355: NHS Primary Care Bulletin - 4 September 2025

Introduction

This article summarises the NHS England Primary Care Bulletin for 4 September 2025, the weekly email update for teams in general practice, dentistry, community pharmacy, and optometry.

Main themes of the week

The bulletin highlights significant developments across various primary care sectors, including record appointment numbers in general practice, ongoing initiatives in community pharmacy, and important public health campaigns. Key updates involve new service specifications, patient engagement opportunities, and the implementation of vital health programmes.

General practice

Busiest July on record for general practice teams

General practice teams delivered a record 33.6 million appointments in July 2025, which represents a 4.3% increase compared to the previous year and a 24.3% rise since 2019. Additionally, care home visits reached 127,112, marking the second highest number recorded for July.

Assessing the impact of the Enhanced Service Specification

NHS England is collecting feedback from practices enrolled in the Enhanced Service Specification for GP requests for advice and guidance in 2025/26. This anonymous survey will assist in evaluating the scheme's impact and potential improvements. General practice staff are encouraged to complete the survey by 18 September.

General practice webinar on implementing online consultation tools

To prepare for the requirement that all GP practices provide online consultation tools by 1 October 2025, NHS England and the NHS Confederation are hosting a series of webinars. The final session will take place on 11 September from 12 to 1 pm, featuring insights from several experts on effective implementation. Join the webinar.

NHS cervical screening programme – digital results launching in September

From this month, the NHS Cervical Screening Programme will begin delivering normal results digitally via the NHS App. Patients will be notified through the app, with letters sent if the results remain unread after 72 hours. Cervical screening providers are advised to inform patients about this new process and can refer to the provider guidance for more information.

RSV vaccination programme: reminder

Practices are reminded to actively recall eligible patients for the RSV vaccination as part of the ongoing programme. This includes initiating vaccination offers for patients upon their 75th birthday and for women from 28 weeks of pregnancy. Further resources, including templates and communications materials, can be found on GOV.uk and the Campaign Resource Centre.

Share your views: help define the next era of nursing and midwifery in England

The Chief Nursing Officer for England is inviting input from nurses and midwives on a new professional strategy aimed at shaping the future of these professions. The strategy, which is part of the 10 Year Health Plan, seeks to reflect the evolving needs of the population. Participants can complete the survey by 29 September.

Shingles vaccine to be offered to hundreds of thousands more immunosuppressed adults

An expansion of the shingles vaccination programme will now include around 300,000 additional immunosuppressed adults. This initiative aims to enhance protection against shingles, particularly for those at increased risk.

Primary care

National Association of Primary Care appoints new Clinical Chair

Professor Andy Brooks has been appointed as the new Clinical Chair of the National Association of Primary Care, succeeding Dr Caroline Taylor. This leadership change is expected to bring fresh perspectives to primary care initiatives.

Community pharmacy

2025/26 Pharmacy Quality Scheme Antimicrobial Stewardship Clinical Audit: tool now live

NHS England has released guidance for contractors participating in the 2025/26 Pharmacy Quality Scheme, introducing the Antimicrobial Stewardship Clinical Audit tool, which went live on 1 September 2025. Data collection can be conducted via the NHSBSA Manage your service (MYS) portal and submissions must be made by 31 March 2026. Additional information is available on the NHS England's Pharmacy Quality Scheme webpage.

Get involved

Know Your Numbers week: 8-14 September 2025

The upcoming Know Your Numbers campaign, led by Blood Pressure UK, aims to raise awareness about blood pressure monitoring. Healthcare teams are encouraged to promote this initiative using materials available in the Campaign Resource Centre.

Sickle Cell Awareness month

September is designated as Sickle Cell Awareness month. Approximately 17,500 individuals in the UK are affected by sickle cell disorder. GP practices can support awareness by promoting blood donation and testing for the sickle cell trait. Resources are available through NHS Futures or by contacting england.sicklecellreview@nhs.net.

Upcoming webinars and events

Various upcoming webinars are scheduled, including:

• RCN general practice nursing forum webinars

• 4 September, 5-6pm: General Practice webinar

• 10 September, 12 - 1pm: NHS Confederation webinar on Realising the potential of primary care provider collaboratives: Surrey Downs Health and Care

• 10 September, 12.30 – 1.30pm: GIRFT webinar on optimising pathways for patients with spinal conditions

• 11 September, 12 - 1pm: NHS Confederation webinar on best practice guidance for GP contract and online consultation tools

• 30 September, 12 - 1pm: NHS Confederation webinar on Realising the potential of primary care provider collaboratives: Birmingham and Solihull Community Care Collaborative.

Catch up

If you missed any recent national webinars, you can access slides and recordings via General Practice webinars.

Content in this article is drawn from the NHS England Primary Care Bulletin. Patient.info edits and formats the updates to provide a clear, accessible archive for professionals.

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