This past week has brought a series of significant developments within UK primary care, reflecting both innovative responses to longstanding pressures and emerging challenges that will shape service delivery over the coming months. From the introduction of schemes to embed employment support into general practice, to legal disputes over ADHD service provision and new approaches to early cancer detection in pharmacies, these stories underline the evolving landscape facing GPs, practice managers and patients alike.

WorkWell pilot aims to reduce sick notes and GP workload

The government has launched the WorkWell pilot across fifteen regions in England as part of its “Plan for Change” strategy, aiming to reduce the heavy demand on GPs to issue fit notes. The scheme places employment advisers, alongside health and social support professionals, directly within primary care teams. With £1.5 million in funding secured, it is expected to help approximately 56,000 people back into work by spring 2026. This initiative not only seeks to address rising levels of long-term sickness — a major contributor to current GP workloads — but also aims to tackle wider societal issues linked to inactivity and economic productivity. It is hoped that integrating these services into general practice will streamline support for patients, while freeing up GPs to focus more on clinical care.

Resident doctors vote for potential six months of strike action

Resident doctors in England have overwhelmingly voted in favour of taking further industrial action, with 90% supporting the move on a turnout of 55%. Their demand centres on a 29% pay increase, designed to restore earnings that have fallen significantly in real terms since 2008. If the strikes proceed, they could last up to six months, posing a major risk to NHS recovery efforts, particularly in elective care and areas where primary care depends on timely hospital support. NHS leaders have expressed concern that these strikes could reverse recent improvements in waiting times, impact cancer pathways, and place additional administrative burdens on GP practices attempting to manage referrals and patient expectations.

Concerns grow over ADHD service access

Coventry & Warwickshire Integrated Care Board has announced it will pause accepting new ADHD referrals for adults over the age of 25 from 21 May 2025 onwards, in order to prioritise children’s cases and attempt to reduce a staggering backlog of over 7,500 patients. This decision has prompted ADHD UK to prepare a legal challenge on the grounds of age discrimination, arguing that it unfairly penalises adults and may breach the Equality Act. Many patients now face little option but to turn to private providers, where assessments can cost upwards of £1,500 — a cost prohibitive for many. This situation underscores wider concerns about equitable access to mental health services and the strain on already stretched community pathways.

Boots pharmacies to pilot oesophageal cancer screening

A new two-year NHS pilot, beginning in early 2026, will see Boots pharmacies across London and the East Midlands offering a simple “sponge-on-a-string” test aimed at detecting Barrett’s oesophagus — a condition that can precede oesophageal cancer. The pilot targets customers purchasing over-the-counter heartburn treatments, offering them screening in the pharmacy itself without the need for a GP referral. This approach is intended to catch early changes before they progress to cancer, supporting the NHS’s wider shift toward community-based diagnostics. For general practices, this could ease future demand by intercepting disease earlier, though it also highlights the importance of robust communication between pharmacies and GP records to ensure continuity of care.

Waiting list recovery continues but industrial action poses risks

NHS England has reported that waiting lists have now fallen to their lowest level since March 2023, helped in part by schemes such as Advice and Guidance, which allow GPs to consult directly with hospital specialists to manage patient care without unnecessary referrals. This strategy is not only reducing the strain on secondary care but also giving GPs more tools to handle complex cases within the community. However, with further strikes by doctors potentially on the horizon, many NHS leaders warn that this fragile progress could be rapidly undone. Primary care may once again find itself absorbing increased patient anxiety and follow-up work if hospital-based pathways become disrupted.

10-Year Health Plan focuses on neighbourhood care and digital records

On 3 July, the government published its new 10-Year Health Plan, setting out ambitious goals to develop neighbourhood-based integrated care teams, expand prevention initiatives and drive digital transformation. Among its commitments are a 7.2% uplift in GP contract values and the phased introduction of a national electronic patient record system developed by Medicus Health, aimed at improving information sharing across services. While many sector commentators welcome the strategic emphasis on community care and technology, the British Medical Association has criticised the plan for lacking urgent, direct measures to support general practice in coping with immediate pressures, such as recruitment, retention and escalating workload.

Research shows patients still want continuity and choice

A comprehensive review conducted by the University of Southampton, published in the British Journal of General Practice, has reaffirmed that patients place high value on being able to see a named GP, as well as on easier appointment booking, more face-to-face contact and clearer communication about their care pathways. The study found notable dissatisfaction when patients were redirected to alternative clinicians or services without proper explanation, indicating that despite technological advances and new workforce models, continuity of care and strong doctor-patient relationships remain central to patient satisfaction and trust in primary care.

How General Practice Solutions can support you during these times

At General Practice Solutions, we understand how challenging this period is for GP practices, with mounting clinical, operational and regulatory pressures. Our team provides a comprehensive range of support tailored to your needs, from professional telephony services that help streamline patient access and reduce DNAs, to expert clinical coding and summarisation to ensure accurate records and QOF optimisation. We also offer dedicated HR advisory and compliance support, helping you navigate workforce issues and maintain CQC readiness. By partnering with us, you can focus your time and expertise where it matters most — on delivering high-quality patient care — while we handle the operational complexities. If you would like to discuss how we can assist your practice during this period of transition and opportunity, click here to find out more or book an initial consultation.

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!