400 - NHS Primary Care Bulletin - 30 July 2026

Introduction

This article summarises the NHS England Primary Care Bulletin for 30 July 2026, the weekly email update for teams in general practice, dentistry, community pharmacy, and optometry.

Main themes of the week

This week's bulletin covers various updates including workforce data requirements, same-day appointment protocols for clinically urgent patients, and opportunities for community pharmacists to engage in the NHS England Teach and Treat Programme. Each section highlights important guidance and initiatives relevant to healthcare professionals across different settings.

General practice

National Workforce Reporting Service - workforce data submission and accuracy

Practices and Primary Care Networks (PCNs) are commended for ensuring that workforce information is accurately recorded in the National Workforce Reporting Service (NWRS). It is essential for practices to keep their workforce data up to date to support effective workforce planning and service development. For guidance, visit the NHS England NWRS guidance.

Recording of same-day appointments in general practice for clinically urgent patients

The 2026/27 general practice contract mandates that requests deemed clinically urgent must be addressed on the same day. This requirement aims to enhance patient access to timely care. Practices are advised to refer to the published guidance on recording same day appointments for all clinically urgent patients and the national category mapping quick guide. Additional support is available via a frequently asked questions guide on FutureNHS and a webinar recording focused on same-day urgent care (log-in required).

Community pharmacy

MenB time-limited vaccination offer — update

The MenB vaccination service, which commenced on 20 July 2026, is now operational. Guidance regarding vaccine supply, ordering, and delivery is available on the vaccinations and screening NHS Futures workspace (log-in required). For unresolved queries, providers should reach out to their ICB using the escalation template. The Find a MenB pharmacy tool is live for eligible individuals to locate participating pharmacies and their opening times.

Expressions of interest are now open: NHS England Teach and Treat programme 2026/27

The NHS England Teach and Treat programme is designed to develop community pharmacist Independent Prescribers (IPs) through supervised clinical training. Organisations are invited to apply for funding to establish sustainable supervision models. Interested parties should submit an expression of interest (EoI) form by Sunday 23 August 2026 at 11:59pm. Online drop-in sessions will be held on Tuesday 11 August 2026 and Thursday 13 August 2026 to provide further information.

The Pharmacist Enhanced Practice Pathway pilot: get ready to join

Newly qualified pharmacist prescribers can register for the Pharmacist Enhanced Practice Pathway (PEPP) pilot starting on 1 September 2026. More information is available on the CPPE website.

Primary care

Reminder to sign up to the seasonal vaccination service for the autumn/winter campaign 2026/27

General practices and community pharmacies must sign up by 31 July 2026 to ensure delivery of the COVID-19 vaccine before the autumn/winter campaign. The enhanced service specification can be found here.

Upcoming webinars and events

Several educational webinars are scheduled:

• 4 August, 12.30-2.00pm: Structured medication reviews in problematic polypharmacy: palliative care focus

• 6 August, 1.00pm - 2.30pm: Royal College of Midwives' vaccination and pregnancy webinar

• 2 September, 10.30am–12.00pm: AI Ambassador Network meeting: AI & putting people first in health & social care

Get involved

Help improve blood pressure monitoring

The NHS manage data and devices (MDD) team invites primary care staff to participate in a user research session focused on a new blood pressure management service within the NHS App. Interested individuals can express their interest via this form.

Catch up

Missed a recent national webinar? You can view slides and recordings of General Practice webinars.

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 further details, access the original bulletin here.