As we move through the final week of May, several key developments have emerged across the UK primary care sector. From major investment in general practice infrastructure to workforce pay decisions and the rollout of cutting-edge diagnostic tools, this week’s updates reflect both progress and ongoing challenges within the NHS.

£102 Million Infrastructure Investment Announced

The Department of Health and Social Care has confirmed a £102 million funding package to improve over 1,000 GP practices across England. This is intended to expand clinical capacity and improve patient access through refurbished premises and modernised facilities. The work, expected to begin this summer, aims to facilitate up to 8.3 million additional appointments each year as part of the wider Primary Care Recovery Plan.

NHS Pay Award Confirmed for 2025–26

The Government has accepted recommendations from the NHS Pay Review Body, resulting in a 3.6% uplift for Agenda for Change staff, including nurses and other front-line workers. While this has been received positively in some areas, junior doctors remain in dispute. The British Medical Association (BMA) is conducting a ballot for further industrial action, with a six-month strike mandate under consideration. Public support for strikes has reportedly declined, prompting renewed calls for resolution.

ADHD Diagnosis Delays Reach Crisis Levels

New NHS figures show that while over 800,000 individuals have now been formally diagnosed with ADHD, nearly 550,000 are still awaiting assessment—many facing delays of up to two years. Advocacy groups have voiced concern over the NHS’s capacity to meet demand, calling for comprehensive reform of diagnostic services and long-term investment in neurodiversity support across primary care.

Type 2 Diabetes Prevention in Focus

During this year’s Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Week (26 May to 1 June), the NHS is urging at-risk adults to check their eligibility for the Healthier You Programme. Since its inception in 2016, the initiative has supported over 900,000 individuals in making lifestyle changes aimed at reducing the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Primary care teams are encouraged to continue referring patients to this national service.

World-First Cancer Blood Test Rolled Out

In a significant step forward for early detection, the NHS is launching a new blood test capable of identifying certain cancers up to a year before symptoms arise or conventional scans can detect them. The test, which identifies tumour DNA in the bloodstream, is initially being made available to patients with suspected lung cancer and advanced-stage breast cancer. This initiative could transform early diagnosis and treatment planning across primary and secondary care.

£400 Million Digital Market Engagement Launched

NHS England has begun a market engagement process worth £400 million to improve digital services in general practice. The aim is to modernise systems used for appointment booking, patient communication and clinical workflow, building on existing digital transformation efforts and supporting integrated care. Practices are expected to see new tools emerge from this procurement process over the coming year.

Parliamentary Inquiry into Primary Care Reform

A new inquiry is underway to explore long-term reform of general practice. It will examine current workforce pressures, delivery models, and how best to integrate primary care with wider health and social care services. The inquiry is expected to inform future government policy post-election, with a view to developing sustainable and responsive models of primary care.

The week has seen important progress, but also underlined areas that continue to require urgent attention. From increasing diagnostic backlogs to ongoing industrial action, the next few months will be critical in shaping how primary care meets both current demands and future expectations.

If your organisation would like support in responding to these changes, please feel free to contact the team at General Practice Solutions.

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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.

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