413 - Primary Care Bulletin: NHS Updates from 5 November 2026

Introduction

This article summarises the NHS England Primary Care Bulletin for 5 November 2026, the weekly email update for teams in general practice, dentistry, community pharmacy, and optometry.

Summary of main themes

The latest bulletin highlights several important updates, including the withdrawal of the diabetes drug Levemir, the launch of the NHS Community Pharmacy Prescribing framework, and improvements to the NHS Notify messaging service for general practice. Additionally, there are opportunities for healthcare professionals to engage with upcoming awards and webinars.

General practice

Diabetes drug being discontinued

Levemir, a diabetes medication, is set to be withdrawn, with stocks expected to run out by the end of December 2026. Prescribers should avoid starting new patients on Levemir and transition existing patients to alternative insulins as advised in the ABCD/PCDO national guidance. Ensure the transition is part of a planned review to prevent supply issues.

NHS Notify simplifies governance for GP messaging

NHS England has streamlined the process for sending messages through NHS Notify, the national messaging service. This change eliminates the need for each Integrated Care Board (ICB) to complete a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which reduces administrative burdens and facilitates quicker adoption of NHS App-first messaging practices. Detailed guidance will be provided shortly.

Get veteran friendly accredited this Remembrance

Practices are encouraged to become Veteran Friendly Accredited during Remembrance week. The accreditation process helps practices better support veteran patients and connects them with specialist services, such as Op COURAGE and Op RESTORE.

Silicon Practice going into administration

In light of Silicon Practice entering administration, NHS England is providing ongoing support to affected GP practices. Regular updates are being shared to help practices navigate this situation and explore options for transitioning to alternative website and online consultation services. For assistance, practices should contact their ICB or the NHS Commercial and Procurement Hub at commercial.procurementhub@nhs.net.

Community pharmacy

NHS Community Pharmacy Prescribing: legal commencement

The Legal Service Directions have now taken effect, enabling community pharmacy prescribing to begin. Prescribing can only start once contractor declarations are approved by the ICB, and all readiness requirements are met. Community pharmacy contractors must review the necessary documents before submitting a Prescribing Consultation Claims declaration form.

Reminder: 2026 community pharmacy workforce survey

Community pharmacy contractors are reminded to complete the annual workforce survey by 14 November 2026. Participation is a requirement under the Terms of Service and the data collected will inform future planning and investment in the workforce. For assistance, contact the NHSBSA at pharmacysupport@nhsbsa.nhs.uk or visit NHS England's website.

Upcoming webinars and events

Chief Dental Officer webinar

The next Chief Dental Officer webinar is scheduled for 11 November from 6-7:30pm. Jason Wong, Chief Dental Officer for England, will discuss the use of care pathways in dental practices. To join, register here.

Health Insight Survey: Office for National Statistics webinar

The Office for National Statistics will hold a webinar on 24 November from 2-3pm to discuss the Health Insight Survey. This session will present findings and trends from the survey, which collects patient feedback on various health services.

NHS Genomics Summit

Registration is now open for the 2026 NHS Genomics Healthcare Summit, taking place on 14 and 15 December at IET London: Savoy Place. This summit aims to share best practices and discuss future directions for genomics in the NHS.

Get involved

Primary care research: clinically initiated blood pressure sharing via the NHS App

Healthcare professionals are invited to participate in an online research session focused on creating a blood pressure sharing service via the NHS App. The session will explore how practices can manage and monitor patient readings effectively. Registration closes on 23 November. Register your interest here.

Reimagining Strategic Commissioning podcast

The latest episode of the Reimagining Strategic Commissioning podcast discusses shared records and proactive care. It highlights the role of commissioning in facilitating these changes. Listen on SoundCloud or visit the Commissioning Academy for more resources.

Closing

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 for the original email.

Links extracted from the original bulletin:

• ABCD/PCDO national guidance

• Legal Service Directions

• Prescribing Consultation Claims declaration form

• Veteran Friendly Accredited

• Op COURAGE

• Op RESTORE

• pharmacysupport@nhsbsa.nhs.uk

• NHS England's website

• Register to join

• Health Insight Survey

• IET London: Savoy Place

• Register your interest here

• SoundCloud

• Commissioning Academy