This week has seen a range of key developments across the UK’s primary care sector, with industrial unrest, funding updates, and structural reforms all shaping the current landscape. Below is a summary of the main stories.

Junior Doctors’ Strike Set to Go Ahead

Despite further talks between the Health Secretary and the British Medical Association (BMA), the junior doctors’ strike scheduled for 25 July remains on course. Although discussions included potential debt relief for medical students, there was no offer of additional pay beyond the 28.9% uplift provided in recent years. The Secretary of State described the planned walkout as “shockingly irresponsible” and warned of the potential impact on patient safety. An audit released this week has linked previous strikes to five patient deaths, raising further concern across the NHS.

Neighbourhood Health Centres: Vision Meets Uncertainty

The government’s 10-Year Health Plan continues to promote the concept of “Neighbourhood Health Centres”—integrated, community-based hubs designed to reduce pressure on hospitals and improve access to care. These centres would offer extended hours, diagnostics, mental health support, and routine general practice. While the model has been broadly welcomed, the BMA and GPC England have expressed concern over the lack of detail regarding funding, contracts, and implementation timelines. The sector awaits further clarification on how these plans will be delivered in practice.

General Practice Contract Uplift for 2025/26

NHS England has confirmed a 7.2% cash uplift in the General Practice contract for 2025/26, amounting to an additional £889 million. The funding is intended to support several key areas, including increased access, cardiovascular disease prevention, vaccination uptake, and use of risk stratification tools. Practices have cautiously welcomed the investment, but questions remain over how quickly it will translate into on-the-ground improvements in capacity and patient outcomes.

WorkWell Pilot Launches in 15 Regions

The Department for Work and Pensions, in partnership with NHS England, has launched the WorkWell pilot in 15 regions. The scheme aims to help people with health conditions return to work without relying solely on GP-issued fit notes. With a budget of £1.5 million, the initiative is expected to support around 56,000 people by 2026. It is hoped that this will alleviate some of the administrative burden on GP practices while offering a more integrated approach to health and employment.

Updated Oversight Framework from NHS England

NHS England has published its revised Oversight Framework for 2025/26, setting out how Integrated Care Boards and NHS Trusts will be assessed moving forward. The framework introduces clearer performance metrics and places a renewed emphasis on financial balance, productivity, and support for underperforming systems. It is intended to improve transparency and ensure that local NHS bodies are held to account while receiving the assistance they need to deliver safe and effective care.

How General Practice Solutions Can Help

At General Practice Solutions, we understand the pressures that primary care providers are currently facing—from workforce disruption and increased administrative demands to system-wide reforms requiring adaptability and resilience. Our flexible, scalable support model enables practices to maintain continuity of care and meet contractual requirements even during periods of industrial action or staffing shortages.

We provide trained associates with experience in clinical coding, document workflow, and remote administrative support, helping practices manage rising workloads and ensure accurate, timely data processing. Our services also align with the broader objectives of the 10-Year Health Plan and the WorkWell pilot by improving back-office efficiency and allowing GPs to focus more directly on patient-facing care.

As funding uplifts and oversight expectations increase, we work alongside practices to ensure compliance, capacity building, and robust reporting—supporting a stronger, more sustainable primary care system.

Workforce Wednesdays: HR Hot Topics with Jordan

Staying informed about workforce issues is key to building resilient primary care teams—especially during times of operational change and staffing pressure. Join us every week for Workforce Wednesdays, where our HR lead Jordan explores topical issues in primary care staffing, employment law updates, and practical solutions for managing teams effectively.

From handling absences to navigating contract changes, Jordan shares clear, actionable insights that help practice leaders stay ahead.

Click here to explore Workforce Wednesdays and tune in to the latest HR hot topics.

Stay Updated with Primary Care News

For more up-to-date primary care news, tune in to Tuesday Talks! Each week, we discuss key industry updates, policy changes, and how they impact healthcare providers. We also highlight the latest services and solutions offered by GPS, helping practices stay ahead in an ever-changing NHS landscape.

Join us for expert insights, practical advice, and in-depth discussions tailored to primary care professionals.

See the latest episode below!