Primary Care Weekly Update

Week Commencing Monday 18 August 2025
Focus: Primary care services in the UK

The Current State of Primary Care Services in the UK

Week Commencing Monday 18 August 2025

This week has brought several important announcements that will directly affect the delivery of primary care services in the UK. From the expansion of Community Diagnostic Centres and the continued growth of the Pharmacy First service, through to winter vaccination planning and contract negotiations, general practice continues to face significant change.

The challenge for practices is not only to keep pace with policy updates but also to turn them into practical steps. Protecting service delivery, ensuring compliance, and maintaining safe patient care remain the priorities.

Community Diagnostic Centres – extended hours of operation

NHS England has confirmed that more than one hundred Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs) are now operating twelve hours a day, seven days a week. These centres expand access to MRI, CT, ultrasound, X-ray, and endoscopy. They are also designed to reduce pressure on hospitals and give patients greater flexibility.

Between July 2024 and June 2025, CDCs delivered more than 1.6 million additional tests. However, professional bodies warn that workforce shortages, especially in radiography and endoscopy, remain a barrier to maximising capacity.

Implications for GP practices
For those delivering primary care services in the UK, this expansion will increase the number of diagnostic results returned to practices. This creates added workload and responsibility for GPs. To manage the impact, practices will need reliable workflows, accurate coding, and timely patient communication.

Pharmacy First service in the UK – a milestone reached

The Pharmacy First service in the UK has now passed one million consultations in both the North East and Yorkshire and the North West region. Pharmacists are treating minor illnesses, supplying urgent medicines, and delivering condition-specific interventions. The service continues to ease pressure on GP appointments.

However, NHS England has reminded contractors of the capped funding model. Once pharmacies exceed their monthly threshold, they no longer receive the £17 consultation fee.

Implications for GP practices
While the scheme reduces demand on GPs, practices must prepare for patients being redirected when caps are reached. GP practices in the UK will need clear referral pathways and consistent patient messaging. Active collaboration with local pharmacies will also be essential to avoid duplication of care.

NHS GP contract 2025/26 – negotiations continue

Negotiations between the British Medical Association and NHS England on the NHS GP contract 2025/26 remain unresolved. The BMA has voiced concerns over funding, estates pressures, workload, and access requirements.

Implications for GP practices
Until new terms are agreed, practices should continue to plan within the existing framework. However, those managing primary care services in the UK must stay alert. Late-stage changes may affect income, reporting duties, or staffing. Flexibility and readiness will be important.

Physician associates – legal and compliance risks

Reports indicate that a union representing physician associates has lodged discrimination claims. The potential liability for GP practices could be as high as £30 million.

Implications for GP practices
Practices must ensure that HR documentation, supervision arrangements, and equality compliance procedures are secure. This means setting clear role boundaries, keeping supervision logs, and applying equality and inclusion policies consistently. For providers of primary care services in the UK, this highlights the importance of proactive HR governance.

Vaccination programmes for winter 2025/26

NHS England has confirmed that the flu vaccination programme 2025/26 will cover the same patient cohorts as last year. The COVID-19 booster campaign will run alongside it, with both expected to begin in September and October. Maximising uptake remains the priority, as this will strengthen system resilience through the winter.

Implications for GP practices
Practices should now update protocols, PGDs, and patient communications. Co-administration of flu and COVID-19 vaccines should be planned where clinically appropriate. The success of primary care services in the UK this winter will depend heavily on vaccination delivery.

Funding boost for Scottish GP practices

The Scottish Government has pledged an extra £15 million to support general practice this year. This funding is intended to increase capacity and improve access for patients.

Implications for GP practices
Although the measure is specific to Scotland, it highlights the wider debate about funding levels. The sustainability of primary care services in the UK will continue to depend on targeted investment.

Research and workforce development

The Government has restated its ambition to expand primary care research opportunities. This includes moving more clinical trials into community settings and focusing on prevention and digital-first approaches. In addition, urgent and same-day care training opportunities have been announced for GPs, ANPs, and paramedics in North East London.

Implications for GP practices
Engaging with research can deliver financial, professional, and reputational benefits. Workforce training in urgent and on-the-day care will remain a priority for the resilience of primary care services in the UK.

How General Practice Solutions can support primary care services in the UK

At General Practice Solutions (GPS), we provide expert operational and governance support to GP practices, PCNs, and federations. Our tailored services help strengthen the resilience and compliance of primary care services in the UK.

We offer:

• Diagnostic and workflow management – managing the increased flow of results from Community Diagnostic Centres through structured clinical coding and workflow optimisation.

• Pharmacy First integration – aligning referral protocols and patient messaging with the Pharmacy First service in the UK, ensuring safe and efficient care.

• Contractual and governance support – preparing practices for the NHS GP contract 2025/26, with HR, governance, and compliance frameworks that stand up to scrutiny.

• Workforce and risk assurance – providing HR and compliance advice for practices employing physician associates, protecting against legal and financial exposure.

• Vaccination programme planning – supporting flu and COVID-19 delivery with workflows, administration, and patient communications.

• Research and training enablement – enabling practices to engage with primary care research opportunities and supporting staff development in urgent and same-day care.

At GPS, we equip practices with the tools, governance expertise, and operational support they need to thrive. By partnering with us, providers of primary care services in the UK can remain focused on delivering safe, effective, and patient-centred care.

Tuesday Talks: Your Weekly Insight into Primary Care

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Watch the latest episode below and stay ahead in a fast-changing healthcare landscape.

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Each episode provides clear, practical guidance to help practice leaders manage staffing pressures with confidence. Whether you are tackling immediate challenges or planning long-term workforce strategies, Workforce Wednesdays offers insights tailored specifically to the primary care setting.

Watch the latest episode and gain up-to-date HR guidance designed to support your team.

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This week, discover a moving story of compassion and real-world impact — a reminder of the dedication and resilience at the heart of our sector.

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