NHS Primary Care Bulletin - Issue 376

Introduction

This article summarises the NHS England Primary Care Bulletin for 12 February 2026, the weekly email update for teams in general practice, dentistry, community pharmacy, and optometry.

The latest bulletin highlights several initiatives aimed at improving patient care and enhancing the resources available to healthcare professionals. Key topics include the launch of new tools to promote Jess’s Rule, ongoing campaigns for online access in general practice, and the upcoming National HIV Testing Week.

Jess’s Rule email signature now available

A new email signature has been developed to support the promotion of Jess’s Rule. This initiative encourages general practice teams to reconsider diagnoses for patients presenting three times with escalating or persistent symptoms despite existing treatment plans. The resources can be downloaded from the Campaign Resource Centre.

GP practice online access campaign and resources

A campaign has been launched to enhance awareness and use of online forms for non-urgent patient requests. This initiative aims to alleviate pressure during peak times by allowing patients to submit queries anytime between 8am and 6.30pm via their GP practice’s website or the NHS App. All GP practices are expected to have their online consultation systems active during core hours for handling various patient requests. Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) are available to provide support for practices requiring assistance.

Children and Young People’s eating disorder services national guidance webinar

A webinar is scheduled for 2 March 2026 from 1.30pm to 3pm to discuss recent guidance on NHS England’s approach to children's eating disorder services. This session will feature examples of best practices. Interested participants can register by emailing england.cyp-mentalhealth@nhs.net. More information about the guidance and supplementary resources is available on the NHS Futures platform.

Reminder: submit your Pharmacy Quality Scheme 2025/26 declaration

Community pharmacy contractors are reminded to submit their Pharmacy Quality Scheme (PQS) 2025/26 declaration via the Manage Your Service (MYS) portal before the deadline of 11:59pm on 27 February 2026. Full guidance and requirements for submission can be found on the NHS England website.

Promote Pharmacy First this February

As part of the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework (CPCF) 2025/26, pharmacy contractors are tasked with promoting the Pharmacy First service to the public from 2 to 22 February 2026. Activities can include displaying promotional materials and sharing information through various channels. Updated digital resources are available on the DHSC Campaign Resource Centre.

National Cancer Plan for England

The recently published National Cancer Plan outlines a strategy for enhancing cancer care and outcomes over the next decade. The goal is to have three in four cancer patients cancer-free or living well five years post-diagnosis by 2035, with a focus on proactive care involving general practices and community pharmacies.

GIRFT webinar: First Contact Physiotherapy national evaluation themes and initial findings

A webinar will take place on 12 March 2026 from 12.30pm to 1.30pm to present findings from a survey on the delivery of musculoskeletal First Contact Physiotherapy (FCP) services. This event will feature key speakers and provide insights into the evaluation themes. Interested individuals can register now.

It’s National HIV Testing Week

From 9 to 15 February, National HIV Testing Week is aimed at encouraging regular testing among high-risk groups, including sexual minorities and individuals from Black African communities. Additional information is available on the NHS website.

AI Ambassador Network meeting – one year anniversary edition

The next meeting of the Artificial Intelligence Ambassador Network on 4 March 2026 will provide insights from a survey of NHS staff and the public regarding attitudes toward AI in healthcare. Register for the meeting to join this important discussion.

Upcoming webinar: celebrating equality, diversity and inclusion in the educator workforce

A webinar on 25 February from 10.30am to 11.30am will explore how to improve inclusivity in education and training within the workforce. This session is free and open to all involved in these sectors. Interested individuals can sign up to the webinar.

• 24 February: NHS Confederation’s Care Closer to Home Conference 2026

• 25 February: Webinar on equality, diversity and inclusion from 10.30am to 11.30am

• 2 March: Children and Young People’s Eating Disorders Services National Guidance Webinar at 1.30pm

• 4 March: Violence Prevention and Reduction National Learning Session

• 10 March: Structured Medication Reviews in polypharmacy: cardiovascular disease focus at 1pm

• 12 March: GIRFT webinar on First Contact Physiotherapy at 12.30pm

• 26 March: Social Prescribing Day

• 10-11 June: NHS Confed Expo

Missed a recent national webinar? View slips and recordings on the 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.

For more information, click here to view the original email.