405 - Primary Care Bulletin: Insights and Updates from the NHS

Introduction

This article summarises the NHS England Primary Care Bulletin for 10 September 2026, the weekly email update for teams in general practice, dentistry, community pharmacy, and optometry.

Main themes of the week

This week’s updates include the introduction of routine dental outcomes in NHS 111 for minor dental bleeding, a call for GPs to engage in shaping health data policy, and the critical need for regular reviews for patients with known allergies.

General practice

Availability of the record a vaccination service (RAVS) system

The enhanced service specification has been updated to allow GPs collaborating to deliver seasonal vaccinations under the Network Contract Directed Enhanced Service the option to use the RAVS system. This will be applicable from autumn/winter 2026/27, provided all practices within a Primary Care Network (PCN) utilise the EMIS system, or a combination of EMIS and TPP systems. Relevant additional guidance has also been amended to reflect these changes.

Calling GPs: Help shape the future of health data policy

The Department of Health and Social Care invites GPs to participate in an engagement programme regarding the use of patient data for care, NHS planning, and research. Three online workshops will be held on 15, 22, and 29 September, or alternatively on 21, 28 September, and 5 October. Interested parties can email DataEngagement@kscopehealth.org.uk or visit In-depth workshops — National GP Engagement Programme.

Importance of reviews for patients with known allergies

A recent Prevention of Future Deaths report emphasised the necessity of regular reviews for patients with known allergies. Such reviews ensure that patients are informed about managing allergic reactions and verify the expiry of their adrenaline auto-injectors. Practices have begun sending automatic text messages to patients who have not ordered an adrenaline auto-injector in over a year. Further resources include:

• Adrenaline autoinjector prescription for patients at risk of anaphylaxis - British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology Guidance for Primary Care

• Adrenaline Auto-Injector Expiry Dates | Anaphylaxis UK

NHS England’s updated Specialist Allergy Service Specification also focuses on supporting the transition of patients from child to adult services, including joint annual reviews with patients and their families. For more on ensuring appropriate doses, refer to:

• Adrenaline | Drugs | BNFC - NICE

• Adrenaline auto-injector for anaphylaxis - Medicines For Children

Dentistry

NHS 111 dental triage update

Work aligning dental pathway dispositions with national unscheduled care guidance has concluded. From 21 September to 30 October, patients experiencing minor dental bleeding may be directed to routine care rather than unscheduled care, receiving the new outcome DX221 – Dental Routine. This enables a 14-day search period within the Directory of Service to identify suitable dental providers, with patients arranging appointments directly.

Community pharmacy

Pharmacies must use the NHS record a vaccination service (RAVS)

From autumn, community pharmacies are required to use the NHS RAVS to record all flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, including flu vaccinations for pregnant women in September. Pharmacies already registered must add flu and COVID-19 batches in the vaccines section before recording, while those without a RAVS account can sign up on the record a vaccination website. NHS vaccinations can no longer be recorded in CPIT PoC systems, as these will not be compensated.

Primary care

September bookings for pregnant women: Publish capacity for what can be fulfilled

NHS England has urged providers using the National Booking Service (NBS) to publish September appointment availability for pregnant women. Providers are responsible for managing appointment details based on stock delivery dates and must contact affected patients if unable to honour appointments.

Medical education training review virtual engagement events

The Medical Education and Training Review is hosting virtual engagement sessions throughout September and October. These events will involve doctors across all specialties, educators, and employers discussing the future of medical training. Registration is currently open, and feedback will be used to inform working groups.

Get involved

Your voice: Building a better future for maternity and neonatal care

Staff involved in maternity and neonatal care, including GPs, are encouraged to contribute to shaping future service delivery. An online conversation is set to open soon, and interested parties can register their interest now.

New reimagining strategic commissioning podcast

The strategic commissioning development programme has launched a new podcast series titled 'Reimagining Strategic Commissioning'. Episode one is now available on the Commissioning Academy, featuring discussions on practical applications of strategic commissioning. Access the discussions and resources by logging in to the Commissioning Academy.

World Sepsis Day – A call to action

World Sepsis Day is observed on 13 September, highlighting the need for action to prevent avoidable deaths and disabilities. The NHS Sepsis Modern Service Framework (MSF) sets forth strategies aimed at reducing sepsis-related deaths by 25% by 2035, emphasising the role of primary care in this initiative.

Tips for GPs – Staying safe from suicide

On World Suicide Prevention Day, GPs are provided with ten tips for supporting patient safety from suicide, based on the principles outlined in the Staying Safe from Suicide Guidance for mental health professionals. These tips are accessible on NHSFutures.

Upcoming webinars and events

National Workforce Reporting System webinar

NHS England will host a webinar on 22 September at 10am for National Workforce Reporting System data providers. This session will include a demonstration of the NWRS system, a walkthrough of General Practice workforce publications, and a Q&A opportunity. Register to attend. Further details can be found on NHS England Digital's website.

National earlier lung cancer diagnosis webinar

GatewayC will host a free, CPD-accredited webinar on 24 September at 12:30–1:15pm titled 'Supporting lung cancer screening, smoking cessation and earlier diagnosis in primary care'. The session will feature Dr Haval Balata discussing the primary care role in enhancing lung cancer screening uptake. A recording of the webinar will be available on demand afterward on the GatewayC website.

More events/webinars

• 13 September - World Sepsis Day

• 22 September, 10–11.30am - National Workforce Reporting System webinar

• 24 September, 12:30–1:15pm - Supporting lung cancer screening, smoking cessation and earlier diagnosis in primary care

• 24 September, 12:30pm - GIRFT community MSK webinar: Supporting patients with chronic pain

• 7 October 2026, 10.30am – 12pm - AI Ambassador Network meeting: AI and putting people first in health and social care

Catch up

If you missed recent national webinars, you can view slides and recordings here: 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. Click here to view the original email.