356: NHS Primary Care Bulletin - 11 September 2025

Summary of the NHS England Primary Care Bulletin for 11 September 2025

This article summarises the NHS England Primary Care Bulletin for 11 September 2025, the weekly email update for teams in general practice, dentistry, community pharmacy, and optometry.

This week’s bulletin highlights several important updates concerning NHS planning frameworks, the launch of a staff flu vaccination campaign, and new requirements for online consultations in general practice. Additionally, the bulletin covers significant guidance updates for various healthcare professionals, including those in optometry and community pharmacy.

Primary care updates

Places announced for National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme

The Secretary of State has announced the 43 Places joining the first wave of the National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme (NNHIP). Each site will receive support from a national coach to enhance local health outcomes, particularly for adults with long-term conditions. All Places are encouraged to engage with a new national community of practice for shared learning.

Planning framework for the NHS in England

NHS England has released the Planning framework for the NHS in England, intended for local leaders to guide medium-term planning. The document details roles, responsibilities, and principles for integrated care, emphasizing adaptability to local needs.

Staff flu vaccination campaign launched

A staff flu vaccination campaign has been initiated for the 2025/26 season, providing resources including messaging and top tips to boost uptake among frontline health workers. The flu vaccine is free and will be available from 1 October 2025.

General practice updates

1 October deadline for online consultation contractual requirement

From 1 October 2025, all practices must offer their online consultation system during core hours for non-urgent requests. This initiative aims to ensure equitable access alongside phone and walk-in options. Guidance and practical tips can be found in a series of webinars run by NHS Confederation and NHS England.

Updates to the primary medical services policy and guidance manual (PMG)

The updated primary medical services policy and guidance manual is now available, reflecting recent changes in NHS England procedures and assisting with commissioning and contract management.

Safe provision of services to out of area registered patients

Guidance has been published on the safe provision of high quality primary medical services for out of area registered patients, addressing the new requirements under the GP contract for collaborative work with commissioners.

RSV vaccination programme – updated guidance

NHS England has provided updated guidance on the RSV vaccination programme, clarifying eligibility criteria and clinical coding for those aged 75 to 79.

NHS Cervical Screening Programme – digital normal results

The NHS Cervical Screening Programme will now send normal results digitally through the NHS App. Further actions for providers include informing patients about this new method of result delivery. More details can be found in the information for providers.

GP referrals to Pharmacy First

TPP has completed the rollout of integrated Pharmacy First referrals from SystmOne, allowing GPs to refer patients directly for minor illness management via their clinical workflows.

LeDeR report published

The latest LeDeR report (2023) has been released, examining the lives and deaths of individuals with learning disabilities. General Practice teams are encouraged to ensure appropriate registrations and annual health checks for these patients.

Optometry updates

New DHSC consultation on extending medicines for optometrists

A new consultation seeks feedback on extending the range of medicines available to optometrists and contact lens opticians for treating minor eye conditions. This consultation closes at 11:59 PM on 27 November 2025.

Community pharmacy updates

Know your numbers week

This week marks Know your Numbers Week, aimed at promoting blood pressure checks in community pharmacies. Community pharmacy teams have performed over 1.4 million blood pressure checks from January to May 2025.

Community pharmacy market engagement

NHS England is conducting market engagement from 1 September to 20 October to explore the supplier landscape for clinical services in community pharmacy. Full details are available here.

Real-time access to clinical information

Optum PharmOutcomes has successfully deployed real-time access to patient GP records for all community pharmacies in England, enhancing clinical information availability.

Get involved

E-learning course on diagnosis of breast cancer in Black women

A free e-learning course is available to support healthcare professionals in understanding the specific challenges faced by Black women in breast cancer diagnosis.

AI Ambassador Network meeting

An upcoming meeting on 1 October 2025 will discuss best practices for AI adoption in healthcare. Join the AI Ambassador Network to participate.

Personalised Care Week and virtual conference 2025

The Personalised Care Institute will host Personalised Care Week 2025 from 22-25 September, culminating in a virtual conference on 25 September focused on digital health innovations.

Male Cancer Awareness Week

Next week is Male Cancer Awareness Week, which aims to raise awareness of male cancers and promote early detection.

Upcoming webinars and events

• Various dates: RCN general practice nursing forum webinars

• 24 September 12:30-2 PM: MSATS – safe use of medicine in palliative and end of life care

• 30 September 12-1 PM: NHS Confederation webinar on primary care provider collaboratives

• 30 September 12:30 PM: NHS England webinar series

• 15 October 10 AM: Embedding Healthy Speaking Up Cultures event

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. For the original email, click here.