366 NHS Primary Care Bulletin - 20 November 2025

Introduction

This article summarises the NHS England Primary Care Bulletin for 20 November 2025, the weekly email update for teams in general practice, dentistry, community pharmacy, and optometry.

Main themes of the week

The key updates for this week include the ongoing flu vaccination campaign as the festive season approaches, reminders about the Pharmacy Quality Scheme focusing on antimicrobial stewardship, and engaging learning sessions aimed at enhancing the implementation of the NHS People Promise in general practice. Other notable topics include the recent industrial action by resident doctors and various webinars designed to support health professionals.

Primary care

Industrial action by resident doctors

Over a period of five days, resident doctors participated in industrial action. Appreciation is expressed to primary care teams for their efforts in maintaining service delivery and supporting patients during this time.

Flu vaccination drive – countdown to Christmas

As the festive season nears, the NHS is enhancing access to flu vaccinations. The flu season has commenced earlier than normal, with cases increasing. A communications toolkit promoting flu vaccination, titled "Protect your festive season with a flu vaccine," is available for use. Pharmacies are encouraged to update their walk-in service details on NHS Profile Manager to assist patients in finding them. Details for ordering flu vaccines from Sanofi and Seqirus are provided, noting that plenty remains available to eligible patients.

Early influenza virus characterisation and vaccine effectiveness in England in autumn 2025

Initial analysis shows that flu vaccines are effective this year, even with the emergence of a new sub-strain causing an earlier start to the flu season. The nasal spray vaccine is highlighted as particularly effective for children. For more information, UKHSA has published several informative blogs, including one on how vaccines protect against different flu types and a guide to who’s eligible for the autumn 2025 flu vaccine.

National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme Community of Practice webinar

Healthcare professionals involved in the neighbourhood health initiative can register for a Community of Practice webinar on 24 November from 12:30 to 14:00. The session will address integration opportunities among organisations and neighbourhood teams. Interested parties can book a spot via MS Teams.

Referral optimisation in action: neighbourhood-based elective respiratory care

A webinar hosted by NHS England on 2 December will discuss neighbourhood-based elective respiratory care and how clinical partnerships are fostering holistic care. This session is geared towards NHS clinical, operational, and commissioning leads engaged in service transformation. Registration is available on MS Teams.

Shape the use of genomics in adult healthcare

Genomics England invites healthcare professionals in primary care to participate in compensated online workshops focused on the integration of genetic information in practice. Interested individuals can contact genomicengagement@randeurope.org by 30 November to join.

NHSmail is becoming NHS.net Connect

NHS.net Connect will replace NHSmail and will introduce a new Launchpad for streamlined access to Outlook, Teams, and shared mailboxes. Colleagues do not need to take immediate action, as guidance will be provided prior to the transition. A brief overview of the updates can be found in the accompanying video.

General practice

Final reminder - general practice to complete eDEC

GP practices are reminded that the deadline for submitting the Annual Electronic Self-Declaration (eDEC) is 21 November. Non-compliance may lead to further actions by commissioners. For additional details, find out more.

Learning sessions: delivering the People Promise in general practice

Learning sessions focusing on embedding the NHS People Promise are scheduled, featuring practical tools for cultivating positive workplace cultures. Dates and themes include:

• 26 November 2025 - Introduction to Improvement Training

• 2 December 2025 - Health and Wellbeing in General Practice

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

• 14 January 2026 - General Practice Staff Survey Learning Session

• 22 January 2026 - GP Developing Case Studies Session

Community pharmacy

Ministry of Defence using paper FP10 prescriptions

Starting January, the Ministry of Defence will utilise paper FP10 prescription forms for outsourced prescriptions. Pharmacy teams are urged to prepare for processing these forms per standard NHS procedures. A limited launch will commence on 24 November at six MOD sites, further information is available on the NHS BSA website.

2025/26 Pharmacy Quality Scheme Antimicrobial Stewardship Clinical Audit: reminder

Recognising World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week, community pharmacy contractors are reminded to complete the Antimicrobial Stewardship Clinical Audit for the 2025/26 Pharmacy Quality Scheme. Anonymised data should be submitted by 31 March 2026 via the NHSBSA Manage your service (MYS) portal.

Assessing the role of TARGET TYI leaflets for respiratory care in England’s community pharmacies

A recent study published in the JAC-Antimicrobial Resistance journal evaluated the effectiveness of TARGET TYI leaflets in facilitating patient consultations regarding respiratory infections. The study yielded positive results regarding patient care escalation. For further details, read the article.

Reminder: 2025 Community Pharmacy Workforce Survey

Community pharmacy contractors are urged to complete the 2025 Community Pharmacy Workforce Survey. This is a Department of Health and Social Care requirement crucial for workforce planning. The survey closes at 11:59pm on 21 November 2025. For assistance with submissions, contact NHSBSA. More information is available on the NHS England and Community Pharmacy England websites.

Get involved

World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) awareness week webinar – book your place

A free, expert-led webinar is scheduled for World AMR Awareness Week to enhance understanding and share best practices for combating AMR.

Reminder: Registration open for the 2025 NHS Genomics Healthcare Summit

The NHS Genomics Healthcare Summit will take place on 15 and 16 December. Registration is open for healthcare providers interested in genomics. Register online.

NHS ConfedExpo returns on 10-11 June 2026

Registration is open for NHS ConfedExpo 2026, welcoming submissions from primary care organisations wishing to share innovative ideas. Learn more about the submission process, and book your place today with free tickets available for eligible staff.

Upcoming webinars and events

Several upcoming events are scheduled:

• 24 Nov 12:30 – 13:30pm Optimising the Blood Culture Pathway: Audit Insights and Regional Success Stories

• 24-27 Nov: Inclusive Pharmacy Practice Week webinars

• 2 Dec 12-1pm: Health and Wellbeing in General Practice

• 2 Dec 1-2pm: Primary care discussion: hypertension care in community pharmacy

• 4 December, 12pm – 1pm: Realising the Potential of Primary Care Provider Collaboratives: Financing Opportunities for Working at Scale

• 4 Dec 1-3.30pm: Latest developments in Health and Justice Medicines Optimisation

• 10 Dec 12-1pm: Management and Leadership Development in General Practice

• 14 Jan 12-1pm: General Practice Staff Survey Learning Session

Catch up

For those who may have missed recent national webinars, slides and recordings can now be accessed via the general practice webinars archive.

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.

Click here to view the original bulletin