This past week in primary care has seen significant developments across workforce, service delivery, innovation, and policy. With industrial action, emerging models of care, and contract implementation all shaping the landscape, we explore the most pertinent updates for practices, providers, and stakeholders in the sector.

GP Contract 2025/26 – Implementation Guidance Released

On 31 July, NHS England published the long-awaited implementation guidance for the 2025/26 General Medical Services (GMS) contract. Practices will see an uplift in the global sum from £121.79 to £123.34 per weighted patient, effective from 1 April 2025. Equivalent adjustments have been confirmed for PMS and APMS contracts, with particular attention paid to ensuring equity in funding across contract types. The guidance also sets out expectations for commissioner engagement and practice readiness, ensuring timely adoption of the revised terms.

Resident Doctors’ Strike – Primary Care Responds

A five-day strike by junior doctors affected services across England, including the East of England region. NHS England urged patients to continue to access primary, urgent and emergency care as normal, advising that routine GP appointments should be attended unless otherwise informed. NHS 111 online remained the first port of call for non-urgent issues. Despite the industrial action, GP surgeries and community services demonstrated resilience in maintaining care delivery under increased pressure.

General Practice Achieves Record Appointment Volumes

Data published this week confirms that general practice has delivered an unprecedented 383.3 million appointments in the past 12 months, marking an increase of over seven million compared to the previous year. NHS Confederation attributed this rise to workforce adaptation and service modernisation, noting that more than 70% of patients reported improved ease in contacting their GP practice.

Concerns Over Decline in Academic General Practice

New research highlights a concerning trend in the diminishing number of academic GPs, with clinical academics now representing just 0.05% of the GP workforce. Stakeholders warn that this poses a long-term risk to innovation, research, and the evidence base required for evolving models of care. The sector is calling for urgent policy intervention and investment to safeguard the academic future of general practice.

Social Prescribing Expands – Football Tickets on Prescription

In a creative move to embed wellbeing in clinical care, a pilot programme in Gloucestershire has introduced social prescribing of football tickets. Patients with mild to moderate depression can now access tickets for Forest Green Rovers matches, as part of a wider effort to promote mental wellbeing and reduce reliance on traditional medical interventions. While still in its early stages, the initiative has been positively received and may pave the way for broader adoption of community-based therapeutic models.

AI in Primary Care – NHS Trials Virtual Physiotherapy

In Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, NHS England has launched its first AI-driven physiotherapy service in collaboration with Flok Health. The pilot, which ran for 12 weeks, reduced musculoskeletal waiting lists by 44% and halved the back pain backlog, saving an estimated 856 clinician hours per month. While hailed as a success in tackling service backlogs, some caution has been raised regarding digital exclusion and equitable access for patients without the means or confidence to engage online.

10-Year NHS Plan – A New Vision for Neighbourhood Health

The Government’s updated 10-Year NHS Plan was officially unveiled this week, reaffirming its commitment to shifting care out of hospitals and into community settings. Key ambitions include the establishment of Neighbourhood Health Centres, improved integration through enhanced NHS App functionality, and universal digital records by 2028. However, the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) has expressed concern over proposals that would permit NHS Trusts to run GP services, cautioning that this may threaten the independence and clinical leadership of general practice.

Nursing Pay Offer Under Fire

Finally, nursing leaders have issued a firm response to the Government’s 3.6% pay offer for 2025/26. A survey by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) revealed that 91% of members view the increase as inadequate, raising the likelihood of further industrial action in the autumn unless negotiations progress. This adds to the broader discourse around NHS workforce morale, pay equity, and retention.

How General Practice Solutions Can Support Your Practice

In the face of rapid reform and increasing operational pressures, General Practice Solutions (GPS) offers dedicated, tailored support to help practices navigate change with confidence. Whether your team requires clinical coding, telephony support, administrative streamlining, or CQC compliance consultancy, GPS provides fully managed, scalable services designed to reduce workload, improve patient access, and enhance practice efficiency. Our associates are trained to embed seamlessly within your existing systems, enabling you to maintain continuity while meeting rising expectations in patient care, digital transformation, and contractual compliance. With proven experience in primary care operations and innovation, GPS is committed to being a dependable partner in strengthening the future of general practice.

Click here to see how GPS can support your practice.

Tuesday Talks: 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!

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.

Thoughtful Thursday: Celebrating Positivity in Primary Care

Welcome to Thoughtful Thursday, where we shine a light on the positive stories, uplifting moments, and inspiring progress happening across primary care. Each week, we share real examples of innovation, compassion, and community impact—reminding us all of the resilience and dedication at the heart of general practice.

See this week’s inspiring highlight below!