7 items

This week from NHS England

1. Winter planning 2026/27 – expectations and assurance

   NHSE Contracts & funding Read at NHS England ↗

   In brief

   Winter 2026/27 letter: draft winter plans due by the end of August.

2. Update on propranolol 80mg and 160mg MR capsules medicine supply issue

   NHSE Prescribing & medicines

   In brief

   Supply update on the shortage of propranolol 80mg and 160mg MR capsules.

3. Reminder to sign up to the seasonal vaccination service for the autumn/winter campaign 2026/27

   NHSE Vaccinations & screening

   In brief

   Sign up for the autumn/winter 2026/27 COVID-19 and flu services by 31 July 2026 to guarantee COVID-19 vaccine delivery.

4. General practices

   NHSE Vaccinations & screening, PCNs & neighbourhoods

   In brief

   Practices accept both COVID-19 and flu offers on CQRS; practices covered by a PCN partner still need to sign up.

5. Diabetes drug being discontinued

   NHSE Prescribing & medicines

   In brief

   Don't start new patients on Levemir, and switch existing patients; stock runs out at the end of December 2026.

6. New GMS, PMS and APMS standard contracts and variations published

   NHSE Contracts & funding

   In brief

   New standard GMS, PMS and APMS contracts and variation notices published, incorporating the 2026/27 changes.

7. Same-day appointments in general practice for clinically urgent patients – frequently asked questions available

   NHSE Contracts & funding Read at NHS England ↗

   In brief

   FAQs on same-day appointments for clinically urgent patients, updated.