhood NHS.
GPonline 29 SepARRS funding shift as PCNs prioritise doctors and nurses
NHS data suggests PCNs are moving ARRS money towards GPs and nurses and away from other roles.
GPonline 29 SepGPs urged to ‘seize’ neighbourhood model as Cooper hails improved access
The health secretary praises access gains and urges GPs to embrace neighbourhood working.
GPonline 29 SepIf hospital to community shift doesn’t work – stop it, says RCGP
RCGP says the move of care into the community should be halted if it isn't delivering.
GPonline 25 SepInnovative GP-led falls scheme ‘strong example’ of neighbourhood benefits
A GP-led falls service is held up as a model for neighbourhood working.
Pulse PCN 23 SepGP federation most likely partner for MNP, papers suggest
A GP federation is the most likely partner for a multi-neighbourhood provider in West Yorkshire, papers suggest.
GPonline 16 SepGovernment unveils six new neighbourhood health ‘trailblazers’
Six more areas named to pilot neighbourhood health services.
Pulse 10 SepRCGP opposes NHS England’s proposals for neighbourhood contracts ‘in their current form’
The RCGP does not support NHS England's proposed neighbourhood contract models in their current form.
Pulse PCN 27 AugVarying PCN contract least disruptive way to shift to neighbourhood models
Varying the PCN contract is seen as the least disruptive route to neighbourhood models.
Pulse PCN 17 AugNeighbourhoods are not about ‘switching PCNs off’, legal expert says
A legal expert says neighbourhoods will be built on PCNs, not switch them off.
Pulse PCN 27 JulFirst organisations to become IHOs confirmed
NHS England has confirmed the first two integrated health organisations.
Pulse 24 JulGP leaders withdraw support for IHO model amid fears it will disadvantage practices
GP leaders in one area withdrew support for the local integrated health organisation model.
Pulse PCN 22 JulWhat the contract consultation means for PCNs
What the proposed neighbourhood provider contracts mean for PCNs, and why general practice needs to be involved.
Pulse 18 JulNHSE reveals more details on neighbourhood contracts as consultation launched
NHS England published more detail on neighbourhood contracts and launched a consultation.
Pulse 16 JulNeighbourhoods ‘will likely fail’ if Burnham doesn’t change course, says senior GP adviser
A senior GP adviser warns neighbourhood health will likely fail without a change of direction.
Pulse PCN 9 JulPCN GP practices can collaborate to deliver child flu vaccines
Practices in a PCN can collaborate to deliver childhood flu vaccines this winter.
Pulse 27 JunGovernment to ‘ease pressure on GPs’ by expanding use of pharmacists, says minister
A minister says expanding the role of pharmacists will ease pressure on GPs.
Pulse PCN 11 JunNeighbourhood health centres to be approved by summer amidst unaffordable estate upgrade requests
The first neighbourhood health centres will be approved by summer, but many estate upgrade bids are unaffordable.
Pulse 20 MayWhat will the Health Bill mean for general practice?
Pulse's Q&A on what the Health Bill means for general practice.
Pulse 12 MayPrimary care networks given two weeks to submit neighbourhood health centre plans
PCNs in one area were given just two weeks to tell their ICB their role in neighbourhood health centres.
Pulse PCN 5 MayGPs and practice nurses paid for with scrapped PCN funding pot added to ARRS
GPs and practice nurses funded from a scrapped PCN funding pot can now be moved into ARRS.
Pulse 1 MayICBs receive powers to vary PCN contracts locally to develop neighbourhood services
ICBs can now vary PCN contracts locally to develop neighbourhood services.
Pulse PCN 22 AprWhat new VAT exemptions for GP locums mean for PCNs
A tax ruling means agency-supplied GP locums may now be VAT-exempt, which could cut locum costs for PCNs and practices.
Pulse 16 AprNeighbourhood centres expected to include ‘on-site general practice’, says NHS England
New neighbourhood health centres are expected to include on-site general practice.
Pulse 27 MarPCNs to be contractually required to risk-stratify patients for continuity of care
From 1 April PCNs must identify patients to prioritise for continuity of care.
Pulse 23 MarWhat does the Government’s plan for neighbourhood health mean for GP practices?
What the Government's neighbourhood health framework means for practices.
Pulse 21 MarHospital trusts to get delegated commissioning responsibilities for GP contracts
Hospital trusts are set to receive delegated commissioning responsibilities for GP contracts.
RCGP 18 MarRCGP comment on neighbourhood health framework
The RCGP comments on the long-awaited neighbourhood health framework and general practice's central role.
Pulse 10 MarGPs must take neighbourhood leadership role now – not wait for contracts, BMA advises
The BMA advises GP leaders to set out written neighbourhood proposals now rather than waiting for contracts.

CQC, regulation & governance 48 BMA warns GPs against ‘unnecessary’ and ‘erroneous’ GMC self-referrals

Pulse 3 NovBMA warns GPs against ‘unnecessary’ and ‘erroneous’ GMC self-referrals
BMA advises GPs against making unnecessary or incorrect self-referrals to the General Medical Council.
Pulse 30 OctNew CQC chief executive takes up post
Emily Miles has become the new Chief Executive of the CQC, joining from DEFRA.
Pulse 30 OctFewer employers making ‘disproportionate’ FtP referrals of ethnic minority doctors, GMC says
The GMC reports fewer employers are making disproportionate fitness-to-practice referrals for ethnic minority doctors.
Pulse 23 OctNHS 111 calls reduced following GP online access changes, CQC finds
← GP Press Digest – week to 24 October 2026 PulseNews Read the full article at Pulse ↗ Headline and link from Pulse (pulsetoday.co.uk). Articles may need free registration. Inclusion isn't endorsement.
CQC 23 OctState of Care 2025/26: what CQC found in general practice
CQC's annual State of Care finds 87% of GP practices assessed under its new framework rated good and 3% outstanding; practices rated requires improvement or inadequate often had staffing gaps that left staff behind on training. It also notes general practice's share of NHS spending fell from 8.8% to 8.3% in a decade.
Healthcare Leader 23 Oct‘Unwarranted variation’ exists across system, regulator finds
The CQC found unequal access to care across the system, meaning experiences depend heavily on where people live.
Pulse 21 OctNHSE reminds GPs of carcinogenic risk of some cancer treatments following patient death
After an inquest into a death from radiation-induced cancer, NHS England asks GPs to be aware that some cancer treatments carry a later cancer risk.
Pulse 20 OctCQC must be prepared to do on-site inspections in a future pandemic, Covid Inquiry says
The Covid Inquiry recommends CQC draw up a protocol for on-site, hybrid and remote inspections in any future public health emergency.
Pulse 15 OctCQC to regulate all diagnostic assessments for ADHD and autism
The Government has asked the CQC to regulate every ADHD and autism diagnostic assessment once new regulations are in place.
Pulse 14 OctGPs given new legal duties to proactively share information for child safeguarding
New government guidance puts a legal duty on GPs to share information about children early, when needs are emerging, not only once harm is suspected.
Pulse 9 OctGP who entered incorrect data in death certificates suspended for 10 months
A GP has been suspended for ten months for putting incorrect details on death certificates.
CQC 9 OctCQC to regulate autism and ADHD diagnostic assessments
Services that only diagnose ADHD or autism will now be registered with the CQC, which closes a gap in oversight of the private assessments that often lead to shared-care requests to GPs.
Pulse 6 OctThe top 10 triggers for complaints against GPs
An analysis of the most common reasons patients complain about GPs.
GPonline 30 SepGPs to refer into new specialist domestic abuse service, Cooper announces
GPs will be able to refer patients to a new specialist domestic abuse service.
CQC 30 SepHave your say on CQC guidance on good dementia care
CQC is asking providers and professionals what good dementia care looks like to shape new guidance. The survey closes at 5pm on 30 October 2026.
Pulse 28 SepNHS England instructs GP practices to dismiss staff caught ‘snooping’ on patient records
NHS England says practices should dismiss staff caught "snooping" on patient records in almost all cases.
Pulse 24 SepGPs should let parents access children’s records but keep this ‘under review’, says GMC
The GMC says GPs should let parents access children's records with the child's consent, keeping it under review.
GPonline 16 SepGP practices facing extra work and payment delays because of ICB cuts
Practices are absorbing extra admin and payment delays after ICB cuts, including to safeguarding roles.
Pulse PCN 15 SepBaroness Neuberger appointed new CQC chair
Baroness Julia Neuberger will be the next chair of the CQC.
GPonline 14 SepCQC highlights best practice examples from GP inspections
CQC publishes examples of good practice found on GP inspections.
Pulse 1 SepGPs to undertake extra training if they are to be involved in assisted dying, Government confirms
GPs involved in assisted dying will need extra training, from 90 minutes to a full day.
CQC 27 AugCQC passes 9,800 assessments and looks at AI in decision-making
CQC has beaten its target of 9,000 assessments by September and expects to set out possible use of AI to support regulatory decisions this autumn.
RCGP 13 AugGMC report highlights ‘worrying’ trends that must be addressed
RCGP says trends in the GMC's latest report need action.
CQC 30 JulCQC adds clinical record reviews to some focused GP assessments
Enhanced Returning to Good and Outstanding assessments now include clinical searches and record reviews by a GP adviser or CQC pharmacist, and two more quality statements: medicines optimisation and evidence-based care.
Pulse 30 JulGP FtP reports rise as GMC sees biggest increase in doctor complaints in 20 years
GMC complaints rose by 25%, the biggest increase in 20 years, prompting calls for fitness-to-practise reform.
RCGP 29 JulRCGP responds to GMC data on fitness-to-practise complaints
The RCGP comments on the GMC's report of a 25% rise in fitness-to-practise complaints.
Pulse 29 JulGPs could close if indoor temperatures rise above 30C, suggests RCGP
The RCGP suggests practices consider closing or relocating services above 30°C indoors.
CQC 16 JulEmily Miles appointed CQC chief executive
Former Food Standards Agency chief executive Emily Miles takes over as CQC chief executive in October 2026.
Pulse 16 JunBMA to begin legal action against Government over GMC regulation ‘U-turn’
The BMA began legal action over the Government's plan for the GMC to keep its appeal rights.
Pulse 11 JunPatients using AI to send legal letters to GP practices, says indemnity provider
An indemnity provider reports patients using AI to send long legal-style letters to practices.
Pulse 10 JunFear of complaints push 79% of GPs to practise ‘defensive medicine’
A survey found 79% of GPs practise defensive medicine for fear of complaints.
CQC 4 JunCQC to pilot its new assessment frameworks from June to October
Around 40 pilot assessments will test the draft sector frameworks alongside normal inspections, with CQC planning to finish evaluating them in November 2026.
CQC 26 MayCQC prioritises services with the oldest ratings
CQC has set out how it will prioritise assessments to deliver more of them and tackle aged ratings, including more use of specialist advisers.
CQC 21 MayCQC sets out what it expects from providers using AI
CQC has published its role, expectations and plans for AI in health and care, including its own pilot of AI note-taking during inspections. Relevant to practices using AI scribes.
Pulse 12 MayGP partners ‘must act’ if unprofessional behaviour is reported to them, says GMC
The GMC says GP partners must act when unprofessional behaviour or discrimination by staff is reported to them.
CQC 30 AprPeople posing as CQC inspectors: how to check an inspector’s ID
Some providers have been contacted by people pretending to be CQC inspectors. Genuine inspectors carry a photo ID badge with CQC’s warrant; ring CQC to check before letting anyone in.
Pulse 28 AprGPs don’t need to be ‘100% sure’ of patient cause of death, says medical examiner
A medical examiner says GPs needn't be "100% sure" of cause of death to complete a certificate, but must be able to explain their reasoning.
Pulse 13 AprCQC reveals how it intends to assess GP practices in new draft framework
The CQC's draft framework for GP practices includes expectations on AI use.
CQC 31 MarCQC chief inspector on how patient feedback shapes inspections
Professor Bola Owolabi, Chief Inspector of Primary Care and Community Services, explains how CQC uses people’s feedback on care to decide where to look.
Pulse 28 MarGovernment to consult on GMC gaining new powers over MPTS decisions
The Government is consulting on giving the GMC new powers over tribunal decisions.
CQC 25 MarCQC confirms move to sector frameworks and an end to scoring
After its consultation, CQC will replace the single assessment framework with four sector frameworks, keep the five key questions, bring back key lines of enquiry and drop scoring.
CQC 25 MarCQC starts shorter assessments of Good and Outstanding GP practices
From March 2026 lower-risk GP practices rated Good or Outstanding, last reported between 2017 and 2022, get a focused assessment of 10 quality statements with at least five working days’ notice.
CQC 25 FebCQC updates GP mythbuster on emergency care
CQC has merged its mythbusters on resuscitation and emergency medicines into one, updated for current national guidance. Worth checking your emergency drugs and equipment against it.
Pulse 9 FebGPs will struggle to implement new NHS requirements for chaperones, BMA warns
The BMA warns new NHS chaperone requirements will be hard for practices to implement.
CQC 2 FebCQC ahead of target as it rebuilds its inspections
CQC says it is ahead of its target of 9,000 assessments by September 2026, with 50% more inspections in November 2025 than a year earlier.
Pulse 21 JanGMC has launched 60 appeals against fitness-to-practise decisions in last decade
The GMC has appealed 60 tribunal decisions in the past decade, 20 of them involving GPs.
RCGP 19 JanRCGP backs Jess’ Rule to support best practice in general practice
The RCGP backs Jess's Rule as posters reach GP practices.
Pulse 2 JanGPs warned against relying on Google Translate amid lack of interpreters
Research suggests relying on Google Translate in consultations can put patient safety at risk when interpreters aren't available.

Referrals & hospital services 42 GP leaders to vote on pushing for ‘unequivocal contractual right’ to refer

Pulse 27 OctGP leaders to vote on pushing for ‘unequivocal contractual right’ to refer
GP leaders will vote on pressing for a clear contractual right for GPs to refer patients to specialists, rather than via advice and guidance or referral hubs.
Pulse 22 OctGPs left chasing patients’ ‘disappeared’ hospital referrals in NHS safety failure
A safety investigation found the e-referral service silently drops referrals from hospital worklists after 180 days, leaving GPs to chase patients’ missing referrals.
Pulse PCN 22 OctGPs must have role in designing elective single point of access pathways
New NHS England guidance says ICBs and trusts must involve GPs in designing elective single point of access pathways, alongside more advice and guidance.
GPonline 17 OctNHS England could intervene in GP disputes over single point of access
NHS England may step in where practices and hospital trusts cannot agree how the new single point of access for patients’ hospital queries should work.
Pulse PCN 14 OctMore than 60% of patients contacted GP while waiting for other care, poll finds
Over 60% of patients contacted their practice at least once in the past year while waiting for another NHS service: evidence of the knock-on workload long waits create for practices.
Pulse 13 OctGPs should have ‘clear escalation routes’ for raising A&G safety concerns, says NHSE
NHS England's single point of access guidance asks practices to report delayed or unclear advice and guidance replies and to escalate safety concerns, and says A&G should still come before or instead of referral this year.
RCGP 12 OctMore than four in five patients unsure who to turn to in NHS care, warns RCGP
RCGP polling finds 64% of patients contacted their GP while waiting for another NHS service, adding avoidable practice workload.
GPonline 12 OctHow NHS delays are piling extra work on GPs
Evidence suggests delays and poor communication elsewhere in the NHS are pushing extra work onto general practice.
RCGP 9 OctRCGP responds to the independent review into ADHD and autism
RCGP welcomes the review's approach and says young people with ADHD, autism and mental health conditions need a range of support.
Pulse 8 OctGPs should take on long-term ADHD management, landmark review recommends
A major review says GPs should take over long-term ADHD care.
Pulse 8 OctGovernment could miss treatment waiting time target due to GP referrals increase
Rising GP referrals could put the elective waiting-time target at risk.
RCGP 8 OctRCGP responds to Health Foundation’s analysis of NHS waiting times
RCGP says GP referral numbers alone don't show whether referrals are appropriate, and long waits add pressure on practices.
Pulse 2 OctNHS England commissions ‘external evaluation’ of advice and guidance
NHS England commissioned an external evaluation of Advice & Guidance, reporting by March.
GPonline 30 SepGPs to refer into new specialist domestic abuse service, Cooper announces
GPs will be able to refer patients to a new specialist domestic abuse service.
GPonline 28 SepGP-led advice and guidance could form part of single point of access
A GP-led advice and guidance model that cut costs may be built into a local single point of access.
Pulse 17 SepNHS England chair hints at ‘getting rid’ of outpatient appointments
NHS England's chair suggested moving away from traditional outpatient appointments.
GPonline 15 SepNearly 60% of ICBs do not commission recommended child asthma test
Nearly three in five ICBs don't commission FeNO testing for children with suspected asthma in primary care.
Pulse 24 AugADHD documentary may push worried parents to seek GP help, says GPC UK chair
The GPC UK chair expects a controversial ADHD documentary to prompt more parents to seek GP help.
Pulse 21 AugDHSC sets out updated guidance on when GPs should offer PSA testing
DHSC's updated guidance: don't routinely offer PSA tests to men without symptoms or a BRCA2 variant.
RCGP 18 AugSignificant variation in A&G pathways must be addressed: RCGP responds to HSSIB report
Responding to HSSIB's interim report, the RCGP says wide variation in Advice and Guidance pathways must be tackled.
Pulse 18 AugAdvice and guidance ‘contributed to patient harm’, NHS safety investigation finds
A national safety investigation found Advice & Guidance contributed to patient harm and delayed diagnoses.
RCGP 17 AugA&G initiatives have potential to support patient care but need to work for everyone involved
On two surveys of GPs and consultants, the RCGP says A&G can help patients but must work for everyone involved.
Pulse 17 AugGPs estimate quarter of patient referrals now returned as unsolicited advice and guidance
GPs estimate a quarter of their referrals come back as unsolicited Advice & Guidance.
Pulse 7 AugGPs forced to reorganise tests after ‘major’ delays at trust make 2,500 samples unusable
Major pathology delays at one trust made 2,500 samples unusable, forcing repeat tests.
CQC 30 JunNHS England primary care guidance on children’s gender services
Guidance for GPs on referrals to the children and young people’s gender service, including record keeping, highlighted in CQC’s June bulletin.
Pulse 30 JunCoroner raises GP referral concerns after boy dies from missed appendicitis
A coroner raised referral and information-sharing concerns after a boy died of missed appendicitis.
Pulse 16 JunGPs raise patient safety fears over 25,000-letter hospital backlog
GPs raised safety fears over a 25,000-letter outpatient letter backlog at one trust.
Pulse 8 JunGPs ‘under pressure’ to diagnose autism and ADHD for benefit entitlement, report finds
A report says GPs face pressure to diagnose autism and ADHD linked to benefit entitlement.
RCGP 3 JunRCGP responds to PAC report on support for people living with frailty
The RCGP responds to the Public Accounts Committee's concerns about services for people living with frailty.
Healthcare Leader 2 JunQuarter of ICBs not commissioning spirometry tests in primary care
A quarter of ICBs don't commission spirometry and other tests for asthma and COPD in primary care.
Pulse 23 MayAll A&G requests must come from named GPs, says NHS England
NHS England says all Advice & Guidance requests must come from named GPs.
Pulse 25 AprNHS England backtracks on target for one in four GP referrals to be diverted via A&G
NHS England dropped its target for a quarter of GP referrals to go via Advice & Guidance.
RCGP 23 AprRCGP welcomes NHS England’s move away from rigid A&G target
The RCGP welcomes NHS England dropping a fixed 25% Advice and Guidance target.
NHSE 22 AprNHS England letter on specialist advice and elective single point of access
Amanda Doyle’s letter explains specialist advice and the new elective single points of access for referrals, and what practices and patients should expect from secondary care.
Pulse 11 AprTrusts must respond to GP A&G requests within five working days, says NHS England
NHS England says trusts must respond to GP Advice & Guidance requests within five working days.
Pulse 28 MarBMA demands A&G ‘pause’ or GPs could take collective action from 30 April
The BMA demanded a "pause" on the A&G requirement, warning of collective action from 30 April.
Pulse 7 MarBMA getting legal advice on A&G requirement amid fears it could remove GPs’ right to refer
The BMA sought legal advice on the new Advice & Guidance requirement, fearing it could affect GPs' right to refer.
RCGP 23 FebGPs and patients join forces to call for end to NHS ‘maze’
The RCGP and Patients Association call for the NHS to be easier to navigate and GP care easier to access.
Pulse 3 FebGPs to use AI to help find rare cancers under new plan
The Government's rare cancers plan encourages GPs to use AI tools to help spot rare cancers.
Pulse 27 JanGPs raise alarm over ICB limits on Right to Choose ADHD and autism assessments
GPs raise concerns after one ICB limited Right to Choose ADHD and autism assessments.
Pulse 22 JanGPs told not to restrict eating disorder referral based on BMI in new guidance
New guidance says BMI alone must not be used to restrict eating disorder referrals for children and young people.
Pulse 15 JanNHS ‘heavily dependent’ on private ADHD providers – with a 252% increase in spending
A report finds NHS spending on private ADHD providers has risen by 252%, pushing ICBs over budget.

Workforce & employment 33 Government confirms ICBs to receive funding for domestic abuse support

Healthcare Leader 26 OctGovernment confirms ICBs to receive funding for domestic abuse support
The government has allocated money to health boards to offer specialist help for domestic abuse referrals.
Pulse 26 OctDHSC confirms first areas to roll out domestic abuse support via GP practices
DHSC has confirmed 12 Integrated Care Board areas where GP practices will access specialist domestic abuse support workers.
Pulse 22 OctGPs urged to write to RCGP opposing physician associate protocol
The BMA is urging GPs to write to the RCGP opposing a draft protocol that would let physician associates see undifferentiated patients under supervision.
GPonline 21 OctCould the NHS level up GP and consultant pay?
The BMA’s sessional GP committee wants equal career earnings for GPs and consultants; GPonline looks at how pay parity could work.
GPonline 20 OctPhysical violence and threats to kill: GP staff facing extreme abuse
A study finds practice staff facing harassment, racism, physical violence and threats to kill, leaving many fearful and distressed.
Pulse PCN 15 OctPAs must not hold ‘sole responsibility’ for final diagnosis, protocol says
A draft protocol says physician associates in general practice must not be solely responsible for a final diagnosis, so the supervising GP stays involved.
GPonline 12 OctAI complaints swamp practice staff and hit morale, poll shows
Nearly half of practice managers say AI-written patient complaints, some nearly 20 pages long, add workload and hurt morale.
Pulse 8 OctGP-supervised physician associates seeing undifferentiated patients ‘dangerous’, BMA warns
The BMA calls the draft PA supervision plans unsafe.
Pulse 7 OctPA review lead Professor Gillian Leng to head up GP indemnity provider
Professor Gillian Leng is to become president of the Medical Protection Society.
Pulse 6 OctPAs can see ‘limited’ undifferentiated patients under GP supervision, says draft guidance
Draft guidance would let PAs see a limited range of undifferentiated patients under GP supervision.
Pulse 5 OctPhysician associates’ union granted permission for judicial review over Leng recommendations
The PA union can now take its challenge to the Leng review findings to court.
GPonline 2 OctRevamped GP reimbursement scheme covers sessions by partners, BMA confirms
Partners working extra sessions as locums can be claimed under the revamped reimbursement scheme.
Pulse PCN 1 OctBMA calls for an ‘urgent review’ into advanced practitioner (AP) scopes of practice
The BMA wants an urgent review of advanced practitioners' scopes of practice.
GPonline 30 SepGP reimbursement scheme rules relaxed to include locums
The £292m GP reimbursement scheme can now be used for locums.
GPonline 30 SepBMA committee backs equal pay for GPs and consultants
A BMA committee supports pay parity between GPs and hospital consultants.
RCGP 28 SepNew RCGP report finds GPs do not have enough time to offer preventative care
An RCGP report finds patients trust GPs most on healthy living, but three in four GPs say they lack time for preventive care.
Pulse 23 SepBMA report reveals accounts of non-doctors rejecting GP referrals and ‘taking the role of GPs’
A BMA report describes non-doctors rejecting GP referrals and calls for an end to "taskification".
GPonline 18 SepRise in GP locum bookings this year linked to online consultation workload
A sessional GP organisation links rising locum demand to the extra online consultation work.
Pulse 1 SepThird of GPs don’t have fully-qualified NHS roles within a year of finishing training, data shows
More than a third of GPs have no fully qualified NHS role a year after finishing training.
Pulse 27 Jul‘Astonishing’ GP unemployment crisis still ongoing, warns BMA sessional committee chair
The BMA sessional GPs chair warns the GP unemployment crisis continues.
Pulse 21 JulBurnout among GP trainers worsened in the last year, GMC finds
The GMC's training survey found burnout among GP trainers worsened this year.
RCGP 4 JunRCGP responds to Lord Mann review of racism in the NHS
RCGP says everyone working in or using the NHS should feel safe and respected, whatever their background.
Pulse PCN 26 MayPractices to confirm transfer of GP reimbursement scheme funding with ICBs
Practices can ask their ICB to move GP reimbursement scheme funding between practices in the PCN.
Pulse 12 MayGP partners ‘must act’ if unprofessional behaviour is reported to them, says GMC
The GMC says GP partners must act when unprofessional behaviour or discrimination by staff is reported to them.
Pulse PCN 5 MayGPs and practice nurses paid for with scrapped PCN funding pot added to ARRS
GPs and practice nurses funded from a scrapped PCN funding pot can now be moved into ARRS.
RCGP 30 AprGPs losing £400 worth of time a day to avoidable workload
An RCGP report estimates GPs lose about £400 worth of time a day to avoidable workload.
Pulse 30 AprGovernment confirms new practice-level reimbursement scheme only covers salaried GPs
The new practice-level reimbursement scheme initially covered salaried GPs only (since extended to locums).
Pulse 31 MarGovernment launches consultation into physician associate name change
The Government is consulting on renaming physician associates as "physician assistants".
RCGP 20 FebUnder a third of GPs likely to become partners
RCGP research finds fewer than a third of GPs are likely to consider partnership.
Pulse 5 Feb‘Relentless’ triage model contributes to GP workforce problems, say researchers
Researchers say the "relentless triage" model of modern general practice is contributing to workforce problems.
Pulse 26 JanGovernment needs to redistribute money to end GP underemployment, says RCGP chair
The RCGP chair says the Government must find money, or redistribute it, to end GP underemployment.
RCGP 13 JanRCGP statement on new legislation on UK medical graduate prioritisation
The RCGP responds to legislation prioritising UK medical graduates for training posts.
Pulse 8 JanDoctors plan to report GMC to its own regulator over lack of PA scope of practice
Doctors plan to complain to the GMC's own regulator about its decision not to set a scope of practice for physician associates.

Collective action & GPC 30 Consultants to strike in dispute over pay and conditions

Healthcare Leader 27 OctConsultants to strike in dispute over pay and conditions
Senior hospital doctors in England plan a two-day strike next month over disagreements regarding pay and working conditions.
Pulse 26 OctHospital consultants to strike following lack of formal negotiations with Government
Hospital consultants in England plan a strike next month due to no formal talks with the Government.
GPonline 7 OctGovernment lays out plan to end GP collective action
The government sets out its route to ending GP collective action.
GPonline 23 SepBMA warns practices against involvement with NHS app AI-triage pilots
The BMA advises practices not to take part in NHS England's AI-assisted triage pilots in the NHS App.
Pulse 21 SepGPs to ‘limit appointments’ if Government doesn’t engage in contract talks
The BMA has plans to escalate, including limiting appointments, if contract talks don't progress.
Pulse 21 Sep£50 extra per patient to be ‘major negotiating aim’ in GP contract talks, says BMA
An extra £50 per patient in core funding is a major BMA aim in contract talks.
Pulse 17 SepBMA postpones GP collective action escalation as it re-enters ‘bilateral’ contract talks
The BMA postponed collective action escalation until 1 December as it re-entered talks.
Pulse 4 SepBMA will not escalate GP collective action this month after ‘positive meetings’ with NHSE
The BMA did not escalate collective action in September after "positive" meetings with NHS England.
RCGP 28 AugPast and present RCGP leaders unite behind five commitments for NHS reform
Nineteen current and former RCGP presidents and chairs back five commitments for NHS reform built on strong general practice.
Pulse PCN 11 AugGovernment confirms general practice and neighbourhood minister
Dame Diana Johnson is the minister responsible for general practice and neighbourhood health.
Pulse 23 JulGrassroots GPs urge new administration to prioritise family doctor model
Grassroots GP groups urged the new administration to prioritise the family doctor model.
Pulse 21 JulWhat will new health secretary Yvette Cooper do for general practice?
What new health secretary Yvette Cooper could mean for general practice.
Pulse 10 Jul‘Plan B’ will give GPs different options ‘if the NHS fails’, says new GPC chair
New GPC England chair Dr Clare Bannon says "plan B" gives practices options if the NHS fails.
Healthcare Leader 7 JulGPs told to refuse shared care agreements in collective action escalation
The BMA's next stage of collective action asks GPs to refuse new shared care agreements.
Pulse 4 JulNew GPC England chair to keep ‘plan B’ on the table
The new GPC England chair is keeping "plan B" on the table.
Pulse 2 JulEngland’s BMA GP Committee chair will not stand for re-election
GPC England chair Dr Katie Bramall stood down at the end of her term.
Pulse 3 JunBMA’s England GP Committee could lose its funding grant in favour of ‘plan B’ alternative
The GP Defence Fund was to vote on stopping GPC England's funding in favour of a "plan B".
Pulse 2 JunBMA goes ahead with GP collective action escalation ‘putting care ahead of cost savings’
The BMA's June escalation asked GPs to switch off medicines optimisation software.
Pulse 30 MayGPs to ‘remove or ignore’ medicines optimisation software in contract dispute escalation
GPs asked to "remove or ignore" medicines optimisation software as collective action escalated (see BLMC's local advice).
Pulse 27 MayGPs to be balloted on ‘plan B’ including providing private services, BMA confirms
The BMA confirmed GPs will be balloted on a "plan B", including providing private services.
Pulse 16 MayUK GP leaders vote to explore ‘dentist’ model ‘outside the NHS’
The UK LMC conference voted to explore a "dentist-style" model outside the NHS.
Pulse 14 MayWes Streeting resigns as health secretary citing Government ‘unpopularity’
Wes Streeting resigned as health secretary.
Pulse 5 MayDHSC to continue negotiations with BMA as GP collective action will have ‘no impact’
DHSC said it would keep negotiating with the BMA, claiming collective action would have "no impact".
Pulse 21 AprUK LMC conference to vote on plans for taking GPs outside NHS
UK LMC conference to debate a strategy for leaving GMS contracts and working outside the NHS.
Pulse 1 Apr16 LMCs write to GPDF to urge it to pull BMA GP Committee funding
Sixteen LMCs urged the GP Defence Fund to stop funding GPC England.
Pulse 28 MarBMA demands A&G ‘pause’ or GPs could take collective action from 30 April
The BMA demanded a "pause" on the A&G requirement, warning of collective action from 30 April.
Pulse 6 MarNew GP collective action against imposed contract could start on 1 April, says BMA
The BMA said new collective action against the imposed contract could start on 1 April, alongside its referendum.
Pulse 28 FebBMA rejects GP contract unilaterally imposed by Government
The BMA formally rejected the 2026/27 contract imposed by the Government.
Pulse 29 JanQOF could be replaced with annual reviews, BMA GP leaders propose
GPC England's contract proposals include replacing QOF with annual reviews.
Pulse 12 JanLMCs consider declaring no confidence in GPC leadership over lack of dispute escalation
Some LMCs considered a vote of no confidence in GPC England's leadership over the lack of dispute escalation.

Prescribing & medicines 21 What will the arrival of thousands of new pharmacist prescribers mean for general practice?

Pulse 16 OctWhat will the arrival of thousands of new pharmacist prescribers mean for general practice?
The first pharmacists to qualify with prescribing rights graduate this autumn. A look at how they will work alongside general practice and the safeguards planned.
Pulse 16 OctGPs to advise about suicidal behaviour risks when prescribing antidepressants
New MHRA guidance says GPs should discuss the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours when starting an antidepressant or changing the dose.
Pulse 15 OctPharmacy First-issued medicines increase by nearly a third
Medicines issued in Pharmacy First consultations for seven common conditions rose 32% in 2025/26, NHSBSA figures show.
Pulse 14 OctASA clamps down on rule-breaking pharmacy weight-loss medicine adverts
The advertising regulator has ruled for the first time against online pharmacies promoting oral weight-loss drugs.
Pulse PCN 9 OctAutism and ADHD review recommends building capacity across multidisciplinary workforce
An independent review led by Professor Peter Fonagy finds that services for children and young people with mental health conditions, ADHD and autism fall short of need. It calls for more capacity across the multidisciplinary workforce.
GPonline 9 OctPharmacist faked GP prescriptions to defraud NHS of £1.3m
A pharmacist forged GP prescriptions in a £1.3m NHS fraud.
GPonline 9 OctNICE plans to make guidance more accessible and relevant for GPs and patients
NICE plans to make its guidance easier for GPs and patients to use.
Pulse 7 SepGPs must not prescribe semaglutide for CVD risk without ‘written confirmation’ of funding
GPs should get written confirmation of ICB commissioning before prescribing semaglutide for CVD risk reduction.
Healthcare Leader 16 JulFirst 13 ICBs to pilot single national formulary confirmed
The 13 ICBs piloting a single national formulary have been named.
CQC 9 JulCQC annual update on the safer management of controlled drugs
CQC’s yearly report on controlled drugs sets out trends and lessons for prescribers and practices on safe management.
Healthcare Leader 7 JulGPs told to refuse shared care agreements in collective action escalation
The BMA's next stage of collective action asks GPs to refuse new shared care agreements.
Pulse 29 JunMounjaro pilot to bypass GP appointments in parts of UK
A Mounjaro pilot in 12 areas lets some patients access weight-loss treatment without GP appointments.
Pulse 27 JunGovernment to ‘ease pressure on GPs’ by expanding use of pharmacists, says minister
A minister says expanding the role of pharmacists will ease pressure on GPs.
Pulse 24 JunGPs ‘pressured’ into prescribing weight-loss drugs without ICB-commissioned services
GPs report pressure to prescribe weight-loss drugs without ICB-commissioned services.
Pulse 2 JunBMA goes ahead with GP collective action escalation ‘putting care ahead of cost savings’
The BMA's June escalation asked GPs to switch off medicines optimisation software.
Pulse 30 MayGPs to ‘remove or ignore’ medicines optimisation software in contract dispute escalation
GPs asked to "remove or ignore" medicines optimisation software as collective action escalated (see BLMC's local advice).
Pulse 5 MayOver one million switched to combined asthma inhalers since NICE update
Over a million asthma patients have switched to combination reliever inhalers since NICE's update.
Pulse 1 AprNICE recommends semaglutide injections to prevent heart attack and stroke
NICE recommends semaglutide injections to prevent heart attacks and strokes in eligible patients.
Pulse 2 MarICBs ration Mounjaro prescribing by GPs with additional eligibility criteria
Some ICBs are adding their own eligibility thresholds for GP prescribing of tirzepatide (Mounjaro).
Pulse 18 FebNICE confirms first-line SGLT-2 prescribing in final type 2 diabetes guidance
Final NICE type 2 diabetes guidance recommends offering SGLT-2 inhibitors much earlier.
RCGP 6 FebRCGP responds to new Lancet study on statin side effects
The RCGP comments on a Lancet review finding most reported statin side effects aren't caused by statins.

PCSE & patient registration 16 Frontline doctors demand ‘independent review’ of GP list-cleansing drive

Pulse 12 OctFrontline doctors demand ‘independent review’ of GP list-cleansing drive
Doctors are calling for an independent review of NHS England's list-cleansing drive.
GPonline 6 OctMultimillion-pound list cleaning cuts ‘will be reinvested in core general practice’
Savings from list cleaning are promised back to core general practice funding.
Pulse 5 OctGP practices affected by NHSE list-cleansing to be offered support, says minister
A minister says practices that lose income through list cleaning will get support.
PCSE 1 OctPCSE GP Practice Update: October 2026
Approve locums’ Locum A forms promptly so they can pay pension contributions on time, get ready for the 2025/26 pensions end of year, and how to access hospital records.
Pulse 30 SepNHS England’s GP list-cleansing drive targeting six to seven million patients
NHS England's list cleansing is targeting 6–7 million patients, documents show.
GPonline 23 SepPatients flagged for removal at 10 times normal rate in list cleaning surge
Removal flags are running at nearly ten times previous years under the current list-cleaning drive.
GPonline 14 SepList cleaning has slashed equivalent of 30m appointments from GP practices
List cleaning has removed funding worth around 30 million appointments from general practice.
GPonline 14 Sep‘Patients have missed out on medication because they’ve been removed unfairly’
Patients wrongly removed in list cleaning have reportedly lost access to their medicines.
PCSE 14 AugPCSE GP Practice Update: August 2026
New standard forms for changing practice bank details, how to read your PCSE Online contractual statement, moving records to Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, printing transit labels and supplies changes.
Pulse 5 AugTwo thirds of GP practices have evidence of NHSE list cleansing process ‘getting it wrong’
Almost 70% of practices report patients wrongly removed in NHS England's list cleansing.
Pulse 11 JulGP list-cleansing savings will be reinvested into practices, pledges NHS England
NHS England pledged that savings from list cleansing will be reinvested in general practice.
PCSE 30 JunPCSE GP Practice Update: June 2026
Changes to how GP and PCN bank account details are changed, supplies moving to fortnightly collections and deliveries, the digital patient documents service, an end to GP local codes, and duplicate NHS numbers.
PCSE 2 AprPCSE GP Practice Update: April 2026
Performers list employment changes are now approved automatically, so practices no longer need to approve them. Also Easter supplies dates and changes to GP local codes.
PCSE 25 FebPCSE GP Practice Update: February 2026
Last call for the 2026/27 pensionable profit estimate (28 February), the 2024/25 pensions end-of-year reminder, a report on drugs paid in the wrong group, supplies of FTR3012, and tips on FP69 flags and managing PCSE Online users.
PCSE 30 JanPCSE GP Practice Update: January 2026
Pensionable profit estimates due by 28 February, 2024/25 Type 1 forms now in PCSE Online, new access for practice accountants, records moving to the home nations, and FP69 flags now lasting three months.
PCSE 8 JanPCSE: 2026/27 estimate of pensionable profit now open
The 2026/27 Estimate of Pensionable Profit and Earnings form is open in PCSE Online. Practices that are NHS Pension Scheme employing authorities must submit it by 28 February 2026.

Vaccinations & screening 15 UKHSA data highlights impact of flu on GP visits and missed work

Pulse 29 OctUKHSA data highlights impact of flu on GP visits and missed work
UKHSA data shows nearly one in seven people visit the GP with flu symptoms, and half miss work or school.
Pulse PCN 26 OctHow this PCN used Sunday clinics to raise MMR uptake
Springfield Park PCN increased measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination rates by using Sunday appointments for the Charedi Jewish community.
Pulse 8 OctHealth officials urge vaccination amid signs of early flu season
Health officials say flu season is starting early and are pressing for vaccine uptake.
NHSE 25 AugVaccination standards and RSV contractual guidance updated for practices
Updated vaccination and immunisation standards and core contractual requirements, alongside new RSV contractual guidance covering the extended cohorts (all adults 80 and over and older care home residents), recording codes and payments.
RCGP 25 AugRCGP responds to new HPV home-testing kits
The RCGP welcomes HPV self-sampling kits for women who have missed cervical screening.
Pulse 20 AugFlu vaccine delivery cancellations to cause ‘significant disruption’, GP leaders warn
GP leaders warn flu vaccine delivery cancellations will cause significant disruption.
Pulse PCN 9 JulPCN GP practices can collaborate to deliver child flu vaccines
Practices in a PCN can collaborate to deliver childhood flu vaccines this winter.
RCGP 2 JulRCGP welcomes expanded RSV vaccine offer for vulnerable adults
RCGP welcomes RSV vaccination being extended to more vulnerable adults.
RCGP 2 JunRCGP responds to Government decision on prostate cancer screening
The RCGP says cancer screening must be evidence-based, responding to the Government's prostate screening decision.
Pulse 28 MayNSC advises against whole-population prostate cancer screening in final recommendation
The National Screening Committee advised against whole-population prostate screening, recommending a targeted approach.
RCGP 27 MarMeningitis vaccination uptake welcomed by College
The RCGP welcomes higher meningitis vaccine uptake after the Kent outbreak.
Pulse 16 FebGP practices considering stopping flu vaccinations due to financial viability
Some practices are considering not signing up to flu vaccination because they say it's no longer financially viable.
Pulse 10 FebHCAs can take ‘consent to proceed’ during vaccinations, says BMA amid UKHSA guidance concern
The BMA says healthcare assistants can take "consent to proceed" when giving vaccinations, despite concerns about UKHSA guidance.
RCGP 2 JanRCGP response to chickenpox vaccine rollout
The RCGP welcomes chickenpox vaccine being added to the childhood schedule.
RCGP 1 JanRCGP responds to the DHSC’s plan to have Health visiting teams offer vaccinations to children
RCGP responds to plans for health visiting teams to offer childhood vaccinations.

Premises & estates 9 GPs could close if indoor temperatures rise above 30C, suggests RCGP

Pulse 29 JulGPs could close if indoor temperatures rise above 30C, suggests RCGP
The RCGP suggests practices consider closing or relocating services above 30°C indoors.
Pulse PCN 13 JulGovernment confirms extra £200m for GP practice premises upgrades
A further £200m is available for practices to claim for premises upgrades.
Pulse PCN 11 JunNeighbourhood health centres to be approved by summer amidst unaffordable estate upgrade requests
The first neighbourhood health centres will be approved by summer, but many estate upgrade bids are unaffordable.
Pulse 12 MayPrimary care networks given two weeks to submit neighbourhood health centre plans
PCNs in one area were given just two weeks to tell their ICB their role in neighbourhood health centres.
Pulse 16 AprNeighbourhood centres expected to include ‘on-site general practice’, says NHS England
New neighbourhood health centres are expected to include on-site general practice.
Pulse 15 AprHistoric GP premises service charges unlikely to be written off, says NHSPS chief
NHS Property Services says historic GP premises service charges are unlikely to be written off.
RCGP 14 AprRCGP response to Lib Dem proposal on GP provision in new housing developments
The RCGP says new housing developments must include investment in local GP services.
Pulse 11 MarHospital trusts invited to bid to take over GP practice premises
Hospital trusts have been invited to bid to take over GP practice premises.
RCGP 11 FebRCGP urges Government to unlock green investment for GP practices
The RCGP asks the Government to extend green investment to GP premises to meet net zero.

Public health 7 Smoking rates halve as over one million never-smokers take up vaping

Pulse 8 OctSmoking rates halve as over one million never-smokers take up vaping
Smoking has halved, but over a million people who never smoked now vape.
RCGP 30 SepRCGP responds to new public health approach to violence against women and girls
RCGP welcomes the public health approach and says GPs need time to build the trust that lets patients disclose abuse.
RCGP 28 SepNew RCGP report finds GPs do not have enough time to offer preventative care
An RCGP report finds patients trust GPs most on healthy living, but three in four GPs say they lack time for preventive care.
CQC 30 AprConsultation on smoke-free and vape-free areas outside GP surgeries
The Government consulted on extending smoke-free rules to outdoor areas around health settings including GP surgeries, with vaping still allowed outside to support quitting.
RCGP 5 FebCollege issues advice on recognising and treating scabies symptoms
The RCGP gives advice on recognising and treating scabies as cases rise.
Pulse 5 FebExclusive: GPs in more than 70 areas told to limit NHS Health Checks
A Pulse investigation found GPs in more than 70 areas have been told to limit NHS Health Checks.
RCGP 19 JanDigital harms are a modern determinant of health – and a population health issue
An RCGP position statement treats digital harms to children as a population health issue.

Fees & non-NHS work 3 RCGP response to DWP’s fit note reform plan

RCGP 21 MayRCGP response to DWP’s fit note reform plan
The RCGP says fit note reform must put patients' health first rather than be driven by cutting benefit costs.
RCGP 12 MarCollege response to BBC research on fit notes
The RCGP responds to BBC research on how GPs issue fit notes for mental health.
Pulse 9 MarGPs entitled to charge fees for safeguarding reports, says BMA
The BMA says GPs can charge fees for safeguarding reports, as these fall outside the core contract.

Wellbeing & support 1 GPs need ‘emotional support’ after extreme levels of burnout during Covid, inquiry finds

Pulse 19 MarGPs need ‘emotional support’ after extreme levels of burnout during Covid, inquiry finds
The Covid inquiry found pandemic work worsened GP wellbeing and calls for emotional support for GPs.

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