NHS Primary Care News: W/C 06/10

This week in NHS primary care has been marked by rising winter pressures, continued debate over national reforms, and new research on workforce and diagnostic practices. The following summary outlines the main developments shaping NHS primary care across the United Kingdom.

Rising Flu and COVID-19 Activity Ahead of Winter

Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show a sharp rise in both influenza and COVID-19 cases as colder weather begins. These increases are already adding pressure to NHS primary care teams. Influenza test positivity reached 3.3 per cent in week 40, up from 1.9 per cent the week before. GP consultations for flu-like illness also rose, signalling more community spread that will test capacity across practices.

COVID-19 admissions to hospitals and intensive care have also grown. Positivity in hospital PCR tests reached 12.9 per cent last week. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) remains stable, though hospitalisations in children under five increased slightly. NHS primary care teams must therefore prepare for further seasonal surges by strengthening triage systems, encouraging vaccination, and improving patient communication.

Vaccine uptake remains too low. Around 20 per cent of adults aged over 65 and 13.7 per cent of those aged 75 and above have received influenza and COVID-19 vaccines. NHS primary care practices should continue urging at-risk groups to book appointments. They should also review winter plans, staff schedules, and infection control measures to ensure readiness for further increases in respiratory illness.

BMA Letter and the Impact on NHS Primary Care Reforms

A leaked letter from regional British Medical Association (BMA) leaders in North East England and North Cumbria caused widespread concern this week. It appeared to suggest that GPs might send urgent cases to A&E instead of community pharmacies under the Pharmacy First scheme. NHS England condemned this, warning that it could endanger patients and overwhelm hospitals. The issue has sparked debate within NHS primary care about clinical responsibility and partnership working.

The BMA later confirmed that the letter had circulated in error and was not an official position. Even so, the situation exposed growing tension between frontline GPs and national policy reform. New access and booking requirements have created extra administrative work for many practices. For NHS primary care teams, the challenge lies in balancing clinical judgement with regulatory compliance.

Many professionals are calling for a slower, more practical approach to reform. They argue that additional funding, technology, and training are needed to meet expectations safely. Local medical committees continue pressing for realistic timelines that support practices while still improving patient access.

Cancer Referral Standards Continue to Fall Short

New data from Cancer Research UK show that cancer waiting time targets continue to be missed. This raises concern across NHS primary care about delays in diagnosis and treatment. In August 2025, only 74.6 per cent of patients received a diagnosis or exclusion of cancer within 28 days of an urgent referral, below the 75 per cent target. The 62-day standard from referral to first treatment was 69.1 per cent, while the 31-day decision-to-treat standard reached 91.6 per cent, still below the 96 per cent goal.

These results show how stretched cancer pathways remain. NHS primary care plays a critical role in early detection, so efficient referral and follow-up systems are essential. Acute Oncology Week, observed this month, highlights the need for stronger coordination between general practice and hospital services.

Practices are urged to review their internal processes for referrals and safety-netting. They should also check that patient tracking systems are accurate and up to date. Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) are currently reviewing local pathways to improve diagnostic access and reduce delays. NHS primary care must remain central to these improvements, ensuring that patients receive timely assessment and follow-up.

Research Insights for the NHS Primary Care Workforce

The Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences at the University of Oxford published new findings this week. One study revealed that PSA testing for prostate cancer occurs more often than national guidance recommends. This raises questions about over-testing and inconsistent practice across regions. Another study focused on GP retention, showing that sustainable engagement depends on supportive culture, teamwork, and manageable workloads, not just individual resilience.

These insights underline the need for organisational reform in NHS primary care. Teams that encourage collaboration and flexible working tend to perform better and retain staff longer. The focus is shifting away from expecting individuals to “cope” and toward creating systems that support wellbeing and shared accountability.

Workforce pressures remain a significant concern. High workloads, rising patient demand, and recruitment challenges continue to affect morale. NHS primary care leaders are exploring new models of care, including expanded roles for administrative staff, pharmacists, and allied health professionals, to help stabilise the workforce and sustain service quality.

How General Practice Solutions Can Help 

General Practice Solutions provides tailored operational and workforce support to help NHS primary care teams manage rising service pressures effectively. From remote telephony management and administrative processing to clinical coding, correspondence handling, and workforce coordination, our services are designed to ease demand on practice staff while maintaining high standards of patient care and information governance. By partnering with GPS, practices can improve efficiency, reduce backlog volumes, and create sustainable capacity to meet increasing clinical and administrative workloads 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.

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.