The past week has brought several important developments in UK primary care, signalling both progress and continuing challenges across the NHS. With new contractual agreements, expanding community pharmacy services, and deep concerns over public sentiment and workforce sustainability, the landscape of general practice is once again under the spotlight. Below is a summary of the key updates impacting primary care across the country.

New Deal for GPs: Contract Reforms Announced

In a landmark move, the Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England, and the British Medical Association (BMA) have jointly unveiled a new General Practice contract set to take effect in April 2025. This agreement, the first in four years, aims to modernise the delivery of general practice while easing the administrative burden on clinicians.

The updated contract will increase core funding and introduce measures to enhance patient access—most notably, addressing the long-standing issue of the ‘8am scramble’ for appointments. Through improved digital pathways, patients will be able to book appointments online more reliably, thereby reducing pressure on telephone systems and front desk staff. The reforms also aim to support workload management and are part of a wider NHS strategy to stabilise and strengthen primary care provision.

Public Satisfaction with the NHS Hits Historic Low

A newly published survey has revealed a record low in public satisfaction with NHS services. Only 21% of adults reported being satisfied with the NHS overall, the lowest level recorded in over 40 years. The findings highlighted particular dissatisfaction with GP services, Accident & Emergency departments, and NHS dentistry.

Despite this, more than half of respondents noted satisfaction with the quality of care once accessed. The results underscore growing public frustration with delays and access issues, prompting government officials to reassert their commitment to long-term investment and a programme of service transformation aimed at restoring confidence.

‘Pharmacy First’ Scheme Expands Across England

The rollout of the ‘Pharmacy First’ service continues to gain momentum following its launch in January 2024. This initiative enables community pharmacists to treat seven common conditions—such as sore throats, earaches, and urinary tract infections—without patients needing to see a GP.

As of this week, 88% of pharmacies in England are actively participating, having delivered more than 1.5 million consultations to date. The scheme is expected to alleviate pressure on general practice, with NHS England projecting it could ultimately free up as many as 40 million GP appointments per year. By allowing patients to access care directly from pharmacies without prior booking, the scheme also supports a more responsive model of primary care delivery.

Concerns Over GP Recruitment in Deprived Areas

Amid these changes, the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) has expressed concern regarding the future of the Targeted Enhanced Recruitment Scheme (TERS). This programme, which has offered £20,000 incentives to trainee GPs working in socioeconomically deprived regions since 2016, has been instrumental in addressing disparities in GP distribution across the country.

With over 2,000 GPs recruited through the scheme to date, the RCGP warns that its discontinuation could threaten workforce stability in areas with the greatest need. The College has called for continued investment in targeted recruitment initiatives to ensure that all communities can access timely and high-quality primary care, regardless of geography or socioeconomic status.

Looking Ahead

This week’s updates underscore the complexity of reforming primary care in a way that balances access, quality, and workforce sustainability. While the new GP contract and the growing Pharmacy First scheme suggest promising steps forward, public dissatisfaction and concerns over the equitable distribution of GPs remain pressing challenges. Sustained focus on comprehensive and inclusive solutions will be vital in securing the future of general practice across the UK.

How General Practice Solutions Can Support Primary Care During These Pressures

In light of the current challenges outlined across this week’s developments—from contract reform and declining public satisfaction to intensified demand on GP services—it is evident that practices are under immense pressure to deliver more, with fewer resources. This climate demands agile, effective support that not only addresses immediate staffing needs but also aligns with wider strategic objectives.

General Practice Solutions (GPS) partners with primary care organisations to provide precisely that. As the NHS looks to implement contractual changes aimed at reducing administrative burden and improving access, many practices will require transitional support to manage increased patient engagement through digital systems, alongside their core service delivery. GPS offers experienced, flexible staff who are ready to step in and maintain continuity of care—be it in reception, telephony, coding, administration, or clinical support roles.

With the ongoing rollout of initiatives such as Pharmacy First and enhanced digital booking systems, practices must also adapt quickly to evolving service models. Our associates are already familiar with these changes and can provide immediate operational support, allowing permanent teams to focus on clinical priorities without disruption.

The unprecedented drop in public satisfaction with general practice highlights the need for visible improvements in access and responsiveness. GPS supports this by ensuring that short-term staff absences or surges in demand do not compromise patient experience. Whether it’s cover during school holidays, sickness, or while embedding new contract requirements, our support helps practices maintain consistent and high-quality service.

Furthermore, GPS provides strategic advisory services to help practices plan and implement sustainable improvements—whether that’s meeting contract compliance, adopting digital transformation, or optimising back-office functions. In the context of the current reforms and evolving NHS expectations, this type of support is more important than ever.

By working alongside primary care teams, General Practice Solutions contributes to the sector’s resilience—helping ensure that practices not only weather the current pressures, but also position themselves for long-term success.

Click here to find out how GPS can support your organisation today.

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.

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!