363 - NHS Primary Care Bulletin - 30 October 2025

Introduction

This article summarises the NHS England Primary Care Bulletin for 30 October 2025, the weekly email update for teams in general practice, dentistry, community pharmacy, and optometry.

Summary of main themes

The bulletin this week highlights significant developments in community pharmacy services, advancements in medical training, and offers resources for enhancing staff experience in general practice. Key updates include the expansion of the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service and the New Medicine Service to support mental health. Additionally, services such as online consultations and post-exposure rabies treatment are outlined, while new efforts are made to promote public health initiatives like the Pharmacy First campaign.

Community pharmacy

Expansion of community pharmacy services

From this week, community pharmacies can provide the emergency contraceptive pill free of charge under the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service. Furthermore, the New Medicine Service has been broadened to include antidepressants, with resources and updated guidance available for pharmacists. More details on these changes can be found in the NHS guidelines.

Hub and spoke dispensing regulations

Dispensing practices should ensure that controlled drugs classified under schedules 1 to 3 must be assembled and dispensed at individual pharmacy locations to comply with the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. Full details are available here.

Promotion of the Pharmacy First campaign

Pharmacies are reminded to actively participate in national health campaigns as part of the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework for 2025/26. Community pharmacies should promote the Pharmacy First initiative until 9 November through various channels, including social media and physical materials. Additional resources can be found at the DHSC Campaign Resource Centre.

Upcoming Ask Your Pharmacist Week

The National Pharmacy Association has organised Ask Your Pharmacist Week from 3–10 November, aimed at raising awareness regarding vital NHS services available at local pharmacies. For campaign materials and additional participation details, contact the NPA Head of Communications or refer to this link.

Update on Covid vaccination walk-ins

Pharmacists providing the Covid vaccination programme are reminded that walk-in availability and times will roll over from the previous season unless updated on profile managers. Further guidance is in the AW25/26 site campaign guide.

NHS England pharmacy offer webinar

An online event to showcase NHS England's pharmacy initiatives will occur on 5 November. This session aims to connect with service providers and address workforce needs. Register through this link.

General practice

Appreciation for GP practice teams

Thanks are extended to GP practices for implementing recent contract changes, including maintaining online consultation tools. For further support, practices can access Frequently Asked Questions and recorded webinars.

Annual Electronic Self-Declaration (eDEC)

General practices are required to update their information for the Annual Electronic Self-Declaration, which is now open until 21 November. More details can be found at this link.

Medical Training Review report

A report from medical leaders identified key priorities for modernising medical training, aiming to address issues such as flexibility and inclusivity. For further insights, refer to the report here.

Promoting health and development reviews for children

Practices are encouraged to promote the two to two-and-a-half-year health and development review during routine appointments. Resources to assist in this promotion are available on the NHS website.

Delayed cancer diagnosis report

NHS Resolution has released a report examining claims related to delayed cancer diagnoses in general practice, highlighting areas for improvement in diagnostic processes and patient communication. Access the full report here.

Rabies post-exposure treatment

GP practices are reminded to provide rabies post-exposure treatment when indicated. Vaccines are available at no cost through the UKHSA Rabies and Immunoglobulin Service. Additional information can be accessed here.

Learning sessions on the NHS People Promise

Sessions focused on embedding the NHS People Promise in general practice will take place starting on 5 November. Each session will address different themes around creating a positive workplace culture. Sign-up links are provided for each respective date:

• Getting Started with Evaluation - 5 November 2025

• Creating a Culture of Kindness - 12 November 2025

• The People Promise and Customer Care - 19 November 2025

• Health and Wellbeing in General Practice - 2 December 2025

• Management and Leadership Development in General Practice - 10 December 2025

• General Practice Staff Survey Learning Session - 14 January 2026

Primary care

NHS Medium Term Planning Framework publication

The NHS has published its Medium Term Planning Framework for 2026/27 to 2028/29, pinpointing national objectives for integrated care systems with a significant focus on primary care services.

Improving NHS App training and support

The NHS is seeking feedback from frontline staff to enhance training related to the NHS App. Interested parties can sign up for one-on-one discussions via this quick form.

Chief Nursing Officer awards

The Chief Nursing Officer awards now include a new category recognising the contributions of nursing, midwifery, and nursing associate students. More information can be found here.

NHS Digital Weight Management Programme

The NHS Digital Weight Management Programme assists individuals in adopting healthier habits, with over half a million referrals since its inception. Guidelines for referral can be accessed here.

Get involved

Health Insight Survey webinar

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is hosting a webinar celebrating one year of Health Insight survey data, providing valuable insights into NHS services.

World Antimicrobial Resistance awareness week events

In recognition of Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week from 18-24 November, expert-led webinars will provide guidance on responsible antibiotic use. Register for free through this link.

Upcoming webinars and events

Several relevant webinars and events are scheduled:

• A Fireside Chat with Duncan Burton - 4 November

• Antimicrobial Stewardship for Nurses Across the Continuum of Care - 5 November

• Showcasing NHS England’s Pharmacy Offer - 5 November

• Health Insight Survey: an introduction - 5 November

• National Infection and Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) data symposium 2025 - 11 November

• NHS Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) improvement plan: two year review - 12 November

• GIRFT webinar: Introducing the GIRFT chronic pain workstream - 19 November

Conclusion

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.