Skip to main content

365 NHS Primary Care Bulletin - 13 November 2025

Authored by Thomas Andrew Porteus, MBCSOriginally published 13 Nov 2025

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

Medical Professionals

Professional Reference articles are designed for health professionals to use. They are written by UK doctors and based on research evidence, UK and European Guidelines. You may find one of our health articles more useful.

In this article:

This article summarises the NHS England Primary Care Bulletin for 13 November 2025, the weekly email update for teams in general practice, dentistry, community pharmacy, and optometry.

This week’s bulletin covers several important updates affecting various sectors within healthcare. Key highlights include strike action by resident doctors, requests for primary care nurses to share their career experiences, and guidance on pragmatic prescribing for older individuals with frailty. Additionally, updates address new telephony data releases, NHS app enhancements, and efforts to improve HPV vaccine uptake and cervical screening.

Continue reading below

General practice updates

Cloud based telephony publication release

Data related to Cloud Based Telephony (CBT) will be publicly available at the GP practice level starting 27 November 2025. This initiative aims to enhance the analysis of patient-initiated demand and ease of contact with GP services. Key metrics such as call volumes, outcomes, wait times, and call duration will be accessible and updated monthly.

Reminder: MHRA action required from dermatology services who prescribe isotretinoin by 16 November 2025

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has called for dermatology services that prescribe isotretinoin to complete a survey by 16 November 2025, assessing the safety measures related to its prescribing. This is crucial for ensuring safe access to treatment across age groups.

GIRFT seeks input on the delivery of MSK First Contact Physiotherapy services

GP practice managers and primary care network (PCN) leads are encouraged to complete a brief questionnaire on the current state of Musculoskeletal (MSK) First Contact Physiotherapy services in England. The survey, led by the GIRFT programme, aims to identify areas for improvement and is open until 1 December 2025. Participate in the FCP National Evaluation survey.

Updates to the NHS App GP appointment booking experience

The NHS App will soon implement updates to its GP appointment booking feature, enhancing user experience and accessibility for patients while maintaining current operational procedures for GP practices. Find out more about the changes.

New updates to the paper form for GP patient registrations

An updated paper form for GP registrations is now in circulation, featuring new questions pertinent to the Infected Blood Inquiry and updated information about Summary Care Records. Practice teams should begin using this new form promptly. For more details, visit the NHS England Digital update.

New case studies: Inclusive approaches to cervical cancer elimination

To combat health inequalities and boost HPV vaccination and cervical screening uptake, several case studies showcasing innovative practices have been shared:

If you have good practice examples to share, please email: england.vaccination@nhs.net.

Learning sessions: Delivering the People Promise in general practice

To enhance workplace culture, NHS England is offering sessions focusing on the NHS People Promise. Upcoming topics include:

The NHS Digital Weight Management Programme

The NHS Digital Weight Management Programme has facilitated over half a million referrals since April 2021, assisting participants in adopting healthier habits and weight loss. Eligibility includes individuals with obesity and certain health conditions. Read the peer-reviewed outcomes paper.

Get ‘Veteran Friendly Accredited’ this Remembrance Week

Practices are encouraged to achieve Veteran Friendly Accreditation to better support veteran patients. The accreditation process is quick and significant advantages and service referrals, including Op COURAGE and Op RESTORE, are available for veterans.

Primary care updates

Strike action by resident doctors

The British Medical Association has announced a strike by resident doctors starting from 7 AM on 14 November until 7 AM on 19 November. It is crucial to communicate to patients that they should still seek care when necessary, particularly in emergencies. The public can seek help through 111 or dial 999 for life-threatening situations. Learn more about NHS preparations for industrial action and find information for the public here.

IV Therapy Passport Course: Download your certificates

Those enrolled in the current version of the IV Therapy Passport course should download their completion certificates by 21 November 2025, as the course will be updated and relocated to the Learning Hub afterwards.

Primary care nurses asked to share their career stories

In an effort to inspire the next generation, NHS England invites primary care nurses at all stages of their careers to share their career journeys. These stories may be featured in resources aimed at future nurses and may provide platforms for speaking engagements or social media features. Interested individuals should reach out via wte.comms@nhs.net.

Pragmatic prescribing for older people with frailty

New guidance on pragmatic prescribing for older adults with frailty has been developed by the British Geriatrics Society, Royal College of General Practitioners, and Royal Pharmaceutical Society. Read the details on the website.

New reports showcase impact of Health Innovation Network Polypharmacy Programme

The Health Innovation Network Polypharmacy Programme has released reports detailing its impact on medication review practices and clinician behaviour, with over 12,800 healthcare professionals engaging in the programme. Access reports on impact, economic analysis, and learning.

Community pharmacy updates

Reminder: 2025 Community Pharmacy Workforce Survey

Community pharmacy contractors are reminded to complete the 2025 Community Pharmacy Workforce Survey, a requirement from the Department of Health and Social Care. The survey, closing at 11:59 PM on 21 November 2025, is vital for future workforce planning. For further information, visit NHS England and Community Pharmacy England websites.

Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework update: webinar

NHS England will host a webinar on the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework on 18 November from 7-8 PM. The session will cover several updates, including expansion of the Pharmacy Contraception Service and the New Medicine Service. Registration is essential for pharmacy contractors and colleagues; book your place via the NHS England website.

Reminder: Registration is now open for Inclusive Pharmacy Practice Week 2025

Pharmacists and pharmacy teams can participate in free online workshops from 24-27 November, focusing on diversity in leadership and improving patient experiences. Register via the CPPE website.

Continue reading below

Get involved

World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) awareness week

World AMR Awareness Week (18-24 November) calls attention to the pressing challenge of antimicrobial resistance. Participants can join free, expert-led webinars on strategies to combat AMR. Reserve your spot today.

World Diabetes Day, 14 November – promoting the 4Ts

Observance of World Diabetes Day emphasizes the importance of recognizing symptoms of type 1 diabetes early. Know the four key symptoms (the 4Ts): Toilet (frequent urination), Thirsty (constant thirst), Tired (low energy), Thinner (unexplained weight loss). For suspected cases, refer for immediate specialist review while following NICE guidance. Further training and campaign resources are available on Diabetes UK.

AI Ambassador Network

The next AI Ambassador Network meeting will focus on Greener NHS and AI on 3 December 2025 from 10:30 AM to 12 PM. Those interested in AI initiatives across various roles in healthcare can register for the meeting. Join the AI Ambassador Network.

Nurturing Compassionate and Inclusive NHS Cultures – online course

NHS England offers a free online course aimed at fostering compassionate and inclusive cultures within health and social care. The course introduces the NHS Culture and Leadership Programme, providing resources to enhance leadership approaches. Find out more and register.

Upcoming webinars and events

Continue reading below

Catch up

Missed a recent national webinar? View slides and recordings from previous sessions on 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. No images? Click here.

Continue reading below

Article history

The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free