412 - Primary Care Bulletin: NHS Updates from 29 October 2026

Introduction

This article summarises the NHS England Primary Care Bulletin for 29 October 2026, the weekly email update for teams in general practice, dentistry, community pharmacy, and optometry.

Key themes of the week

The bulletin highlights several important updates, including reminders on appointment mapping for clinically urgent same-day (CUSD) appointments, the upcoming Ask Your Pharmacist Week, and efforts to improve the Record A Vaccination Service (RAVS).

Primary care updates

Reminder to ensure correct recording of COVID-19 vaccinations

Healthcare professionals are reminded to accurately record COVID-19 vaccinations in the Point of Care system. Currently available vaccines include Spikevax XFG and Bimervax LP.8.1. It is crucial to avoid recording the incorrect variant Spikevax LP.8.1, which is not supplied for the NHS programme.

Leaflet to support people prescribed tirzepatide

A new leaflet has been made available for individuals prescribed tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) to assist with weight management. This resource outlines what patients can expect from their treatment and associated support.

New report on green social prescribing activities

A new report from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs discusses nature-based activities and their integration into personalised care. The findings emphasise the benefits of green social prescribing and the significance of strong partnerships and local activity access.

Support for the UK Government’s campaign against violence

The campaign ‘Enough’ aims to reduce violence against women and girls. Resources are available to support recognition of less understood forms of abuse. Practices are encouraged to display the campaign assets in patient-facing areas.

Handbook for chronic pain conversations

A new handbook provides guidance for clinicians on effectively communicating with patients experiencing chronic pain. Developed in collaboration with healthcare providers and individuals with lived experience, it aims to help clinicians convey understanding and empowerment.

General practice updates

Reminder to map appointments for clinically urgent same-day care

As of April 2026, GP contracts require that clinically urgent appointments be addressed on the same day. Practices are reminded to map their appointments appropriately to meet these requirements. Guidance for clinical systems is available for EMIS and SystmOne.

Patient list maintenance pilot with SMS response option

A pilot initiative will allow patients to respond to patient list maintenance communications via text message. This option aims to aid patients with limited digital access and reduce workload for general practices. Patients can text HERE or GONE along with their NHS number and a unique code.

Community pharmacy updates

Ask Your Pharmacist Week: 2-9 November

The Ask Your Pharmacist Week will take place from 2-9 November 2026. Organised by the National Pharmacy Association with NHS England support, the theme this year focuses on raising awareness of pharmacy services, including Pharmacy First and flu vaccinations. Campaign materials are available for stakeholders to use.

Get involved

Freedom to Speak Up feedback needed

NHS England is seeking feedback on the Freedom to Speak Up expectations in primary care. Responses will inform practical expectations for speaking up arrangements. Colleagues can complete a short survey by 13 November.

Grow the next generation of NHS leaders

Organisations are invited to express interest in hosting an NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme trainee from September 2027. This initiative is open to primary care organisations and aims to develop future leadership talent. Find out more and submit an expression of interest by 18 December.

Help improve the Record A Vaccination Service

The RAVS team is looking for input from GP staff involved in vaccination processes. Interested individuals can express their willingness to participate in a short research call by emailing england.vaccinationresearch@nhs.net.

Podcast on single point of access systems

A recent episode of the Transforming Primary Care podcast discusses the advantages of Single Point of Access systems for managing referrals and advice.

Upcoming webinars and events

NHS App national webinar

An update on the NHS App will be held on 4 November from 11:30 to 12:30 PM. Registration is available on the NHS England website.

Webinar on NHS prescribing pharmacy services

A webinar for community pharmacy contractors regarding new NHS community pharmacy prescribing arrangements will take place on 9 November from 6:30 to 7:30 PM. Interested individuals can book their place.

More events/webinars

• 4 November, 12:30 PM: GIRFT webinar: launch of national online pathway for headache care

• 11 November, 10:30 AM: AI Ambassador Network Inaugural conference

• 17 November, 1 PM: Creating a neighbourhood warfarin clinic in community pharmacy

Catch up

View missed webinars

Slides and recordings of recent national webinars are available through the General Practice webinars link.

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.