As we move into May, the primary care landscape across the United Kingdom continues to experience rapid policy shifts, service reforms, and structural pressures. These UK primary care updates reflect both emerging challenges and areas of progress across the sector. Here’s a detailed look at this week’s most significant developments.

Prescription Charges Frozen Amidst Cost of Living Concerns

In a welcome move for many patients, NHS prescription charges in England will remain frozen at £9.90 per item—marking the first freeze in three years. The decision, announced by the government as part of wider measures to address the cost of living crisis, will also maintain the current rates for prepayment certificates. This development comes alongside a record £617 million investment in community pharmacy services, forming part of the government’s ongoing “Plan for Change” strategy to reorient more care delivery towards local and community-based settings.

GP Workforce Bottlenecks Intensify

While the number of qualified doctors continues to rise, a lack of funded GP posts is leaving many newly trained GPs either unemployed or seeking work abroad. A 44% reduction in advertised GP positions in 2024 has exacerbated the crisis. Compounding matters further, thousands of aspiring GPs are being turned away from training pathways due to capacity constraints. Professional bodies such as the Royal College of General Practitioners and the BMA have highlighted that the issue lies not with recruitment but with government funding, urging swift intervention to prevent long-term workforce instability.

Face-to-Face Consultations Remain a Priority for Patients

A new report from the Institute for Government has underscored the enduring importance of in-person consultations. According to the findings, patient satisfaction is closely linked to the ability to see a GP face-to-face—especially one they know. This stands in contrast to recent efforts to increase reliance on remote or same-day appointments, which have not necessarily improved public confidence in general practice. The report calls for a more balanced approach, recognising the fundamental value of continuity and direct interaction in patient care.

Public Sector Pay Disputes Loom

Negotiations between the government and public sector unions over pay continue to escalate. Independent review bodies have recommended pay rises of up to 4% for NHS and teaching staff, significantly above the 2.8% affordability ceiling imposed by the Treasury. With ministers insisting that any increases must be funded through departmental efficiencies, unions are warning of potential strike action unless pay settlements adequately reflect inflation and living costs. The outcome will have serious implications for NHS workforce morale and retention.

Major Changes to the Childhood Vaccination Schedule

From July 2025, the UK Health Security Agency will implement important updates to the routine childhood immunisation schedule. Among the most notable changes is the introduction of a new vaccination appointment at 18 months of age. To support the rollout, a national webinar is scheduled for 11 June 2025, targeting commissioners, immunisation leads, practice nurses, and other stakeholders involved in delivery. These adjustments are designed to streamline and improve protection during early childhood.

Early Success for RSV Vaccination Programme

Preliminary analysis of the RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) vaccination programme has shown encouraging results, particularly among older adults. Hospital admissions among vaccinated individuals aged 75 to 79 have dropped by nearly 30% compared to expected rates without vaccination. The scheme, which also includes maternal vaccination for protection in infants, appears to be delivering on its promise, despite modest uptake figures. These findings represent one of the more positive, showcasing how targeted preventative strategies can ease pressure on secondary care services.

Election Season Raises Health Policy Questions

As local, mayoral, and parliamentary by-elections took place across England this week, health policy featured prominently in political discourse. In parallel, new research has suggested that Brexit has contributed to increased hospital mortality rates, owing in part to the departure of experienced EU nurses. The study, which links staff skill mix and patient outcomes, reinforces the ongoing concern around NHS workforce planning and international recruitment.

Online GP Booking to Replace the 8am Rush

In an effort to modernise access to general practice, Health Secretary Wes Streeting has unveiled plans to allow patients to book GP appointments online at any time of day, from October 2025. The new system aims to end the notorious 8am phone queues. Alongside this reform, GP performance targets will be cut from 77 to 44, and practices will be incentivised to offer greater continuity of care with named GPs. The initiative is backed by a £900 million funding package and forms part of wider contractual reforms agreed with the BMA.

These UK primary care updates illustrate the wide-ranging pressures and reforms currently shaping service delivery and access to care. From digital innovation to workforce planning, practices must continue to adapt swiftly in a complex and evolving landscape.

How General Practice Solutions Can Support Primary Care During These Pressures

As the sector responds to this latest set of UK primary care updates, General Practice Solutions (GPS) remains committed to offering practical, strategic support. Our services are tailored to address the very challenges highlighted this week—from staffing shortfalls to digital access reform.

We assist practices in managing workforce gaps with qualified clinical and administrative professionals, improving patient access through enhanced telephony, and preparing for changes such as the revised vaccination schedule. Our policy and operational support services are designed to help practices adapt efficiently while maintaining continuity of care and compliance.

Click here to find out how GPS can support your organisation today.

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!