Primary Care Update for September – Week Commencing 8 September 2025

This week’s Primary Care Update for September shows the growing pressure on general practice, alongside some positive initiatives. Practice closures, contract funding, workforce shortages and public demand for easier access remain headline issues. At the same time, regional schemes and prevention campaigns highlight how innovation and patient engagement can reduce demand on the NHS.

GP Practice Closures Continue

The Royal College of GPs reports that more than 1,000 practices have closed since 2018. In that time, almost five million extra patients registered with GP services. This combination has left many practices with longer lists, fewer staff and increased pressure. Smaller practices remain most vulnerable, with partners often reporting financial strain, staff shortages and the impact of burnout. In some areas, closures have forced patients to travel much further for routine care. Others have had to move to unfamiliar practices, losing the continuity that builds trust and supports safe long-term care. This Primary Care Update for September highlights the scale of the problem and the need for investment and retention strategies that protect existing practices.

Public Demand for Easier Access

Polling from the Health Foundation and Ipsos shows that patients want faster access to GP appointments more than any other NHS improvement. The message is clear: people are frustrated with long waits, congested phone lines and confusing booking systems. GP leaders have warned, however, that access must not come at the cost of safe and continuous care. Practices are acting by strengthening digital booking options, improving telephone systems and refining triage processes. These changes aim to shorten waits while still protecting continuity and patient safety. This Primary Care Update for September shows that access is not just about speed, but about delivering care that patients can trust.

Funding Changes in the 2025/26 GP Contract

The 2025/26 GP contract brings an additional £889 million to the core contract and Network DES. That figure represents a 7.2% uplift. For many practices, the reality will be less positive. Rising costs for premises, inflation, higher National Insurance Contributions and growing patient lists will absorb much of the increase. Some practices worry that the uplift does not reflect the true scale of financial strain they face. Many partners are reviewing budgets closely and delaying investment until they see the real impact. This Primary Care Update for September shows why careful planning is vital as winter approaches.

Advice and Guidance Reducing Waiting Lists

The Advice and Guidance scheme in the North West continues to demonstrate real benefits. It allows GPs to contact consultants directly, avoiding unnecessary referrals. Since launch, more than 100,000 patients have been managed safely in primary care without being added to waiting lists. Patients often receive faster reassurance and more timely treatment, while hospitals face reduced demand. With 99% of GPs in the region signed up, the scheme is now regarded as a model of good practice. This Primary Care Update for September shows how collaboration between sectors can improve both patient experience and system efficiency.

Know Your Numbers Week: Blood Pressure Awareness

From 8 to 14 September, “Know Your Numbers Week” encouraged adults over 40 to have their blood pressure checked. Hypertension is often symptomless but can cause strokes, heart attacks and kidney disease. Around 5.5 million people in the UK are believed to have undiagnosed high blood pressure. NHS leaders stressed that early detection is vital, as lifestyle changes and medication can prevent serious illness. Primary care plays a central role by carrying out opportunistic checks, running recall programmes and linking with local pharmacies. This Primary Care Update for September highlights the importance of prevention and early action in reducing long-term health risks.

Workforce Pressures Mounting

Figures show a small increase in the number of fully qualified GPs this year. Despite this, the total remains lower than ten years ago. The number of GP partners continues to fall, creating concern about leadership and long-term sustainability. The NHS Long Term Workforce Plan warns that by 2036, the UK could face a shortfall of 15,000 GPs if current trends continue. Many practices already rely heavily on locums, physician associates and allied health professionals. While these roles provide essential support, they also bring new supervision and training demands. This Primary Care Update for September shows that recruitment, retention and flexible working will remain key challenges for the future of general practice.

BMA Leaders Push for Change

The BMA has set out six demands for government, including higher funding, fairer contract terms and stronger support for premises. Leaders have warned that without action, GPs could consider industrial action this winter. Negotiations are under way, but many practices are already planning for possible disruption. Some are exploring how to maintain services if staffing levels fall further. This Primary Care Update for September shows that industrial relations remain tense and that policy changes will be critical in shaping the coming months.

Research into Multimorbidity

A new study published in BMC Primary Care tested “Health and Life in Balance,” a pilot for older adults with multiple long-term conditions. The programme provided structured self-management support, encouraging patients to take more control of their care. Results showed better quality of life and fewer GP appointments. As more people live with several long-term conditions, approaches like this will become essential. They combine medical treatment with psychological and community-based support, reducing pressure on general practice. This Primary Care Update for September highlights how research-led programmes can inform the future of integrated care.

How General Practice Solutions Can Help

This Primary Care Update for September shows that practices face rising demand, financial strain and workforce shortages, while also being asked to improve access and prevention. General Practice Solutions offers tailored support to help manage these pressures. Our telephony and triage services strengthen patient access and meet NHS and CQC standards. We support referral management by helping practices introduce models similar to Advice and Guidance, reducing unnecessary hospital referrals. Our teams run preventive recall programmes, such as blood pressure checks, and provide coding and correspondence support that frees up clinical time. We also help practices plan budgets, interpret contract changes and design workforce strategies that retain staff and protect sustainability.

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.