Primary Care Weekly Update – Week Commencing 13 October 2025 

This Primary Care Weekly Update covers key NHS and general practice developments across the United Kingdom. The week saw rising winter pressures, policy reform on equality, continued progress on digital access, and growing attention to health inequalities. NHS England and the devolved governments remain focused on resilience, patient access, and prevention. For practices, this period highlights the need to maintain operational readiness while adapting to rapid system changes.

Winter Pressures and Vaccination Uptake

Flu activity has started earlier than expected this season. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported a noticeable increase in both GP consultations and hospital admissions. NHS England urged practices to sustain a strong pace of vaccination, focusing on vulnerable groups such as children, older people, pregnant women, and those with long-term illnesses.

By 9 October, more than 4.3 million people had received the flu vaccine—nearly one million more than last year. This rise reflects well-coordinated work between GP practices, pharmacies, and local vaccination centres. Practices are encouraged to continue proactive communication with patients, offer weekend clinics, and manage vaccine supplies carefully to avoid shortages.

Combining flu and COVID-19 boosters remains an efficient way to increase uptake. Regular monitoring of appointment demand, stock levels, and patient feedback will help maintain smooth delivery through November and December. Early vaccination reduces the risk of hospital pressure later in winter and supports wider public health protection.

Equality and Professionalism: Antisemitism Review

The Prime Minister commissioned an independent review into antisemitism across the NHS, led by the government’s adviser on antisemitism. The review will examine how cases are reported, managed, and resolved, ensuring that both staff and patients are properly protected.

For general practice, this is an opportunity to reinforce equality and fairness at a local level. Practices should review existing dignity-at-work and whistleblowing policies and ensure that procedures are clear and accessible to all staff. Managers may also consider running short refresher sessions on equality legislation, inclusive language, and cultural awareness.

Creating a safe environment depends on consistent communication and visible leadership. Encouraging open dialogue about discrimination and supporting staff who raise concerns can improve morale and strengthen patient confidence. Practices that invest in education and accountability will be better prepared for the review’s recommendations once they are published.

Digital Access: Online Contact Surpasses Telephone Calls

For the first time, more patients contacted their GP practice online than by telephone. This shift confirms that digital access is now a mainstream feature of general practice. Many patients prefer online contact for convenience, transparency, and speed. However, digital systems need to remain safe, inclusive, and efficient.

Practices should ensure online consultation forms are easy to use and available on multiple devices. Content should meet accessibility standards, with clear instructions and translation support where needed. Staff must triage requests promptly and follow up with appropriate clinical or administrative action. Monitoring response times and patient satisfaction will help identify gaps early.

Digital access can reduce pressure on phone lines and waiting rooms. Yet, it also increases expectations for same-day replies. Balancing digital efficiency with personalised communication remains essential for patient trust and satisfaction.

Records and Data Visibility: Ongoing Rollout

NHS England confirmed that automatic online access to GP records will continue despite calls for a pause. The policy aims to improve patient engagement and reduce administrative duplication. However, it requires strong governance to ensure safety.

Each practice should maintain written protocols for redaction and data review. Staff responsible for managing patient records must understand how to identify sensitive or third-party information. Regular audits and documented risk assessments will demonstrate compliance with NHS England guidance and data protection legislation.

Communication is vital. Patients should be informed about what they can access, why certain data may be hidden, and how to request clarification. Explaining these details clearly helps avoid confusion and reduces complaints. Maintaining transparency builds patient confidence in digital record systems.

Prevention and Innovation: Long-Acting Injectable PrEP

NHS England launched a long-acting injectable form of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention. The treatment is aimed at around 1,000 people who cannot tolerate oral medication. The injection, administered every two months, represents a major step toward eliminating new HIV transmissions by 2030.

For general practice teams, this change highlights the expanding role of primary care in prevention. Practices should review referral guidance once released and engage with local sexual health clinics to support eligible patients. Providing accurate information about PrEP, its benefits, and access routes can reduce stigma and improve uptake.

Preventive programmes like this demonstrate the importance of early intervention. By promoting awareness and supporting community-level communication, general practice can play a decisive role in achieving national public health goals.

Scotland: Plans for GP Walk-In Centres

The Scottish Government announced a national plan to open GP-led walk-in centres to deliver one million extra appointments each year. The initiative is designed to improve same-day access and reduce hospital pressure. Ministers argue that the approach will shorten waiting times and offer patients more flexible appointment options.

Professional bodies, however, expressed concern that the model could undermine continuity of care and strain GP capacity. The Royal College of General Practitioners (Scotland) warned that creating parallel systems may increase fragmentation and reduce patient follow-up consistency.

Practices near the English-Scottish border, or those employing Scottish-based clinicians, should monitor these changes closely. Any shift in local workforce distribution or patient flow could affect scheduling, recruitment, and service planning. Reviewing staff availability early will help manage demand once pilot centres begin operation.

Workforce and Leadership

The Department of Health and Social Care confirmed leadership changes in its primary care policy team. The departure of the adviser for neighbourhood and primary care integration may alter priorities within the next policy cycle. New leadership could focus on workforce retention, digital capability, and estate modernisation.

Practices should stay informed through NHS England and Integrated Care Board (ICB) updates. Anticipating these changes early will support strategic planning, particularly around recruitment, partnership models, and future service delivery. Active engagement with PCNs and local networks can also help align local strategies with upcoming national frameworks.

Health Inequalities and Funding Reform

The Department of Health and Social Care reaffirmed plans to revise GP funding formulas to address regional inequalities. The reform will likely target practices in deprived areas with greater financial support. The goal is to improve access, patient outcomes, and staffing stability where pressures are highest.

Practices should start by reviewing population data, QOF performance, and access indicators. Analysing these metrics will help identify where additional funding could be used most effectively. PCNs should work collectively to prepare joint responses once the consultation opens. Data-driven planning will strengthen applications and ensure that future funding decisions reflect local needs.

Northern Ireland: Waiting Times Improve

The Northern Ireland Department of Health reported progress in reducing outpatient waiting times. The longest waits have shortened under the Reset Plan, supported by new referral systems and better coordination between sectors.

Primary care teams can build on this progress by improving referral accuracy, tracking follow-up times, and maintaining communication with secondary care colleagues. Efficient management of shared pathways ensures patients receive timely treatment and reduces unnecessary hospital demand.

How General Practice Solutions Can Help

General Practice Solutions (GPS) supports practices and Primary Care Networks in managing the challenges described in this Primary Care Weekly Update. Our team of NHS-trained administrators, workflow experts, and clinical coders provides practical, compliant support that strengthens efficiency and continuity.

We help practices manage document flow, summarise medical records, and maintain accurate data entry. Our coding specialists ensure records are complete, consistent, and aligned with regulatory requirements. GPS also assists practices with digital system setup, safe record access, and redaction workflows that meet NHS England standards.

Beyond operational support, our consultancy team helps practices review governance structures, workforce planning, and risk management frameworks. Whether addressing backlogs, improving data quality, or preparing for CQC inspection, GPS provides flexible solutions tailored to local needs.

By combining hands-on assistance with strategic insight, GPS enables practices to operate confidently in an evolving primary care landscape. Our aim is to help every practice remain compliant, efficient, and focused on 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.