Latest General Practice News – Week Commencing 20 October 2025

The latest general practice news this week highlights both ongoing challenges and opportunities within the NHS primary care landscape. Workforce pressures, leadership diversity, and increasing investment in research continue to shape the direction of modern general practice. For organisations such as General Practice Solutions, these developments provide important context for supporting primary care teams and ensuring the sustainability of essential community services.

Workforce Pressures Continue Across Primary Care Networks

According to the latest general practice news from NHS England, the number of physician associates working within Primary Care Networks (PCNs) has fallen again. September data from the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) shows a decrease of eighteen full-time equivalents compared with August, extending the downward trend that began in 2024.

This ongoing reduction adds to the strain on practices already facing recruitment and retention difficulties. Physician associates were introduced to improve access and relieve pressure on GPs. A sustained fall in numbers risks limiting multidisciplinary care and increasing demand on other roles. Practices may need to strengthen recruitment campaigns, offer flexible retention packages, and review workforce models to maintain service levels. Exploring alternative ARRS-funded roles, such as clinical pharmacists or first-contact physiotherapists, may also help offset the shortfall.

Collaborative Policy Efforts Highlighted in Westminster

The latest general practice news also includes a joint parliamentary briefing led by Community Pharmacy England in collaboration with other primary care bodies. The session allowed Members of Parliament to hear directly from frontline professionals about the challenges facing primary care and to explore opportunities for better integration across NHS services.

This event underlines the value of collaboration in shaping future health policy. When primary care professionals present a united voice, they can influence national strategy and drive reforms that strengthen patient care. For GP leaders, participation in such forums ensures their local priorities are recognised and that practice-based experience informs wider NHS planning.

Reassessing the Role and Empowerment of General Practice

Recent commentary within the latest general practice news questions whether GP practices have the autonomy and resources needed to fulfil their core role within community health. Many professionals feel that general practice is treated as a transactional provider rather than a strategic partner in system-wide planning.

As Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) continue to evolve, GP practices are increasingly expected to deliver preventive interventions, manage chronic diseases, and lead on population health management. To succeed, general practice must have the independence and influence to shape local healthcare delivery, not simply implement external directives. Empowering practices to lead innovation is essential to building a stronger, more responsive NHS.

Representation and Leadership During Black History Month

The latest general practice news from NHS London celebrates Black History Month, with the Medical Director for Primary Care reflecting on the importance of representation in leadership. He emphasised that lived experience informs better decision-making and promotes equity within healthcare. His message highlights that inclusion is not symbolic but a fundamental driver of fair, effective service delivery.

Primary care organisations are encouraged to examine how they support diversity and equality in leadership. When management teams reflect the communities they serve, they foster trust, innovation, and improved patient engagement. Embedding inclusive recruitment, training, and promotion processes should therefore remain a central part of organisational development.

Investment in Research and Innovation Across General Practice

Another key feature in the latest general practice news is the £14 million investment announced by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) to create fourteen new primary-care-led commercial research delivery centres across England. This major funding boost marks a significant step towards embedding research as a routine component of clinical care.

Participation in research allows practices to enhance patient access to new treatments, improve outcomes, and generate additional revenue. However, effective involvement requires sound governance, strong data protection, and adequate capacity. For PCNs, these new centres present an opportunity to promote a culture of evidence-based improvement, positioning general practice at the heart of NHS innovation.

Challenges in Delivering Preventive Care Through PrEP

This week’s latest general practice news also explores ongoing challenges in offering HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) through GP services. Despite evidence showing its success in reducing transmission rates, PrEP delivery in general practice remains limited. Many clinicians report uncertainty over prescribing responsibilities and difficulties with local commissioning frameworks.

To make preventive health integral to primary care, practices require practical guidance, comprehensive training, and strong local coordination. Commissioners could support this by launching pilot schemes or shared-care pathways that embed PrEP provision within existing sexual health services. Empowering GPs and nurses with the right skills will strengthen public health outcomes across communities.

National Industrial Action and System Pressures

The latest general practice news confirms that resident doctors will strike from 14 to 19 November following unsuccessful negotiations between the British Medical Association and the government. Although the dispute primarily affects hospitals, the consequences will inevitably reach general practice. Increased community workload, early hospital discharges, and higher patient demand are all likely outcomes.

Practices and PCNs should prepare for temporary surges in activity during this period. Reviewing staffing plans, maintaining open communication with local hospitals, and ensuring clear patient messaging will be essential to manage capacity safely. This episode once again illustrates how interdependent the wider healthcare system remains and why resilient planning in primary care is critical.

General Practice Solutions Perspective

The latest general practice news this week reinforces the resilience and adaptability of the sector, even under pressure. Workforce challenges, leadership expectations, and system reform continue to reshape how GP practices operate. At General Practice Solutions, we remain committed to supporting practices through these transitions with expertise, practical guidance, and strategic insight.

We work with practices and networks to strengthen workforce stability, streamline workflow processes, and enhance data accuracy across EMIS and SystmOne. Our consultants support leadership teams in embedding inclusion and equality at every level of decision-making. We also help practices prepare for involvement in research projects and preventive health initiatives by providing governance frameworks, training, and compliance support.

By combining operational knowledge with a strategic understanding of NHS priorities, General Practice Solutions ensures that practices remain compliant, efficient, and ready to evolve. As the latest general practice news shows, the future of primary care will rely on collaboration, innovation, and robust operational planning—principles that sit at the heart of everything we deliver.

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.

Thoughtful Thursday: Celebrating Primary Care Positivity

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.