Primary Care News – Week Commencing 27/10

As October draws to a close, general practice continues to evolve rapidly under the weight of new contractual, digital, and operational demands. The 2025–26 GP Contract reforms, alongside growing workforce pressures and digital transformation requirements, are redefining how practices operate across England. Despite ongoing challenges, the sector continues to demonstrate resilience, collaboration, and innovation. This week’s Primary Care News explores the latest updates shaping the profession, providing insight into key priorities and opportunities for improvement across practices and Primary Care Networks (PCNs).

Contract and Access Reform Milestones in Primary Care News

This week’s Primary Care News highlights how the GP Contract 2025–26 continues to reshape patient access and clinical workflows. Since 1 October, practices have been required to maintain online consultation tools during core hours (8 am–6:30 pm). These systems must allow patients to request appointments, make medication queries, and raise administrative matters efficiently.

In addition, the updated regulations instruct practices to display the “You and Your General Practice” patient charter and activate GP Connect Update Record functionality. This function enables pharmacies to send coded and free-text consultation details directly to the GP record, supporting continuity of care. Practices now need to integrate these processes within existing systems, ensuring that triage and response procedures remain safe and compliant. Guidance from the British Medical Association (BMA) and Local Medical Committees continues to support practices during this transition.

Workforce, Infrastructure and Premises Pressures

Workforce and infrastructure remain ongoing challenges across the primary care landscape. According to a recent BMA survey of nearly 2,000 GPs and practice managers, around half believe that their premises are no longer suitable for modern service delivery. Over 80 percent predict that their buildings will not meet future requirements, especially as multidisciplinary teams expand through Primary Care Networks (PCNs).

Consequently, PCN and practice leaders must work proactively with Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) to explore premises funding, review estate utilisation, and invest in improved working environments. When practices modernise their infrastructure and prioritise wellbeing, they not only strengthen staff retention but also enhance patient experience.

Clinical Quality, QOF and Indicators in Primary Care News

Primary Care News also examines the latest Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) developments, which have a direct impact on practice income and patient outcomes. For 2025/26, indicators relating to cardiovascular disease (CVD) have been strengthened, offering higher point values and rewarding earlier identification of risk factors.

This change aligns with the national prevention strategy outlined in the NHS Long Term Plan, which seeks to shift focus from treatment to proactive care. To adapt effectively, practices should review recall systems, coding accuracy, and population health data to ensure all eligible patients are captured and managed. Accurate recording not only supports performance but also improves long-term health outcomes across local populations.

Digital Transformation and Patient Experience

Digital access continues to drive transformation within general practice, and this week’s Primary Care News highlights significant progress in this area. The Department of Health and Social Care has confirmed that the traditional “8 am scramble” for appointments must give way to fairer and more flexible access models.

Practices implementing online consultation platforms have already reported shorter waiting times and higher patient satisfaction levels. However, successful adoption requires more than technology alone. Practices must ensure that digital requests are triaged effectively, urgent cases are redirected appropriately, and non-digital patients receive equal access to care. In doing so, practices can deliver inclusive and responsive services that meet modern expectations while maintaining safety and equity.

Operational and Governance Considerations for Practices

This section of Primary Care News focuses on the operational and governance responsibilities that underpin safe service delivery. Under both GDPR and the Data Protection Act, GP practices remain the legal data controllers for information received via the GP Connect Update Record, including submissions from pharmacies.

Therefore, teams must handle, review, and file these records with care. Clear accountability and robust data-handling processes protect both patient confidentiality and organisational compliance. At the same time, the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) continues to expand the range of professionals within primary care. Practices should provide comprehensive induction, supervision, and ongoing development for all new team members to maintain quality and consistency. By embedding governance within daily operations, practices create sustainable frameworks that support both compliance and high-quality care.

Focus on Continuity, Complexity and Risk Stratification in Primary Care News

A recurring theme in Primary Care News is the evolving definition of “access.” Increasingly, success is being measured not by speed alone but by how effectively practices deliver continuity of care for patients with complex needs.

The Capacity and Access Improvement Payment encourages PCNs to use population health intelligence to identify patients who benefit most from consistent clinician contact. Practices should therefore review their patient lists, continuity arrangements, and care planning strategies to ensure that vulnerable and high-risk groups receive ongoing, proactive support.

This shift towards continuity-based access helps reduce hospital admissions, improves patient satisfaction, and reinforces the relationship between patients and their GP teams.

Looking Ahead to Winter and Beyond

This week’s Primary Care News also looks ahead to the approaching winter period. NHS England has emphasised the importance of strong leadership, financial stability, and collaboration between Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) to maintain operational resilience.

Practices should review winter contingency plans, ensure adequate staff capacity, and use flexible working arrangements to maintain continuity during peak demand. Supporting staff wellbeing will be critical, as high workload and seasonal pressures continue to affect morale and retention. Practices that plan early, communicate effectively, and work closely with PCNs can sustain service quality even during the busiest months of the year.

How General Practice Solutions Can Help

General Practice Solutions (GPS) continues to play a vital role in supporting the priorities outlined in this week’s Primary Care News. We offer flexible, contract-free services that enable practices to respond quickly to operational, digital, and compliance challenges.

Our administrative and clinical support teams work directly with practices to optimise workflow processes, improve data accuracy, and manage digital consultation systems in line with the latest GP Contract requirements. In addition, GPS provides governance frameworks that strengthen compliance with the Data Protection Act and GDPR while enhancing efficiency across operational systems.

Our HR and workforce solutions help practices recruit, onboard, and support staff effectively, ensuring high performance and consistent patient care. We also deliver CQC readiness assessments, internal audits, and bespoke training sessions designed to promote quality improvement and operational excellence.

By partnering with GPS, practices gain access to a scalable resource that reduces administrative burdens and supports strategic development. We help practices focus on what matters most: safe, effective, and sustainable patient care. As the NHS continues to evolve, GPS remains committed to helping primary care organisations meet new standards, embrace innovation, and deliver outstanding service to their communities.

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.