UK Primary Care: Weekly Update w/c 15 September 2025

As autumn arrives, UK primary care faces both long-standing pressures and new developments. This week’s NHS primary care news highlights GP workforce shortages, vaccination reminders for students, rural access challenges, contract funding changes, and new investment in community-based services.

One in Three Licensed GPs Not Working in NHS General Practice

NHS primary care news has focused on a BMJ-backed study showing that 34% of GPs licensed by the General Medical Council are not working in NHS general practice. In 2015, the figure was 27%. The shortfall is even more pronounced when measured in full-time equivalent roles.

The analysis shows that younger GPs, women, and UK-trained doctors are more likely to step away from NHS practice. This is particularly evident in London and the South East. Key reasons include burnout, growing administrative demands, and the attraction of alternative roles in private practice or portfolio careers.

The Royal College of General Practitioners has warned that this shift threatens patient access, continuity of care, and appointment availability. The College continues to call for investment in retention and support measures to keep GPs in practice.

Prevention and Public Health: Supporting Students

NHS England and the UK Health Security Agency have reminded new university students to register with a GP and download the NHS App. This ensures they can access prescriptions, medical records, and vaccination information quickly and easily.

Every September, thousands of young people move away from home for the first time. Many are unfamiliar with GP registration and risk delays in accessing routine healthcare. The campaign also urges students to check their immunisation status, with a particular focus on MMR, MenACWY, and HPV.

For practices in university towns, this is an opportunity to simplify online registration, improve digital signposting, and highlight the benefits of the NHS App for preventive care.

Rural Health and Inequality

NHS primary care news continues to highlight the challenges faced in rural communities. The Rural Health and Care Alliance reports that only 81% of rural residents can reach a GP within 30 minutes. Ambulance response times in rural areas are on average 67% longer than in urban settings, and access to NHS dentistry is also weaker.

Between 2013 and 2024, the number of GP surgeries in rural England fell by 15.5%. Patients now travel further for appointments, while practices face difficulties with recruitment and retention. Continuity of care is harder to maintain, and ageing rural populations face higher risks of poor outcomes.

The Alliance warns that unless these issues are addressed, rural health inequalities will continue to widen.

Millions to Benefit from Health Services Closer to Home

The Government has announced £10 million in funding to create 43 community sites offering more health services outside hospitals. Sunderland is one of the first areas to benefit.

These new hubs will deliver non-urgent and routine care, including follow-ups, wound checks, and some diagnostic services. By shifting this activity into primary and community settings, the programme aims to reduce unnecessary referrals, ease pressure on GP practices, and lower demand on A&E.

If the model proves successful, the Department of Health plans to expand it across England in 2026. This shift is designed to bring “healthcare on your doorstep” and make services more convenient and sustainable.

Policy and Parliamentary Business

Parliamentary debate this week has focused on GP contracts. The House of Lords discussed whether current terms are sustainable and whether they fairly reflect the workload carried by general practice.

At the same time, the Health Secretary issued a Written Statement on the Independent National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation. This new body has been tasked with investigating safety concerns, ensuring openness with families, and recommending urgent improvements. Its findings are expected to shape how primary care interacts with maternity and perinatal services in the future.

NHS Primary Care News: Digital Tools and Patient Access

The NHS App continues to play a central role in improving access and reducing administrative work for practices. It allows patients to book appointments, order repeat prescriptions, view health records, and receive reminders about vaccinations.

NHS primary care news shows uptake is increasing, but digital exclusion remains a barrier. Older patients, those without smartphones, or people with limited internet access may struggle to benefit. Practices can address this by offering help, encouraging use, and ensuring digital pathways sit alongside traditional face-to-face options.

Contract Funding Uplifts and Financial Pressures

The 2025/26 GP contract includes an uplift of £889 million to core practice funding. The global sum per patient has risen, with further support available for Directed Enhanced Services and reimbursement schemes.

However, many practices warn that rising costs will absorb most of the increase. Inflation, higher staffing expenses, and premises overheads remain significant challenges. Professional bodies argue that the uplift is insufficient to stabilise practices already under strain, and that long-term funding reform is still required.

Out-of-Area Patient Registration Changes

New regulations now require GP practices to seek approval from NHS England or their Integrated Care Board before registering patients who live outside the practice boundary in certain circumstances.

This change is designed to give commissioners more oversight of local demand and ensure services remain safe. It balances patient choice with workload management and recognises the strain on practices that have previously accepted large numbers of out-of-area registrations.

How General Practice Solutions Can Help

General Practice Solutions understands the challenges highlighted in this week’s NHS primary care news. From workforce shortages and increasing patient demand to digital transformation and contract changes, practices need reliable and adaptable support. GPS provides tailored services including clinical coding, workflow optimisation, telephony management, policy development, and staff training. By working with us, practices and Primary Care Networks can reduce administrative pressure, strengthen patient access, and remain fully compliant with national requirements. This allows clinical teams to concentrate on what matters most: delivering safe, high-quality patient care.

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.