Welcome to this week’s round-up of developments in UK primary care. From investment news to rising talent in research, the sector continues to evolve as we move into the latter half of the year. Here is what you need to know.

Spotlight on Future Leaders: George Lewith Prize Winners Announced

The NIHR School for Primary Care Research has announced the winners of the 2025 George Lewith Prize, celebrating the contributions of two outstanding undergraduate researchers from Oxford University: Milou Ottolini and Dhanush Ammineni.

Their projects, which explored population health and preventative medicine, reflect the growing importance of academic research in shaping the future of general practice. By focusing on some of the most pressing challenges in healthcare today, their work highlights how student-led research can offer fresh perspectives and practical solutions.

This recognition not only celebrates individual excellence, but also reinforces the need to invest in emerging talent. As primary care continues to evolve, supporting future academic leaders will be essential to driving innovation and delivering sustainable, patient-centred care.

£1.7 Billion Merger to Reshape Primary Care Estates

Primary Health Properties (PHP) has taken a major step forward in its £1.7 billion merger with Assura, with shareholder approval expected imminently. This merger will create the UK’s largest independent landlord of GP surgeries and health centres, a move that is anticipated to have far-reaching implications for practice premises.

The merged entity is expected to streamline estate upgrades, improve access to modern facilities, and bolster the case for community-based care. With 29 consecutive years of dividend growth, PHP remains a significant player in the primary care infrastructure landscape—providing not just buildings, but the foundations for sustainable service delivery across the NHS.

GP Workforce Morale Remains in the Spotlight

New research comparing GP job satisfaction across Western countries has once again brought attention to the ongoing challenges facing the profession in the UK. Although the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan sets out ambitious recruitment goals, serious concerns remain around the retention of experienced GPs, the growing administrative workload, and persistent workplace pressures that continue to impact morale.

There is increasing recognition that recruitment alone is not enough. A more holistic approach is needed—one that tackles the underlying causes of stress and disengagement across primary care teams. As Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and Primary Care Networks (PCNs) continue to shape future service models, ensuring meaningful support for the wellbeing of frontline staff must remain a key priority.

How General Practice Solutions Can Support Your Practice

At General Practice Solutions, we specialise in providing tailored, high-quality support services designed to ease the operational pressures faced by GP practices and Primary Care Networks. From clinical coding, document workflow, and telephony management to administrative cover and workforce planning, our team integrates seamlessly into your existing processes—enhancing efficiency without disrupting continuity. We understand the evolving demands of primary care and offer scalable solutions that align with your specific needs, whether on an ad-hoc or long-term basis. By partnering with us, you can reduce administrative burden, improve data quality, and free up valuable clinical time to focus on delivering safe, effective patient care.

Click here to see how GPS can support your practice.

Final Thoughts

This week’s developments paint a picture of a sector undergoing necessary transformation. Strategic investment in estate infrastructure, support for emerging academic talent, and renewed focus on workforce morale all signal efforts to create a more resilient and forward-thinking primary care system.

As we move through August—a month often used to reflect and regroup—these stories remind us that the foundations for meaningful change are already being laid.

Tuesday Talks: Your Weekly Insight into Primary Care

Keep on top of the latest developments in primary care by watching Tuesday Talks—our weekly series designed for healthcare professionals. Each episode covers current industry news, evolving NHS policy, and what these changes mean for general practice.

We also explore how General Practice Solutions (GPS) is supporting practices with innovative services tailored to today’s challenges. Whether you’re looking for expert commentary or practical guidance, Tuesday Talks offers timely and relevant content to help you stay informed and prepared.

Catch the latest episode below and stay ahead in a fast-moving healthcare environment.

Workforce Wednesdays: Practical HR Insights for Primary Care

Workforce challenges continue to shape the day-to-day realities of primary care. Workforce Wednesdays is our weekly series dedicated to tackling key HR topics affecting practices across the NHS—ranging from absence management and contractual changes to employment law updates and team wellbeing.

Each episode delivers clear, practical guidance designed to help practice leaders navigate staffing pressures with confidence. Whether you’re responding to immediate issues or planning long-term workforce strategies, Workforce Wednesdays offers valuable insights tailored to the primary care setting.

Tune in to the latest episode and equip yourself with up-to-date HR guidance.

Thoughtful Thursday: Celebrating Primary Care Positivity

Welcome to Thoughtful Thursday, where we focus on the uplifting and heartening moments from across primary care. Each week, we shine a spotlight on stories of ingenuity, kindness, and community spirit that exemplify the best of general practice.

Discover this week’s moving tale—an example of real-world impact and compassion that reminds us of the dedication and resilience at the heart of our sector.

This week’s Thoughtful Thursday is a must-watch for anyone who believes in the power of care.