Weekly Summary for Week Commencing 17th November 2025

This week’s NHS primary care news update outlines the key developments affecting general practice across the United Kingdom. Winter pressures are beginning to build, and the national picture is shifting across several domains. These include workforce capacity, respiratory illness trends, prescribing guidance and patient access expectations. Practices and PCNs may find it helpful to reflect on these changes when shaping their local plans. Clear communication and strong operational arrangements remain essential during this period.

National data for week 46, covering the period ending 16 November, shows a steady rise in influenza activity and has become a central point of NHS primary care news this week. GP swabbing positivity has reached 25 per cent, which suggests flu is spreading more widely in the community. Laboratory-confirmed cases have also increased. Although overall levels are still below the winter peak, the early trajectory indicates that demand may escalate sooner than usual.

COVID-19 levels continue to fall, with fewer hospital admissions and very low ICU activity. This trend is consistent across most age groups. RSV activity remains low but is rising in younger children. This may increase pressure on paediatric services and, indirectly, on primary care. The co-circulation of several respiratory viruses adds complexity to triage and clinical decision making, a theme repeatedly highlighted in NHS primary care news and clinical bulletins. Practices may wish to review their respiratory protocols and ensure teams are aligned on assessment thresholds and escalation routes.

Workforce and service developments

NHS Digital has released the latest Primary Care Workforce Quarterly Update, which features prominently in current NHS primary care news due to its relevance to upcoming winter pressures. The report reflects the position as of 30 September 2025 and provides detail on staffing levels across general practice and PCN roles. Many areas continue to rely on part-time working patterns. There is also ongoing growth in ARRS roles, which now form a significant part of local workforce models. Practices may find it helpful to compare their staffing levels with regional and national trends. Early planning for winter leave, sickness cover and appointment availability will support resilience as demand increases.

The data also highlights continued pressure on continuity of care. Fluctuating workforce availability can affect how teams structure triage and appointment capacity. Reviewing local patterns of demand and supply can help practices avoid operational strain later in the winter period. This issue has appeared frequently within national NHS primary care news commentary.

Analysis of upcoming telephony data publication

From 27 November 2025, cloud-based telephony data will be published at practice level. This development has been widely discussed in NHS primary care news due to its significance for access improvement. The release will include call volumes, waiting times and unanswered-call rates. Many practices have already started internal reviews, but public reporting may require further preparation. Practices may wish to check their call-routing logic, demand peaks and staffing levels. Clear evidence of improvement work may also be useful when communicating with patients.

This change forms part of the national access recovery programme, which aims to improve transparency and support better patient experiences. Practices should consider informing patients if telephony systems are undergoing development or optimisation. This can help manage expectations during the transition.

Updated prescribing guidance for frailty

A new prescribing guidance document has been issued for older adults living with frailty. The release has generated notable attention within NHS primary care news due to the increasing prevalence of multimorbidity in an ageing population. The guidance has been developed by the British Geriatrics Society, the Royal College of General Practitioners and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. It focuses on personalised prescribing, medicine burden, drug interactions and age-related risks. It also encourages regular and structured medication reviews.

Implementing this guidance may require changes to review schedules, particularly for housebound patients or those with cognitive impairment. Collaboration with pharmacy teams may support consistent and safe prescribing. Early winter adoption of these recommendations could help prevent avoidable admissions and improve overall patient outcomes.

Industrial action and patient access

NHS England continues to reassure patients that primary care remains open during industrial action in secondary care. This development continues to appear in NHS primary care news due to its ongoing impact on patient flow across the system. Although strikes do not involve general practice, the indirect impact is significant. Delayed outpatient appointments, cancelled procedures and increased pressure on emergency services often drive patients back to their GP. Practices may wish to strengthen their triage processes to ensure that enquiries linked to delayed hospital care are managed safely and consistently.

Updating communication materials may also help. Clear information on when to use general practice, urgent care or emergency services can reduce confusion and lower unnecessary escalation. High-quality patient messaging remains a key component of winter resilience.

Antimicrobial resistance awareness

World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week runs from 18 to 24 November. It provides an opportunity for practices to review their antibiotic stewardship, a topic regularly highlighted in NHS primary care news due to the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance. Increasing respiratory illness often leads to higher demand for antibiotics, even when these are not clinically indicated. Practices may wish to refresh safety-netting scripts and patient information. Good communication helps patients understand expected symptom duration, when antibiotics are not required and when they should seek further care.

How General Practice Solutions can help

General Practice Solutions supports practices facing winter pressures, workforce gaps and increasing administrative demand. Our services are designed to strengthen operational resilience and ensure compliance with best practice standards featured within national NHS primary care news. We provide document workflow support, clinical coding, summarising and backlog reduction, delivered by associates with a minimum of two years’ primary care experience. This ensures safe, accurate and timely handling of essential administrative processes.

We also offer ongoing workflow support for practices needing sustained assistance. This helps maintain service continuity during busy periods and reduces the risk of delays in patient care. Our telephony support service can also improve call-handling capacity, allowing practices to prepare effectively for the upcoming national telephony data publication. By assessing call patterns and aligning staffing with peak demand, we support the improvement of patient access and responsiveness.

Whether a practice requires short-term backlog clearance or long-term operational assistance, General Practice Solutions provides a reliable and structured service tailored to local need. We remain available to discuss how we can support your practice throughout the winter period and beyond.

Tuesday Talks: Your Weekly Insight into Primary Care

Stay up to date with the latest developments in primary care with Tuesday Talks — our weekly series for healthcare professionals. Each episode highlights current industry news, NHS policy changes, and what these mean for general practice.

We also showcase how General Practice Solutions (GPS) is supporting practices with innovative services designed to meet today’s challenges. Whether you need expert commentary or practical guidance, Tuesday Talks provides timely, relevant content to keep you informed and prepared.

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

Workforce Wednesdays: Practical HR Insights for Primary Care

Workforce challenges continue to shape the daily reality of primary care, and therefore Workforce Wednesdays provides a weekly series that explores the HR issues that matter most to NHS practices — from absence management and contractual changes through to employment law updates and staff wellbeing.

In each episode, you will not only find clear, practical guidance but also step-by-step support to help practice leaders manage staffing pressures with confidence. The content addresses both immediate concerns, such as day-to-day rota gaps, and longer-term workforce strategies, while also offering insights tailored specifically to the primary care setting.

Finally, by watching the latest episode, you can access up-to-date HR guidance that is designed to strengthen and support your team, and at the same time build a more resilient workforce for the future.

Welcome to Thoughtful Thursday, our weekly series celebrating the uplifting and inspiring moments from across primary care. In addition, each episode highlights stories of innovation, kindness, and community spirit that together showcase the very best of general practice.

This week, you will discover a moving story of compassion and real-world impact; moreover, it serves as a reminder of the dedication and resilience at the heart of our sector.

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