384 NHS Primary Care Bulletin - 9 April 2026

Introduction

This article summarises the NHS England Primary Care Bulletin for 9 April 2026, the weekly email update for teams in general practice, dentistry, community pharmacy, and optometry.

The bulletin highlights important updates relevant to primary care, including the introduction of new features in the COVID-19 vaccination programme, updates regarding industrial action, and targeted resources for various healthcare professions. The forthcoming GP contract changes and dental reforms, alongside important webinars, are also discussed.

Spring 2026 COVID-19 vaccination programme updates

Providers can now modify existing vaccine orders directly through the Federated Data Platform (FDP) Supply Dashboard. This new feature allows updates to order quantities or delivery dates without needing to cancel and resubmit. Full guidance is accessible on the vaccines and screening NHS Futures workspace (login required). Queries should be directed to the ICB.

Weekly FDP drop-in sessions continue until 5 May. Training resources and registration links are also available on the Futures workspace.

Industrial action by resident doctors

The British Medical Association (BMA) has announced strike action by resident doctors from 7 April until 13 April. This may affect GP registrars training in GP practices. NHS England appreciates the support from primary care teams in ensuring patient care and service continuity during this period. More information on industrial action in the NHS is available, along with guidance for the public.

Ambient voice technology resources available

The Neighbourhood Health Framework and NHS England’s Medium Term Planning Framework support the integration of ambient voice technology (AVT) in primary care. A comprehensive set of national AVT resources, including guidance on information governance and a self-certified supplier registry, is available to assist practices and PCNs. This includes new guidance on IG considerations for adopting AI-enabled ambient scribing products and a downloadable Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) template.

Workforce Disability and Race Equality Standards datasets published

The Workforce Disability Equality Standard (WDES) and Workforce Race Equality Standard (WRES) 2025 datasets have now been published. These datasets provide critical insights to help promote an inclusive and fair NHS workplace, evaluating progress and identifying areas for improvement.

NHS England outlines next steps for NHS planning and priorities for 2026/27

A letter from Sir James Mackey, Chief Executive of NHS England has been released detailing collective priorities as the new financial year approaches.

Improving First Contact Physiotherapist services report

NHS England’s Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) programme has published the findings of a national review of First Contact Physiotherapist (FCP) services. The review illuminates current practices and identifies opportunities for improvement, benefiting commissioners, providers, and PCNs to enhance service quality and value.

2026/27 GP contract updates

Following the announcement of changes to the 2026/27 GP Contract, the GMS Statement of Financial Entitlements (SFE) has been published. The SFE increases Global Sum payments to £130.07 per weighted patient from 1 April and allows for a 3.5% pay uplift for salaried and contractor GPs. Practices are expected to pass on pay rises to all practice staff in line with this funding uplift. Additional documents, including the DES Directions and Quality and Outcomes Framework Guidance, have also been published.

Network contract directed enhanced service from April 2026

NHS England’s updated Network contract directed enhanced service (DES) specification for PCNs took effect on 1 April 2026. This specification details the arrangements for Primary Care Networks in relation to the GP contract. A letter to general practice and PCNs summarises these changes.

New blog on promoting physical activity

A new blog from NHS England discusses strategies for GPs to enhance the promotion of physical activity among patients. It aligns with the publication of Harnessing the benefits of physical activity, outlining four actionable steps that align with the government’s strategic shifts set forth in response to Lord Darzi’s review of the NHS.

Same-day access webinar recording available

A recent webinar hosted by NHS England provided a practical framework for general practices to meet the 2026/27 GP Contract requirement for addressing clinically urgent cases within the same day. Those interested can watch the recording on Future NHS (login required).

Spring seasonal vaccination programme updates

The COVID-19 spring seasonal vaccination programme begins on 13 April 2026. Walk-in vaccination sessions are now available for eligible adults aged 18 and over. Providers can confirm their walk-in COVID-19 vaccination services in the NHS Profile Manager alongside new clinic details and timings. To establish a clinic for adults: 1. Access the NHS Profile Manager, 2. Review the vaccination services, 3. Enter and confirm relevant clinic details.

NHS dental contract quality and payment reforms webinar

The Chief Dental Officer will host a webinar on 14 April aimed at assisting dental teams with the implementation of NHS dentistry quality and payment contractual reforms. This session will focus particularly on the new Quality Improvement programme for contractors considering participation.

• 14 April, 2–3.30pm: Cyber Baseline Part B

• 15 April, 11–12.30pm: Growing Occupational Health and Wellbeing – National Learning Session

• 22 April, 12:30 – 1:15pm: GatewayC webinar on supporting earlier breast cancer diagnosis and managing mastalgia

• 30 April, 11.30 – 12.30pm: NHS England NHS App webinar

• 6 May, 10.30 – 12pm: AI Ambassador Network meeting

• 10–11 June 2026: NHS ConfedExpo

Missed a recent national webinar? Review the slides and recordings available at 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 further details view the original email here.