408 - Primary Care Bulletin: Key Updates from the NHS

Introduction

This article summarises the NHS England Primary Care Bulletin for 1 October 2026, the weekly email update for teams in general practice, dentistry, community pharmacy, and optometry.

Main themes of the week

Key updates this week include amendments to the GMS SFE for GP reimbursement, the opening of data submission for the Pharmacy Quality Scheme 2026/27 clinical services audit, and the updated guidance for identifying and supporting unpaid carers.

General practice

Amendments to the GMS SFE

Changes have been made to the GMS Statement of Financial Entitlements affecting the practice level GP reimbursement scheme. Key amendments include:

• Claims for GP locums can be made from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027.

• GP practices can transfer some or all of their funding entitlement to other GP practices.

• Claims can be made for new GPs employed between 24 February 2026 and 31 March 2027.

• An increased hourly rate can be claimed for additional GP sessions agreed with existing salaried GPs from 30 April 2026 to 24 June 2026.

For further information, refer to the updated Supplementary information to support changes to the 2026/27 GP Contract. Additionally, the changes support the introduction of improvement thresholds for QOF childhood immunisation indicators, as detailed in the 2026/27 QOF Guidance.

Medical certificates of cause of death (MCCD) winter planning

As winter approaches, healthcare settings responsible for ordering MCCDs should ensure adequate stock is available, which can be ordered through the online ordering portal. For registration, visit the NHS Business Service Authority (NHSBSA)'s MCCD webpage, or contact the NHSBSA at mccd@nhsbsa.nhs.uk.

Seasonal vaccination service – record creation

Practices must utilise an assured IT system for creating vaccination records. Use of unassured systems may result in non-remuneration and incomplete vaccination histories. For COVID-19 vaccinations, mandatory fields will be implemented as required in Point of Care systems. It is crucial to record information accurately to prevent clinical risks and ensure compliance with professional standards.

New referral arrangements for adult gender services

NHS England has established a national waiting list for Adult Gender Services managed through the NHS Gender National Referral Support Service (GNRSS). A single national referral form is now available via EMIS, SystmOne, DXS, and the referral GNRSS portal. More information can be found on the National Referral Support Service.

Community pharmacy

Pharmacy Quality Scheme 2026/27 clinical services audit: data submission now open

The Manage Your Service tool for the Pharmacy Quality Scheme 2026/27 clinical services audit is now available. Contractors must submit anonymised audit data by 11.59pm on 31 March 2027 to claim Domain 2 – Professional Practice. The audit requires a minimum of 10 unique patients who have received NHS Pharmacy First clinical pathway consultations.

National pharmacy health campaigns 2026/27: reminder

Under the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework 2026/27, contractors must promote two national health campaigns. From 5 October to 25 October 2026, the first campaign focuses on encouraging respect towards pharmacy teams. Contractors are encouraged to utilise available materials for promotion.

Community Pharmacy Assurance Framework (CPAF) – full survey

The full CPAF survey will be available from 1 October until 31 October 2026, with selected contractors directly contacted by the NHS Business Services Authority. Completion is mandatory for selected pharmacies and results will inform future visits. Access the survey via the Manage Your Service (MYS) portal.

Second podcast in new series marks World Contraception Day

To commemorate World Contraception Day, the latest episode of the Transforming Primary Care podcast discusses the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service, featuring insights from pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

Dentistry

Updates to general dental services and personal dental services

The statement of financial entitlements (SFE) for general dental services (GDS) contracts and personal dental services (PDS) agreements has been revised to reflect updates in the dental contract for 2026. This includes payments related to the Quality Improvement Programme effective from 1 April 2026 and changes for discretionary payment eligibility effective from 30 September 2026.

Primary care

Identifying and supporting unpaid carers – guidance updated

The guidance for identifying unpaid carers has been updated to support the commitments made in the 10-Year Health Plan and the Government's Unpaid Carers Action Plan (2026). It includes details on how carer coding can assist in population health management and service planning. Access the updated guidance here.

New features, more guidance from NHS.net connect coming soon

New features for NHS.net connect will soon be available to enhance user experience. Resources accessible via NHS.net include the Launchpad, NAS Introductory Pack, and the NAS cheat sheet. For support, visit the NAS FAQs or contact the helpdesk at helpdesk@nhs.net.

NHS Digital weight management programme: new providers

The NHS Digital weight management programme continues to support individuals living with obesity. New contracts will provide patients with varied provider choices starting from October 2026. For eligibility and referral information, see the NHS England guidance for general practices.

Improvement resources from NHS Impact now available

Training resources from the Operational Improvement Training are now accessible for frontline clinical and operational leaders. For more details, visit FutureNHS (sign-in required).

Get involved

Places available on new GP with extended role (GPwER) in gastroenterology training programme

ICBs are invited to identify GPs for a GPwER in gastroenterology training programme commencing in January 2027. This programme will equip GPs to work effectively between primary and secondary care. For more information and to register interest, see here by 12 October 2026.

Help shape the NHS College of Leadership and Management

Complete this short questionnaire to contribute to the three-year business plan for the NHS College of Leadership and Management. Feedback can be shared in a webinar on 6 October, focusing on clinical leadership and management. Register here.

Revised edition: green social prescribing toolkit for regional leaders

The green social prescribing toolkit provides insights on establishing nature-based projects that promote health and well-being. This toolkit aims to enhance partnerships and referral pathways.

Take part in research for Cervical Screening Management System (CSMS)

NHS England is seeking administrative staff and nurses to assist in testing new screens and processes for the Cervical Screening Management System (CSMS). Interested parties can find more information by completing this short form.

Further reading

Living with undiagnosed COPD article

Dr Sarah Elkin discusses findings from a project identifying individuals with undiagnosed COPD. The project successfully confirmed over 2,200 COPD diagnoses. Read the full article here.

Blog: How the Respiratory Transformation Partnership is innovating at scale

The Respiratory Transformation Partnership aims to improve care for patients with asthma and COPD. Read the blog by James Rose here.

Upcoming webinar and events

Primary care cybersecurity webinars

NHS England and the City of London Police Cyber Griffin team are hosting cybersecurity webinars for primary care. The sessions will focus on current cyber threats and preventive measures. Dates and registration:

• Cyber Baseline Part A: 4 November 1-2.15pm

• Cyber Baseline Part B: 24 November 1-2.15pm

For further details, contact the Joint Cyber Unit at england.jointcyberunit@nhs.net.

More events/webinars

• 5 October, 2 – 3.15pm, UKHSA Communicating vaccines webinar: winter vaccines 2026/27

• 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 any recent national webinars, view slides and recordings here.

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 the original email, see this link.