Staying informed is essential in today’s fast-moving healthcare landscape. In this edition of our weekly briefing, we bring you the latest UK primary care news (w/c 21 July 2025), covering major developments impacting general practice, NHS services, and community health delivery. From contract updates and workforce concerns to strategic reforms and local success stories, we’ve summarised the key headlines to help busy practices stay ahead of the curve.

Resident Doctors Begin Five-Day Strike Across England

Tens of thousands of resident doctors—formerly known as junior doctors—commenced strike action on Friday 25 July, continuing until 07:00 on Wednesday 30 July. The British Medical Association (BMA) is demanding a 29% pay uplift, citing over two decades of real-terms pay erosion. NHS England has urged hospitals to maintain routine care where possible, though widespread disruption is expected. While emergency services are unaffected, many non-urgent appointments are being rescheduled. Public support appears to be waning, and political pressure is mounting on both sides to resolve the impasse.

Government’s Neighbourhood Health Plan Faces RCGP Pushback

The Government’s new 10-Year Health Plan proposes expanding community-based “neighbourhood health centres”, aiming to shift diagnostic, rehab and mental health services out of hospitals. However, the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) has raised concerns over plans to allow NHS trusts to directly run GP services, warning that such models may marginalise GP leadership. The RCGP insists that general practice must remain a core, independent pillar of local care systems. This is a key talking point in UK primary care news w/c 21 July 2025, with significant implications for service structure and professional autonomy.

2025/26 GP Contract Finalised with Focus on Access

NHS England has confirmed a 7.2% uplift in GP contract funding for 2025/26, totalling approximately £889 million in additional support. The focus remains on improving patient access, expanding digital telephony systems, and incentivising same-day appointments. The updated Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) places greater emphasis on cardiovascular disease prevention and vaccine uptake. Recent NHS data shows improved patient experience, with over 70% now finding it easier to contact their practice—another notable highlight in UK primary care news w/c 21 July 2025.

Academic GP Workforce at Crisis Point, Warns Report

A new response from leading academic institutions has warned that the UK’s primary care research workforce is in critical decline. Academic GPs now make up just 0.05% of the profession, significantly lower than their hospital counterparts. This shortage could undermine long-term NHS reform, particularly as community-based care models depend on a robust evidence base. The sector is calling for urgent investment in clinical academic roles to reverse the trend.

Local Practice Recognised for Active Health Promotion

Dingle Park Practice in Liverpool has been awarded ‘Active Practice’ status by the Royal College of GPs for its work in promoting physical activity among patients and staff. The accolade reflects efforts to embed movement into routine care and to create a more wellness-oriented practice environment—an increasingly important priority in preventative healthcare. Positive developments like this offer a welcome contrast to the broader concerns dominating UK primary care news w/c 21 July 2025.

How General Practice Solutions Can Support Your Practice

At General Practice Solutions, we understand the operational pressures and policy shifts currently affecting primary care. Whether you’re navigating the impact of industrial action, adapting to new access requirements under the 2025/26 GP contract, or aligning your services with the Government’s neighbourhood health model, our team provides tailored, practical support. We offer expertise in workforce planning, digital telephony implementation, CQC compliance, complaints handling, clinical coding, and workflow optimisation. For practices concerned about sustainability, governance, or service continuity, we deliver both short-term solutions and long-term strategic guidance, ensuring your team remains compliant, resilient, and patient-focused.

Tuesday Talks: Stay Updated with Primary Care News

For more up-to-date primary care news, tune in to Tuesday Talks! Each week, we discuss key industry updates, policy changes, and how they impact healthcare providers. We also highlight the latest services and solutions offered by GPS, helping practices stay ahead in an ever-changing NHS landscape.

Join us for expert insights, practical advice, and in-depth discussions tailored to primary care professionals.

See the latest episode below!

Workforce Wednesdays: HR Hot Topics with Jordan

Staying informed about workforce issues is key to building resilient primary care teams—especially during times of operational change and staffing pressure. Join us every week for Workforce Wednesdays, where our HR lead Jordan explores topical issues in primary care staffing, employment law updates, and practical solutions for managing teams effectively.

From handling absences to navigating contract changes, Jordan shares clear, actionable insights that help practice leaders stay ahead.

Click here to explore Workforce Wednesdays and tune in to the latest HR hot topics.

Thoughtful Thursday: Celebrating Positivity in Primary Care

Welcome to Thoughtful Thursday, where we shine a light on the positive stories, uplifting moments, and inspiring progress happening across primary care. Each week, we share real examples of innovation, compassion, and community impact—reminding us all of the resilience and dedication at the heart of general practice.

See this week’s inspiring highlight below.