GP flu consultations are at more than double the level recorded this time last year as an early wave of illness continues to surge across England, with cases now well above the epidemic threshold.  ( 3 min )

Wes Streeting’s recent comments about the BMA have been branded ‘hostile’ by the Doctors’ Association UK (DAUK) - as the organisation backed a GP’s formal complaint against the health and social care secretary.  ( 3 min )

EXCLUSIVE: A doctor has resigned from his role as a BMA England GP committee member citing concerns about a 'toxic and unbearable' environment.  ( 3 min )

Limited change is likely as part of a 'difficult' GP contract for 2026/27 - but the government could begin to incentivise the shift from PCNs to neighbourhoods ahead of more sweeping changes from April 2027, the BMA England GP committee chair has predicted.  ( 3 min )

Talking General Practice speaks to Dr Katie Bramall, chair of the BMA’s GP committee in England, about the dispute with the government over online access, what happens next and her concerns about the 10-year health plan and what that could mean for future GP contracts.  ( 3 min )

GPs are adopting artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support their work. Nuffield Trust director of research and policy Dr Becks Fisher writes for GPonline about what GPs are using it for and support they need to do so safely and efficiently.  ( 3 min )

We are seeking views on health and social care statistical outputs published by DHSC (including OHID), NHSBSA, UKHSA, ONS and NHS England.  ( 5 min )

An update on the November 2025 response to the consultation on health and social care statistical outputs which ran from December 2023 to March 2024.  ( 3 min )

Four in five care providers now use digital social care records, helping almost 90% of people who draw on care.  ( 13 min )

An AI-guided digital cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) tool to help manage mental health problems is being piloted in GP surgeries.

Four in five (80%) of care providers have replaced paper-based processes with digital social care records, the government has announced.

Our latest Movers and Shakers features Dr Bishoy Dimitri joining Dedalus as CCIO and clinical lead for the UK and Ireland.

NHS Digital’s Head of User Research, Rochelle Gold, asks the question – is it time to drop the ‘user’ from user research? As the Head of User Research, I often have conversations with people about what role user research plays in delivering great services. They can have very different levels of understanding of user research. Some really understand it, others have heard of it but don’t know what it is and some people have never heard of it and make incorrect assumptions.

The Chief Medical Officer for England, Professor Chris Whitty has released his Annual Report for 2025, on infectious diseases.  ( 8 min )

Government launches new independent review to look at rising demand for mental health, ADHD, and autism services and what is driving it.  ( 13 min )

Professor Chris Whitty’s annual report considers trends, successes and challenges in preventing and treating infectious diseases.  ( 5 min )

Non-executive appointments to the Department of Health and Social Care's public bodies and committees from April 2025 to March 2026.  ( 5 min )

Terms of reference for an independent review into the prevalence and support for mental health conditions, ADHD and autism.  ( 3 min )

Official statistics on a range of topics including occupancy and infection control measures in adult social care settings.  ( 4 min )

How local authorities in England can prepare to run the Best Start Family Hubs and Healthy Babies programme.  ( 3 min )

Severity: High An attacker could exploit CVE-2025-55182 to perform remote code execution. CVE-2025-55182 affects React and dependent React frameworks such as Next.js. An attacker could exploit CVE-2025-55182 to perform remote code execution. CVE-2025-55182 affects React and dependent React frameworks such as Next.js. Updated: 04 Dec 2025

Velindre University NHS Trust has selected Better to deliver an electronic prescribing and medicines administration (ePMA).

This week's briefing includes Kooth's acquisition of Kismet Health’s telehealth platform and seed funding for Cellbyte.

An AI imaging tool can help doctors spot deadly clots in stroke patients more than an hour earlier, a study has found.

The UK should leverage its new Health Data Research Service for the “benefit of the Treasury coffers”, health minister Zubir Ahmed said.

The NHS is facing an unprecedented flu wave this winter with “no peak in sight yet” according to England’s top emergency care doctor. Latest figures show an average of 1,717 patients were in a hospital bed every day last week because of flu – the highest on record for this time of year. Cases were […]  ( 5 min )

Hundreds of thousands of patients attended A&E last winter for everyday niggles such as hiccups and ingrowing nails, according to shocking new NHS data. There were more than 200,000 A&E attendances last winter for conditions that could have been dealt with elsewhere – including 8,669 attendances for itchy skin and 96,998 for a sore throat. […]  ( 6 min )

A GP has made a formal complaint against health and social care secretary Wes Streeting over language he has used to criticise the BMA - arguing it may breach MPs' code of conduct.  ( 3 min )

More than one in four GPs are using AI tools to cope with heavy workload - but a lack of guidance and training has left the profession operating in a 'wild west' that raises patient safety concerns, experts have warned.  ( 3 min )

The government says the BMA England GP committee is 'impossible' to work with - and that it plans to consult with 'wider primary care stakeholders' to shape next year's contract. So what do we know about the priorities organisations likely to be consulted could push for?  ( 3 min )

This year’s report provides a critical and up-to-date snapshot of efforts to control and eliminate malaria across 80 countries. The report also presents the threat posed by antimalarial resistance and its impact.  ( 10 min )

Rewired 2026 attendees will have a chance to see a live demonstration of humanoid robots that could revolutionise NHS patient care.

NHS hospital trusts across the north west of England will share patients' radiology images through an upgraded cloud portal from early 2026.

Irish life sciences and health tech companies set a decade-high record in 2024 raising €491.3 million across 89 VC deals.

The 4 nations response to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) market study into the UK infant and follow-on formula market.  ( 3 min )

Savings for families on baby formula as government brings in measures to help tackle child poverty.  ( 8 min )

GP online access has been rolled out at nearly all GP practices, benefitting patients across England.  ( 9 min )

Catch up quickly with our weekly round-up of key news stories for general practice.  ( 3 min )

International medical graduate (IMG) GP registrars have been unsettled by political rhetoric around immigration despite assurances that the UK will not change the timescale to qualify for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) for doctors, a medical association has warned.  ( 3 min )

Stroke patients in England are getting life-changing treatment more than an hour earlier thanks to a revolutionary “fast-track” AI tool, a major study has revealed. The landmark analysis published inThe Lancet Digital Health shows around 15,000 patients directly benefitted from having their scans reviewed by the tech. The AI tool — now rolled out by […]  ( 5 min )

The government has hailed data showing 99% of GP practices now keep online consultation systems on through core hours in line with updated contract requirements, but failed to acknowledge the impact of the change on the profession.  ( 3 min )

The Scottish government has published a refreshed Life Sciences Strategy, which includes harnessing new technologies such as AI.

Today's update features a platform supporting children with diabetes and the launch of a Postpartum Mum Tracker tool.

Innovate UK has launched its Women in Innovation Awards for 2025-26, offering up to 60 awardees support grants of up to £75,000.

Jess Asato appointed Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Adviser to reform NHS response as part of the government's mission to halve VAWG within a decade.  ( 8 min )

Resident doctors have agreed dates for a five-day strike in the run-up to Christmas, the BMA has announced.  ( 3 min )

Health and social care secretary Wes Streeting should spend 'less time having challenging conversations' within the NHS and use his skillset as the government's 'best communicator' to explain NHS reform to the general public, a leading policy expert has warned.  ( 3 min )

The government could use the breakdown in its relationship with the BMA GP committee to push through a 'very difficult contract for the profession', GP leaders have warned.  ( 3 min )

The government has outlined a new approach to GP contract negotiations for 2026/27. GPonline looks at what it could mean for general practice.  ( 3 min )

GP federations could partner with hospital trusts to take on neighbourhood contracts, a senior NHS official has said.  ( 3 min )

Milestone deal secures UK’s medicines access for patients, with a wide range of groundbreaking new treatments to reach NHS front-line quicker.  ( 18 min )

This plan sets out how the government will reach its ambition of ending new HIV transmissions by 2030.  ( 4 min )

The government has launched a scheme which will see thousands of people benefit from improved HIV testing and treatment under a new action plan.  ( 20 min )

The MHRA and NICE have secured £2m to continue its joint work around the regulation and evaluation of digital mental health technologies.

EPR training is often not sufficient to equip staff with the knowledge needed to use systems effectively, according to a report.

To address the growing global health challenge of obesity, which affects more than 1 billion people, WHO has released its first guideline on the use of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) therapies for treating obesity as a chronic, relapsing disease.  ( 10 min )

On World AIDS Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) calls on governments and partners to rapidly expand access to new WHO-approved tools including lenacapavir (LEN) to drive down infections and counter disruption to essential health services caused by cuts to foreign aid. Despite dramatic funding setbacks, the global HIV response has gained a remarkable momentum in 2025 with the introduction and WHO approval of twice-yearly injectable lenacapavir for HIV prevention. LEN, a highly effective, long-acting alternative to oral pills and other options, is a transformative intervention for people who face challenges with regular adherence and stigma in accessing health care. WHO released in July this year new guidelines recommending the use of lenacapavir as an additional pre-exposure prophyl…  ( 9 min )

Department of Health and Social Care spending by electronic purchasing card solution (ePCS), over £500.  ( 3 min )

Members of the expert guidelines development group, the experts through experience group and small groups advising the development of these guidelines.  ( 6 min )

An alphabetical list of technical words and terms and their meanings and definitions that are used in the UK clinical guidelines for alcohol treatment.  ( 16 min )

How to deliver alcohol treatment interventions in police custody suites, prisons and other secure settings and for people with community sentences or on licence.  ( 49 min )

Healthcare assessments, treatment and recovery planning and referral pathways for primary or secondary healthcare for people with alcohol related physical health conditions including liver disease, cardiovascular disease, specific cancers, and smoking and lung health issues.  ( 14 min )

How alcohol treatment services can become accessible and effective for everyone, especially groups who face barriers to accessing care. This includes ethnic minority groups, LGBTQ+ people, women, older adults and people with learning disabilities or neurodevelopmental conditions.  ( 75 min )

How community alcohol treatment and recovery services can provide accessible, trauma-informed, inclusive care. This includes how they work with health, care and recovery services to develop personalised treatment plans and deliver evidence-based interventions.  ( 12 min )

How to identify, assess and respond to domestic abuse among both victims and perpetrators in alcohol treatment services. It covers safety planning, staff training, multi-agency approaches and appropriate referral pathways and working with specialist domestic abuse services.  ( 23 min )

How to support women and other people who are pregnant to reduce or stop their alcohol use to reduce risks for the fetus and mother. It covers information and advice, multi-agency care planning, specialist treatment for alcohol dependence and support in the perinatal period.  ( 32 min )

A summary of common alcohol withdrawal symptoms and serious complications of alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol treatment staff should be able to understand and recognise the signs of alcohol withdrawal.  ( 3 min )

How to care for people with alcohol-use disorders in acute hospitals, covering assessment, providing a multidisciplinary approach, managing withdrawal, treating complications and planning discharge to ensure continuity of care with community alcohol treatment services.  ( 46 min )

How to treat problem alcohol use in UK armed forces personnel and veterans. It covers evidence-based interventions adapted for armed forces settings, the transition to civilian life and tailored support for veterans in community alcohol treatment services.  ( 28 min )

An overview of relevant legislation and guidance from across the UK's 4 nations, covering child and adult safeguarding, mental capacity, carers and domestic abuse.  ( 11 min )

This annex explains when people and healthcare professionals must notify the relevant agency about conditions such as alcohol use disorders that may affect driving safety.  ( 4 min )

How primary and community health services can routinely identify health risk from alcohol use and respond appropriately. GPs and their teams identify and manage alcohol related health conditions, provide harm reduction interventions and work with specialist alcohol services.  ( 28 min )

How alcohol treatment services can support parents and their children, including safeguarding responsibilities, working with children's social care and assessment and making referrals.  ( 17 min )

How to provide specialist alcohol interventions and support for children and young people. This includes assessment, care planning, multi-agency co-ordination, working with parents, safeguarding and the transition arrangements needed for young people moving to adult services.  ( 64 min )

How to provide tailored alcohol treatment for people experiencing homelessness. It covers strategies for improving access and engagement, highlighting the need for multi-agency integrated care to address alcohol use, housing and wider needs while reducing health inequalities.  ( 19 min )

How to support people with co-occurring mental health conditions and problem alcohol use, emphasising the 'everyone's job' and 'no wrong door' principles while outlining co-ordinated care across mental health and alcohol treatment services and evidence-based interventions.  ( 35 min )

Residential treatment and intensive structured day programmes for alcohol dependence aim to help people achieve abstinence and begin recovery through evidence-based interventions. This includes group work, individual support and planning for continuity of care in the community.  ( 17 min )

How to prevent, identify, assess and treat alcohol related brain damage (ARBD) using brief cognitive assessment, harm reduction, multidisciplinary pathways for comprehensive assessment and treatment planning, adapted interventions for cognitive impairments and long term support.  ( 30 min )

The Secretary of State addressed the Barnardo's Health Conference about children’s health.  ( 22 min )

Accounting officer assessment summaries for the Department of Health and Social Care’s programmes and projects in the Government Major Projects Portfolio.  ( 4 min )

The Neighbourhood Health Service must be based on local realities rather than follow a central blueprint, according to NHS digital leaders.

One in four UK patients (24%) are turning to AI and social media for help in understanding their health, according to survey results.

WHO/Europe has designated Public Health Wales as a collaborating centre for digital health equity to improve access to technologies.

Many GP premises in Scotland are ‘unsuitable and unsustainable’, the Scottish health secretary has admitted - as he told LMCs the government is ‘looking at every possible option’ to fund improvements.  ( 5 min )

General practice in Scotland is heading into a 'pivotal' three-year period for its future, backed by a major funding deal that provides an opportunity the profession must grasp, BMA Scotland's GP committee chair has said.  ( 3 min )

The GPonline team discusses the key news stories affecting general practice.  ( 2 min )

The World Health Organization (WHO) today called on countries to make fertility care safer, fairer and more affordable for all in its first-ever global guideline for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infertility.Infertility is estimated to affect 1 in 6 people of reproductive age at some point in their lives.  ( 9 min )

BMA leaders have urged the government to call a halt to 'relentless attacks' on the profession and work with GPs to achieve shared aims around improving care.  ( 2 min )

Health and social care secretary Wes Streeting has accused the chair of the BMA England GP committee of 'deeply unprofessional' behaviour and misleading the profession, in a letter he sent directly to GPs.  ( 2 min )

A year on from the publication of landmark NICE guidelines on asthma, GP and clinical lead for Asthma + Lung UK Dr Andy Whittamore writes for GPonline about why their implementation is crucial.  ( 7 min )

NHS England directors Rachel Hope and Liz Clow will speak about 'the shift to prevention' at Digital Health Rewired 2026.

Today's briefing includes how brain stimulation can prevent depression relapses of major depressive disorder in 75% of patients.

MPs called for the government to prioritise UK companies for big NHS tech contracts, rather than US giants like Microsoft and Palantir.

Researchers have developed a platform to determine whether commercial AI algorithms are fit for NHS use to detect diabetic eye disease.

Recommendations from the advisory committee on the Safety of Blood, Tissues and Organs (SaBTO) on patient consent for blood transfusion.  ( 4 min )

Official statistics on adult safeguarding concerns that were raised and where enquiries took place during 2024 to 2025 in England.  ( 4 min )

More than 8 million people submitted their GP request online during October 2025, up more than a fifth (21%) on the previous month and up more than two-thirds (68%) on last year. The new figures come as the NHS and government strive to make contacting your practice as easy as possible. Around 1 in 3 […]  ( 5 min )

The NHS App connects millions of people to essential healthcare services, but some struggle to use it. Tanja Galloway, Lisa Collins and Simon Davis explore the challenges and share practical insights for making user research inclusive and accessible so no one is left behind. The NHS App connects millions of people to access essential healthcare services. As part of the government’s 10 Year Health Plan, by 2028 the NHS App will become a full digital front door to the NHS. Yet for many, this digital future feels out of reach.  Some risk being left behind due to barriers that prevent them from accessing, or confidently using, the NHS App.

The NHS App connects millions of people to essential healthcare services, but some struggle to use it. Tanja Galloway, Lisa Collins and Simon Davis explore the challenges and share practical insights for making user research inclusive and accessible so no one is left behind. The NHS App connects millions of people to access essential healthcare services. As part of the government’s 10 Year Health Plan, by 2028 the NHS App will become a full digital front door to the NHS. Yet for many, this digital future feels out of reach.  Some risk being left behind due to barriers that prevent them from accessing, or confidently using, the NHS App.

Tero Väänänen, Head of Design in NHS England’s Transformation directorate, explains the new NHS digital design principle focused on sustainability. The NHS has set an ambitious goal of achieving ‘net zero‘ carbon emissions by 2040 for the emissions we control directly. This is not only for environmental reasons. As the Greener NHS programme clearly states, climate change is a health risk as well as an environmental risk.

Global immunization efforts have led to an 88% drop in measles deaths between 2000 and 2024, according to a new report from the World Health Organization (WHO). Nearly 59 million lives have been saved by the measles vaccine since 2000.  ( 12 min )

The Minister of State for Care, Stephen Kinnock spoke at the Hospice UK conference, launching the Palliative and End-of-Life Care Modern Service Framework.  ( 22 min )

Severity: Medium A supply chain campaign dubbed "Shai Hulud 2.0" and "Sha1 Hulud: The Second Coming" affecting hundreds of npm packages A supply chain campaign dubbed "Shai Hulud 2.0" and "Sha1 Hulud: The Second Coming" affecting hundreds of npm packages Updated: 26 Nov 2025

Catch up quickly with our weekly round-up of key news stories for general practice.  ( 2 min )

Changes to pension tax and rumoured changes to national insurance that could have heaped extra costs on GP partners did not materialise in the 2025 autumn budget - but measures set out by the chancellor will have a substantial impact on many GPs. GPonline looks at the changes and expert reaction.  ( 3 min )

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed plans to create 250 neighbourhood health centres by 2035 with help from private investment in an autumn budget that will drive up costs for GP practices with a 4.1% rise in the minimum wage.  ( 3 min )

GP leaders fear the government is preparing to impose contract changes for 2026/27 on the profession after officials outlined plans to 'consult' with the BMA England GP committee alongside 'wider primary care stakeholders'.  ( 2 min )

Chancellor Rachel Reeves pledged to invest £300 million of additional capital investment in NHS technology in the Autumn Budget.

Younger men are under-represented in the government's Men's Health Strategy, according to a neuroscience tech firm.

Baroness Nicola Blackwood, a leader in life sciences and innovation, has been appointed as chair of the Health Data Research Service (HDRS).

Patients to benefit from faster life-saving treatments as new leader appointed for health data service  ( 10 min )

The Secretary of State gave a speech at the King's Fund today about children's health.  ( 22 min )

A technical consultation seeking views on how to implement pack inserts in cigarette and hand rolling tobacco packaging.  ( 3 min )

The government has announced an extension of the soft drinks industry levy to more high-sugar drinks, including milk-based drinks.  ( 10 min )

HMRC and HM Treasury are seeking views on proposed changes to the Soft Drinks Industry Levy (SDIL).  ( 4 min )

A digital education programme has been launched to provide access to digital and data knowledge for AHPs based in the UK.

The Autumn Budget will include £300 million of new capital investment in NHS technology to help to improve productivity.

Today's briefing includes an analysis of whether patients can use the digital tools needed for the NHS 10 year plan.

The Department of Health and Social Care plans to allow researchers access to patient data from the Covid-19 pandemic despite GPs' concerns.

The government will confirm plans to pay for new primary care infrastructure through public-private partnership funding deals in this week's autumn budget.  ( 2 min )

Patients with an aggressive form of leukaemia will be able to receive a breakthrough immunotherapy on the NHS that saw over three quarters of patients go into remission in trials. The CAR T-cell therapy – known as ‘obe-cel’ – involves taking a patient’s immune cells and reprogramming them in a lab to identify and target […]  ( 7 min )

250 Neighbourhood Health Centres to bring patient care closer to home and bring end to postcode lottery of healthcare access.  ( 12 min )

Details of the third meeting held by the Interministerial Group (IMG) for Health and Social Care.  ( 3 min )

Details of the first meeting held by the Interministerial Group (IMG) for Health and Social Care.  ( 3 min )

Millions of Brits could boost their mood by spending five minutes taking a Healthy Choices Quiz launched by the government and the NHS.  ( 15 min )

Some overseas GPs offered jobs through the additional roles reimbursement scheme (ARRS) are missing out on visas because they fall short of Home Office salary thresholds, GPonline understands.  ( 2 min )

As the chancellor prepares to unveil the 2025 autumn budget on Wednesday, GPonline looks at what organisations representing GPs want to hear - and some of the concerns raised by financial experts.  ( 2 min )

GP leaders have urged the government to develop a new 'patient-centred contract' for general practice, backed with an extra £40 per patient and based on recommendations from a cross-party committee of MPs.  ( 2 min )

Matthew Firth describes our best practice policies around APIs – and how the most important one is not about the technical aspects of the work. For the past 3 years, we have been on a mission to make integration easier within the NHS for people building healthcare technology.

Severity: Medium A critical vulnerability could allow an unauthenticated attacker to takeover Oracle Identity Manager A critical vulnerability could allow an unauthenticated attacker to takeover Oracle Identity Manager Updated: 24 Nov 2025

Five AI tools that help spot warning signs of bowel cancer earlier have been conditionally recommended by NICE.

Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust has gone live with an electronic patient record supplied by Oracle Health.

NHS Orkney has delayed the go-live of its new electronic patient record (EPR) due to “significant resource challenges”.

The NHS managed to ‘safely keep the show on the road’ despite industrial action last week, with data showing more than 95% of planned elective activity going ahead for patients. Data published today shows the NHS met its ambitious goal to maintain 95% of planned care during this round of strike action – surpassing the […]  ( 5 min )

Reports on departmental staff numbers and costs.  ( 3 min )

We want to know what you think about our plans for fair pay agreements in adult social care.  ( 4 min )

A neighbouring practice, the community hospital and patients have rallied round and offered support to a GP practice in Monmouthshire, Wales, which was forced to close following severe flooding.  ( 3 min )

This week, the chair of the BMA GP committee Dr Katie Bramall called for the profession to adopt a united front in the face of an escalating row with the government over online consultations, writes Emma Bower.  ( 3 min )

After a positive start, this year has seen a remarkable boom-to-bust shift in the relationship between ministers and the BMA GP committee as general practice re-entered dispute over online consultations. Below, GPonline sets out a timeline of where it all went wrong.  ( 3 min )

Talking General Practice speaks to Dr Luke Sayers, a GP partner and the lead for clinical continuity of care at North Tyneside ICB, and Dr Tom Kennedy, a GP registrar and ICB clinical fellow, about the importance of continuity of care.  ( 3 min )

Rising numbers of overseas doctors - including GPs - quitting the UK could leave 'huge holes' in the NHS workforce, the GMC has warned.  ( 2 min )

Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (QVH) has gone live with its first electronic patient record (EPR) system. The specialist hospital in West Sussex, which provides reconstructive surgery, burns care, and rehabilitation services, worked with Altera Digital Health to launch the Sunrise platform, nicknamed ‘Archie’ on 4 November, replacing many of their patient and clinical […]

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust has deployed Alcidion’s Miya Emergency across Southampton General Hospital.

The government has updated Intellectual Property (IP) guidance for the NHS in England to speed up innovation and access to new technologies.

Guidance and materials for the adult social care survey (ASCS) in England 2025 to 2026 survey year.  ( 5 min )

Contact details of the people in child death overview panels (CDOPs) who are responsible for receiving child death notifications.  ( 8 min )

More than half of GP practices say that changes to online access had an adverse impact on patient care and staff, according to a BMA survey.

Today's roundup of news contains a state-of-the-art dissolving stent and software to accelerate diagnosis and treatment pathways for asthma.

Three NHS university trust chief executives who are betting big on digital have been confirmed as Digital Health Rewired 2026 speakers.

Manchester University NHS Foundation has gone live with a digital twin of six hospitals as part of its strategy to create a smart estate.

A joint National Patient Safety Alert has been issued by the NHS England National Patient Safety team, in collaboration with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, Royal College of Physicians and Royal College of General Practitioners, about the risk of harm from inadvertently recording patients’ penicillin allergies as penicillamine allergies in electronic prescribing and medicines administration (EPMA) […]  ( 4 min )

NHS teams across the country are ramping up their winter flu vaccine offer in the lead up to Christmas – hitting the high street and local shopping centres in a bid to bring the vaccine closer to patients across the Black Friday sales. The country-wide vaccination drive kicks off this weekend with those eligible for […]  ( 5 min )

Most GP practices say disputed changes to online access have negatively affected patient care, with more than two in five forced to reduce face-to-face appointments and GPs reporting serious risks of patient harm, a BMA poll reveals.  ( 3 min )

GPs and practice receptionists are being impersonated by scammers who call patients and threaten to remove them from their GP surgeries’ lists unless they ‘update their records’ over the phone and reveal personal information including bank details.  ( 2 min )

Catch up quickly with our weekly round-up of key news stories for general practice.  ( 2 min )

BMA England GP committee chair Dr Katie Bramall has repeated calls for general practice to stand together amid an escalating war of words with government over the basis for the profession's ongoing dispute.  ( 3 min )

Government handling of plans to slash ICB costs carries 'chilling echoes' of past failures with schemes like the High Speed 2 (HS2) rail project - while NHS recovery targets have been missed despite extra spending, MPs have warned.  ( 3 min )

Sets out medicines that can be moved to Northern Ireland to meet patient need.  ( 45 min )

Details the equality impact assessment that accompanies the men's health strategy, Men’s health: a strategic vision for England.  ( 3 min )

This call for evidence is seeking the views of the public, as well as health and social care professionals, academics, employers and stakeholder organisations to inform a Men’s Health Strategy for England.  ( 5 min )

Details the government’s 10-year vision for men's health and the actions we are taking now to improve the health and wellbeing of all men and boys in England.  ( 3 min )

North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust (NWAS) will digitise its medicine inventory process with a digital pharmacy stock management solution.

Researchers are developing a smart textiles bra to help women with intellectual disabilities monitor for breast cancer. Women with intellectual disabilities face significantly higher mortality rates because cognitive, sensory, and physical needs cause barriers engaging with mammography. A team of scientists and designers at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) and the University of Glasgow (UofG) are […]

Ming Tang, interim chief digital and information officer at NHSE, said that the single patient record will connect existing systems.

Severity: Medium Advisory addresses a vulnerability that could allow an authenticated attacker to perform remote code execution via crafted HTTP requests or CLI commands Advisory addresses a vulnerability that could allow an authenticated attacker to perform remote code execution via crafted HTTP requests or CLI commands Updated: 19 Nov 2025

Violence against women remains one of the world’s most persistent and under-addressed human rights crises, with very little progress in two decades, according to a landmark report released today by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UN partners. Nearly 1 in 3 women – estimated 840 million globally – have experienced partner or sexual violence during their lifetime, a figure that has barely changed since 2000. In the last 12 months alone, 316 million women – 11% of those aged 15 or older – were subjected to physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner. Progress on reducing intimate partner violence has been painfully slow with only 0.2% annual decline over the past two decades. For the first time, the report includes national and regional estimates of sexual violence by someone o…  ( 13 min )

The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that gonorrhoea, a sexually transmitted infection, is becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics, according to new data from its Enhanced Gonococcal Antimicrobial Surveillance Programme (EGASP), which monitors the spread of drug-resistant gonorrhoea.  The report highlights the need to strengthen surveillance, improve diagnostic capacity and ensure equitable access to new treatments for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The release of the new data coincides with World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week, reinforcing the importance of global action against drug-resistant infections. EGASP, launched by WHO in 2015, collects laboratory and clinical data from sentinel sites around the world to track AMR and inform treatment guideli…  ( 8 min )

The government launches bold plan to tackle physical and mental health challenges faced by men and boys, and reduce inequalities.  ( 21 min )

The government updates NHS IP guidance for the first time in 23 years, cutting red tape so innovations reach patients fasters and boost the UK's economic growth  ( 10 min )

New government funding will help make the boldest ideas in UK life sciences a reality.  ( 16 min )

This guidance provides practical steps, good practice principles, case studies and model agreements and templates to support effective IP management in the NHS.  ( 4 min )

Severity: Medium Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code Updated: 18 Nov 2025

Severity: Medium Security update addresses an exploited high severity vulnerability in Google Chrome Security update addresses an exploited high severity vulnerability in Google Chrome Updated: 18 Nov 2025

A man described as an ‘obsessive and volatile stalker’ has been sentenced to nine years in prison after he subjected his former GP to eight months of stalking.  ( 2 min )

A review of the outdated formula used to distribute core general practice funding will fail unless it is underpinned by fresh investment, accountants have warned.  ( 2 min )

GPs need more support to prioritise high-risk respiratory patients to prevent a winter catastrophe, experts have warned.  ( 2 min )

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust (UHL) has deployed Nervecentre’s patient administration system (PAS).

Today’s briefing includes Imprivata's cyber security acquisition and Leeds Beckett University's launch of a Sport Health Tech Incubator.

In this episode of Digital Health Unplugged, Paul Jones, CDIO at Leeds Teaching Hospitals, delves into the 10 year health plan and more.

An apprenticeship programme is being launched to equip NHS staff with the critical skills needed to use the federated data platform.

The NHS is reminding the public to come forward for lifesaving and planned care as normal during the last day of strike action. This period of industrial action by resident doctors began at 7am on Friday 14 November and will continue until 7am tomorrow (Wednesday 19 November). Patients should attend any planned appointments unless they […]  ( 4 min )

Martin Jarvis, Incident Management Lead in our Cyber Security Operations Centre (CSOC), explains how the preparedness of individual NHS organisations, working alongside central response capabilities, forms a protective partnership to keep the NHS safe. Driving forward the NHS 10 Year Health Plan’s commitment to move 'from analogue to digital' means cyber security is more critical than ever. As we build a digitally-enabled health service, where patients can access care 24/7 through the NHS App and other digital channels, robust cyber defences are essential for patient safety and continuity of care.

Martin Jarvis, Incident Management Lead in our Cyber Security Operations Centre (CSOC), explains how the preparedness of individual NHS organisations, working alongside central response capabilities, forms a protective partnership to keep the NHS safe. Driving forward the NHS 10 Year Health Plan’s commitment to move 'from analogue to digital' means cyber security is more critical than ever. As we build a digitally-enabled health service, where patients can access care 24/7 through the NHS App and other digital channels, robust cyber defences are essential for patient safety and continuity of care.

Her Palestinian healthcare colleagues had lost weight, medication was being rationed and kites once flown in the sky by children are now nowhere to be seen. These are just some of the changes a Lancashire-based GP saw on her third humanitarian trip to war-torn Gaza.  ( 6 min )

LMCs in Northern Ireland have warned that general practice cannot survive within its current contract and voted for the BMA to develop a strategy for GPs to quit the NHS.  ( 2 min )

Many GP practices will be forced to close if the government makes the 'catastrophic mistake' of stripping enhanced services cash from practices to fund neighbourhoods, the BMA has warned - as the government cancelled all talks with the profession's leaders.  ( 3 min )

Many GP practices will be forced to close if the government makes the 'catastrophic mistake' of stripping enhanced services cash from practices to fund neighbourhoods, the BMA has warned - as the government cancelled all talks with the profession's leaders.  ( 3 min )

Digital Health is inviting nominations for an 'Impact List' to celebrate the individuals making a difference across health and care.

A project involving an app from Holly Health has improved digital self-management for people living with or at risk of multimorbidity.

Equity Charter launched its Community of Practice at its inaugural conference, with a mission to help achieve equity in digital health.

Today marks the first World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day – mandated by the World Health Assembly – a historic milestone in global efforts to end a preventable cancer.  ( 10 min )

This brings together the latest information on carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning for healthcare professionals.  ( 3 min )

The World Health Organization (WHO) is marking its first official observance of World Prematurity Day with the launch of a new global clinical practice guide for Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) – a simple, proven and life-saving intervention that significantly improves survival for preterm and low birth weight babies. Each year, an estimated 15 million babies are born too soon (before 37 weeks of pregnancy), and complications from preterm birth are the leading cause of death among children under five years of age. In the poorest countries, most extremely preterm babies die within days – whereas in high-income countries, almost all survive. KMC – which combines prolonged skin to skin contact with breast-milk feeding – has been shown to dramatically improve outcomes for small and preterm newborns…  ( 9 min )

The COP30 Special report on health and climate change: delivering the Belém Health Action Plan, notes that rising temperatures and collapsing health systems are claiming more lives, and calls for immediate and coordinated action to protect health in a rapidly warming world. It follows the launch of the Belém Health Action Plan, a flagship initiative of Brazil’s COP 30 Presidency, unveiled on the dedicated Health Day of COP30 – 13 November 2025.  ( 11 min )

The World Health Organization (WHO) today released its first global guidelines for the management of diabetes during pregnancy, a condition affecting about one in six pregnancies – or 21 million women annually. The new recommendations provide a critical roadmap to tackle this growing health challenge and prevent serious complications for both women and their children.  ( 7 min )

Department of Health and Social Care spending by electronic purchasing card solution (ePCS), over £500.  ( 3 min )

Severity: Medium Security researchers have observed mass exploitation of an undisclosed FortiWeb vulnerability in the wild. Security researchers have observed mass exploitation of an undisclosed FortiWeb vulnerability in the wild. Updated: 14 Nov 2025

New laws have been introduced in Parliament to help protect the NHS and other sectors from the threat of cyber attacks.

A national study has found that more than 70% of reported NHS digital health technologies (DHTs) have no clinical safety assurance.

Our latest roundup of contracts and go lives features planned Nervecentre electronic patient record (EPR) rollouts at two NHS trusts.

Practice finances could be 'decimated' if the government approves a raid on hundreds of millions of pounds in enhanced services cash to fund new neighbourhood contracts, GPs fear.  ( 3 min )

The GPonline team discusses the key news stories affecting general practice.  ( 3 min )

The NHS is urging patients to continue coming forward for care with thousands of resident doctors expected to go on strike. Industrial action begins at 7am today (Friday 14 November) until 7am on Wednesday 19 November and hospital teams across the country are working round the clock to ensure disruption is minimised for patients. Plans […]  ( 5 min )

Official statistics on adult social care finance in councils with adult social services responsibilities, including information on expenditure and income sources across both long and short term care.  ( 4 min )

Information about NHS England's objectives and funding arrangements as it commissions public health services.  ( 3 min )

Data on the funds collected by the Compensation Recovery Unit and funds paid to the NHS.  ( 3 min )

Severity: Medium Advisory addresses a critical vulnerability that could allow a remote unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code Advisory addresses a critical vulnerability that could allow a remote unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code Updated: 13 Nov 2025

Resources to help local commissioners achieve value for money by estimating the return on investment (ROI) and cost-effectiveness of public health programmes.  ( 10 min )

Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust will establish a Secure Data Environment for mental health research in partnership with DATAMIND.

Three of UK healthcare’s most influential voices will speak at Rewired 2026 on how to harness AI safely, ethically and effectively.

This morning's briefing includes a pilot of brain stimulation headsets and a framework to support the integration of AI into practice.

NHS clinicians have the opportunity to apply for two clinical AI fellowship programmes aimed at developing future leaders.

The NHS waiting list is 230,000 lower than July last year, even as the health service ‘approaches its limit’ with A&E and ambulances facing record demand ahead of winter. The overall waiting list for September was 7.39 million (an estimated 6.24 million patients) down 15,845 compared to the previous month and 230,000 fewer than July […]  ( 5 min )

Hundreds more people with an aggressive form of blood cancer can now be offered hope of a cure and “a new lease of life” from today thanks to an NHS drug rollout. Glofitamab (Columvi®) will now be offered to around 300 people a year with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) — a […]  ( 6 min )

The Secretary of State addressed the NHS Providers Conference in Manchester.  ( 29 min )

High-performing NHS trusts will be given more independence to deliver faster, better and more personalised care.  ( 7 min )

Statement from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) about vaccines for the 2026 to 2027 influenza season.  ( 3 min )

The care workforce pathway outlines the knowledge, skills, values and behaviours people need to work in adult social care.  ( 4 min )

Health and social care secretary Wes Streeting has accused the BMA of 'cartel-like behaviour' ahead of strikes by resident doctors and promised to 'plough on regardless' with NHS reform - while arguing that GPs' future depends on 'fundamental modernisation'.  ( 3 min )

NHS GPs have reduced antibiotic prescribing but overall use has risen because of a surge in private prescriptions, health officials have warned - as data revealed a rise in antibiotic-resistant infections last year.  ( 3 min )

Catch up quickly with our weekly round-up of key news stories for general practice.  ( 3 min )

Making 50% of ICB staff redundant could undermine plans to shift NHS care to a more preventive model and may not deliver promised gains in clinical output, the BMA has warned.  ( 3 min )

Severity: Medium Scheduled updates for Microsoft products address 63 vulnerabilities, of which 1 is under exploitation. Scheduled updates for Microsoft products address 63 vulnerabilities, of which 1 is under exploitation. Updated: 12 Nov 2025

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious killers, claiming over 1.2 million lives and affecting an estimated 10.7 million people last year, according to the WHO Global Tuberculosis Report 2025, released today.  ( 10 min )

The World Health Organization (WHO) today announced that Egypt has successfully eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, marking a historic public health milestone for the country and WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Region (WHO EMR). It is the seventh country in WHO EMR to achieve this milestone. The validation of Egypt’s achievement brings the total number of countries that have eliminated trachoma as a public health problem worldwide to 27. “I congratulate Egypt for reaching this milestone and liberating its people from trachoma,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.  “This demonstrates the effectiveness of sustained national leadership, strong surveillance and community engagement in ending a disease that has afflicted humanity since antiquity.” Following Egypt…  ( 10 min )

Lanas Healthcare Technology has launched following its acquisition of electronic health record supplier Clanwilliam Group.

Thousands of job cuts will go ahead following a deal with the Treasury allowing the NHS to overspend this year to cover redundancy costs.

Cera has acquired robot technology platform GenieConnect and will scale the use of its home care robots following successful pilots.

Government officials have given ICBs the green light to complete 50% staff cuts after agreeing a long-awaited funding package for redundancy costs estimated at £1bn.  ( 3 min )

GP practice staff who entered the Great Scottish Run as a team say the experience has improved their fitness, helped build working relationships and encourage patients to be more active.  ( 3 min )

Health Secretary announces plans to redirect billions of pounds from NHS reform back into patient care  ( 9 min )

The full government response to the independent review into the placement and care of girls in youth custody.  ( 4 min )

Pneumonia remains one of the world’s leading infectious killers. It still claims more lives of children under five than any other infectious disease, and also poses a serious threat to older people and those with chronic health conditions, particularly in low-and middle-income countries.  Protecting children and communities from pneumonia means strengthening health systems - so that preventive measures reach everyone, and every person with symptoms can get rapid diagnosis and the right treatment, including antibiotics and medical oxygen when needed.  We know what works.  Urgent action will ensure every breath matters:  Scale up prevention: Ensure all children have access to essential vaccines such as those for Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), pneumococcus, measles, and pertussis. Promote exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, adequate nutrition, and environments free from tobacco smoke and indoor air pollution.  Strengthen primary health care: Equip health workers with the tools and training to recognize and manage pneumonia early.  Promote equity and accountability: Monitor progress, close gaps in access to vaccines, oxygen, and care, and integrate pneumonia control into broader child-health, ageing, and environmental health programmes.  Increase access to oxygen: Ensure that every health facility - especially in low-resource settings - has reliable access to medical oxygen, pulse oximetry, and the supplies and training needed to use them safely.  ( 6 min )

Stockport NHS FT has gone live with a healthcare language app from CardMedic, enabling staff to communicate more confidently with patients.

Pathology supplier Synnovis is contacting NHS organisations which had data stolen and published online following a major cyber attack.

This edition of Coffee Time includes an interactive Data Explorer on planetary health diet and in innovation call from the UNITE consortium.

More staff than ever before are leaving healthcare due to digital technologies, according to the deputy director of the NHS Digital Academy.

GPs deliver over 50% more consultations per day on average than the safe limit recommended by the BMA - and one in three say their daily workload is potentially unsafe, GPonline polling suggests.  ( 3 min )

Nearly one in three GPs are unlikely to be working in general practice five years from now, according to alarming RCGP polling that shows the profession is facing an imminent 'mass exodus'.  ( 3 min )

Primary care minister Stephen Kinnock has accused the BMA England GP committee of 'standing in the way of changes vital for patient care' and claimed plans to escalate action by general practice are 'founded on untruths'.  ( 3 min )

Delays to a joint EPR at South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust and George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust could cost around £1m a month.

Doctors' leaders have voted in favour of GP practices refusing to comply with online consultation tool requirements.

Digital transformation and data-driven intelligence will be central to how ICBs plan and buy services, under the new commissioning framework.

Severity: Medium When chained together, the vulnerabilities could allow for unauthenticated remote code execution and full device takeover When chained together, the vulnerabilities could allow for unauthenticated remote code execution and full device takeover Updated: 10 Nov 2025

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care thanks Dr Camilla Kingdon for undertaking the review of children’s hearing services, and sets out next steps.  ( 3 min )

Sets out the final report from the independent review of children’s hearing services in England.  ( 3 min )

Government rolls out new training programme to help NHS staff across England give the Armed Forces community the personalised care they deserve.  ( 12 min )

The NHS supported a record number of people with type 2 diabetes to sign up to its ‘soups and shakes’ diet programme last year, helping them to lose weight and potentially put their condition into remission. Over 13,000 people were enrolled onto the NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme, also known as the […]  ( 6 min )

Additional roles reimbursement scheme (ARRS) jobs are creating a two-tier system in which newly-qualified GPs are being paid 'significantly below market rate', LMCs have warned.  ( 3 min )

LMCs have demanded an indicative ballot of the profession over actions including 'full-day walkouts', just hours after backing a threat of mass resignation from practice contracts - underscoring the depth of anger in general practice amid a spiralling dispute with the government.  ( 3 min )

LMCs have demanded that the GP contract change mandating practices to keep online consultation systems open throughout core hours is scrapped, and called on the BMA to draw up plans for 'non-compliance' with the requirements.  ( 3 min )

GP leaders have backed plans to collect undated contract resignation letters from partners across England in a major escalation of the dispute between general practice and the government.  ( 3 min )

GP practices should not participate in neighbourhood health provider structures unless they are led by general practice, LMCs have said.  ( 3 min )

GP practices should not participate in neighbourhood health provider structures unless they are led by general practice, doctors’ leaders have argued.  ( 3 min )

The ‘crashingly disappointing’ Labour government has betrayed and lied to GPs, BMA England GP committee chair Dr Katie Bramall has told LMCs.  ( 3 min )

A charity that supports GPs who are struggling financially has been forced to restrict the length of time it can help beneficiaries because of its own money worries.  ( 3 min )

Talking General Practice speaks to RCGP veterans clinical champion Dr Emily Brookes about the health needs of military veterans and their families, and what general practice can do to support these groups of patients.  ( 3 min )

In an important step, Member States started discussing for the first time the proposed draft text of the annex to the WHO Pandemic Agreement that establishes the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) system. The PABS system is a key part of the global agreement adopted earlier in 2025 to make the world safer from future pandemics.  ( 8 min )

Despite increasing recognition of mental health across UN policy frameworks, children and youth remain largely absent from global commitments, data systems, and financing priorities.  ( 9 min )

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals is trialling a tech-enabled pathway to provide digital prehabilitation services for colorectal cancer.

This roundup includes the immediate departure of Sir Julian Hartley as chief executive of the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

DHSC has announced 45 pilot schemes across England using remote monitoring and self-reporting tools through the NHS App.

Guidance on the £12.5 million regional fund to support migrant care workers impacted by sponsor non-compliance or unethical practice and to reduce poor employment practices.  ( 4 min )

More patients will receive faster, more convenient care from the comfort of their own homes, through the rollout of new digital technologies across the NHS.  ( 10 min )

Sets out medicines that cannot be exported from the UK or hoarded because they are needed for UK patients.  ( 13 min )

Fewer than one in three under-65s with a long-term health condition have been vaccinated against flu so far this year - leaving millions of patients at increased risk amid an early surge in flu cases, health officials have warned.  ( 3 min )

Exclusive GP practices could face total combined damages of £30m from discrimination claims initiated by a physician associates (PA) union, Pulse has learned. Earlier this year, United Medical Associate Professionals (UMAPs) said it was preparing hundreds of individual employment claims against GP practices who were affected by the ‘discriminatory’ scope guidance from the BMA and The post PA union’s discrimination claims against GP practices could amount to £30m appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 5 min )

Public health officials have issued advice to parents after rising rates of E. coli infections impacting young children. Shiga Toxin producing E.coli (STEC) infections surged by 26% in England in 2024, UK Health Security Agency figures show. The increase was partly driven by an outbreak linked to contaminated salad leaves, which caused 196 cases in The post Health officials warn of rising E. coli cases in young children appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 7 min )

A new NHS England FAQ document appeared to water down ‘immediate actions’ which were issued to GP practices immediately following the publication of the Leng review into physician associates (PAs). NHS England wrote to organisations last week (15 August) to address ‘short-term uncertainty for affected staff groups’ and ‘provide clarity for staff, patients, and employers’ The post NHSE FAQ waters down physician associate review actions for GP practices appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 9 min )

Pulse editor Sofia Lind warns against using artificial intelligence as a substitute for GPs Artificial intelligence has just outscored GPs in MRCGP-style exams. Four large language models answered 100 AKT-style questions with scores of 95% to 99%, compared with the average GP mark of 73%. It is a striking result, but one to be cautious The post NHS must resist the urge to replace GPs with AI appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 8 min )

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools have outscored GPs in clinical exams based on the MRCGP, which researchers argued strengthens the case for their role in supporting general practice. Researchers from University College London, King’s College London and Stanford University tested four large language models (LLMs) on 100 multiple-choice questions designed to mirror the Applied Knowledge Test The post AI models outperform GPs in MRCGP-style exams appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 5 min )

GPs could face a significant rise in prescribing and monitoring workload under draft NICE guidelines that recommend much earlier use of newer type 2 diabetes drugs. The draft guidance, published today, would see SGLT-2 inhibitors started first-line for most diabetics – not just those with heart failure, cardiovascular disease or high cardiovascular risk as is The post Type 2 diabetes guideline shake-up to see first-line SGLT-2 prescribing appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 10 min )

NHS England has today published the patient charter – which stipulates the right of patients including on access and registration – which GP practices must display from October. Titled ‘You and Your General Practice‘, the charter includes rules for GP practices and guidance for patients. The GP contract 2025/26 first mentioned the ‘patient charter’, which The post NHSE sets out finalised ‘patient charter’ rules that practices must abide by appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 12 min )

Dr Paul O’Reilly shares a day in his life working as a GP for the homeless population in central London My senior partner says that homeless general practice is the most fun you can have in medicine without coming to the attention of the GMC. By the bottom of this page I hope to persuade The post ‘Homeless general practice: the most fun you can have in medicine without GMC attention’ appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 5 min )

Almost 1,500 GPs signed a petition from UK primary care professionals calling for the RCGP to take ‘action on the Gaza child health crisis’.  The petition, hosted by the group Care in Conflict, called on the college to publicly support a ceasefire, condemn the use of healthcare obstruction, and ‘join or lead a coalition’ of The post Almost 1,500 GPs ask RCGP to take firmer stance on Gaza health crisis appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 8 min )

Community diagnostic centres (CDCs) across England are now offering more evening and weekend appointments, the Government has announced. From this month, 100 centres are operating 12 hours a day, seven days a week. Ministers said this will make it easier for patients to attend scans and tests around work and family commitments, and claimed that The post Government announces expansion of out-of-hours scans and tests appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 7 min )

GPs may see more of their patients recovering from heart disease offered digital rehabilitation at home, after NICE conditionally recommended six new technologies for NHS use. Draft guidance published today (19 August) recommends that the platforms – Activate Your Heart, D REACH-HF, Digital Heart Manual, Gro Health HeartBuddy, KiActiv and myHeart – can be used The post NICE draft guidance recommends digital cardiac rehabilitation appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 5 min )

Exclusive More than a fifth of PCNs have cut the number of physician associates they employ in the past year, a Pulse and Management in Practice survey has found. The survey polled GPs and practice managers, with 21% of respondents from 425 distinct PCNs reporting a reduction in PA numbers in the last 12 months. The post One in five PCNs reduced their use of physician associates in the past year appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 11 min )

A prevention of future deaths report has highlighted confusion among health organisations over the sharing of patient data between GP practice IT systems. A patient’s relevant surgery history was not available to the GP out-of-hours (OOH) service which misdiagnosed him before his death, the GP provider confirmed to Pulse. John Charles Spencer died on 21 The post Coroner highlights systemic GP record sharing error after patient death appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 5 min )

GP and chief medical officer of the Department for Work and Pensions Dr Gail Allsopp on how primary care can support patients in getting back to work, and what Government initiatives are in place to help As GPs, we are passionate about reducing health inequalities. It is part of our role. To do this though, we The post ‘Getting patients back to work is not the responsibility of GPs alone’ appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 5 min )

The physician associate (PA) union’s legal bid to stop NHS England from implementing Leng review recommendations was unsuccessful on Friday. United Medical Associate Professionals (UMAPs) had requested an interim injunction to stop NHS England issuing instructions to organisations on implementing the PA review’s recommendations while a judicial review is ongoing. But at the hearing, heard The post PA union’s High Court bid to pause Leng review changes fails appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 5 min )

An immunotherapy for type 1 diabetes has been approved for use in the UK, in a move which could mark a ‘turning point’ in treatment of the condition if eligible patients could be identified. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said teplizumab, also known as Tzield, is safe and effective at delaying the The post MHRA approves immunotherapy which delays development of type 1 diabetes appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 8 min )

The husband and a family friend of a GP who died last year in a paddleboarding accident will cycle the length of Britain to raise money in her memory.  Julia McLean – known professionally as Dr Julia Hamilton – died in May last year near Aviemore in the Scottish Highlands. The ‘well-loved’ GP had been a partner at the The post Husband of ‘well-loved’ GP to cycle length of Britain for charity in her memory  appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 7 min )

Copperfield would be welling up at Wes Streeting’s letter to ‘tireless’ GPs if he hadn’t replaced the drinking water with vodka Are you hearing what I’m hearing? If I’m not very much mistaken, it sounds like a little clap, directed at us GPs. Because Wes Streeting has just written us a sweet letter, thanking us The post Streeting’s letter is one-hand clapping appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 5 min )

Exclusive The BMA has demanded urgent Government intervention over ‘unaffordable’ GP premises service charges, which have caused deep financial instability and forced some practices to hand back their contracts. The union’s GP committee pointed out ‘ongoing and unresolved issues’ faced by practices over service charges levied by NHS Property Services (NHSPS) and Community Health Partnerships The post BMA demands Government intervention over ‘unaffordable’ GP premises charges  appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 9 min )

Case of the month: In the next in our series, Dr Andy Eaton asks what else might be going on in this mid-40s male patient presenting with fever, vomiting and diarrhoea following a bout of ‘gastric flu’ in his household. Post your answers below! Details of the case have been changed to ensure patient anonymity The post What could be the cause of this patient’s apparent ‘gastric flu’ symptoms? appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 8 min )

A rapid evolving guideline has recommended two key drugs be prescribed in all patients with type 2 diabetes who are at higher risk of cardiovascular and kidney complications. Alongside those at most high risk, SGLT-2 inhibitor and GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs should also be prescribed to ‘most’ adults with type 2 diabetes who fall into The post ‘Living’ guideline advises GPs on use of GLP-1 and SGLT-2 drugs in type 2 diabetes appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 8 min )

Advice and guidance (A&G) requests have risen by 11% since the Government made a payment available for practices in April.  There were 296,624 ‘pre-referral specialist advice requests’ in June, or 11,763 per working day, according to new NHS England figures.  This represents an 11% increase in A&G requests since the payment was introduced and a The post Advice and guidance requests by GPs increase since payment introduced appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 5 min )

Medication for ADHD has broader benefits for patients than helping them manage symptoms associated with the condition, researchers have found. A study of almost 150,000 people children and adults with a new diagnosis of ADHD found drug treatment was associated with a lower risk of suicidal behaviour, substance abuse, transport accidents and criminality. Reporting their The post ADHD meds reduce risk of suicide, substance abuse and criminality, research shows appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 5 min )

Under the radar: Continuing our series exploring diagnoses that might be missed in primary care, Dr Sharon Viner describes a case of abdominal pain, vomiting and constipation in a young adult under 50 whose age could potentially have delayed investigation for upper gastrointestinal cancer Note details of the case have been changed to ensure anonymity The post Spotting gastric cancer – how age must not lead us astray appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 10 min )

GPs have raised concerns after their ICB decided not to reprocure a local community gynaecology service, leaving patients ‘in limbo’ and increasing workload for practices. Provider Primary Integrated Community Services (PICS), owned and run by GP and practice partners in Nottinghamshire, stopped delivering its service at the beginning of this month, having served notice to the The post GP workload concern after ICB fails to reprocure community gynaecology service appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 8 min )

The Government has praised ‘hard-working’ GPs after new data showed more patients are describing their GP experience as ‘good’ compared to a year ago. It pointed to the latest Office for National Statistics figures on experiences of local GP services, published yesterday, which analyse data from the Health Insight Survey commissioned by NHS England. The The post ‘Considerable improvement’ in GP access and satisfaction over past year, data shows appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 5 min )

Public health officials are warning of an increase in cases of chikungunya in England after travellers caught the infection abroad. There have been 73 cases in the first six months of the year, the UK Health Security Agency said compared with 27 cases in the same period in 2024. It is the highest number of The post Cases of chikungunya almost triple in England among people travelling overseas appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 8 min )

An extra 1.26 million appointments could be delivered every month if all newly trained GPs were employed, the BMA has said, as it encouraged GPs to contact their MP for support on GP unemployment.  A template letter produced by the BMA calls on MPs and health secretary Wes Streeting to take action ‘to retain and to The post BMA urges GPs to contact their MP over unemployment crisis appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 5 min )

Editor Sofia Lind on why GPC England should not abandon potential plans for new collective action just yet Earlier this week, health secretary Wes Streeting wrote to every GP in England to say the Government remains committed to the partnership model and to negotiating a new GP contract within this Parliament. It’s the first time The post Streeting’s letter is welcome – but not reason to stand down appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 8 min )

The trade union for physician associates is seeking to prevent NHS England from implementing the recommendations of the Government’s review into the role while it is in the middle of a judicial review into the changes. United Medical Associate Professionals (UMAPs) said it is seeking an injunction against NHS England to stop it from ‘rapidly forcing through The post PA union seeks injunction against NHS England in bid to pause changes to the role  appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 9 min )

Two major GP premises owners in England will merge in a £1.8bn deal, the companies have confirmed. Primary Health Properties (PHP) – which owns 516 primary healthcare facilities valued at £2.8bn – and property investor and developer Assura, whose 603 buildings are worth £3.2bn with the majority being GP premises, are to merge after shareholders voted in The post GP premises owners to merge after shareholders accept £1.8bn offer appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 7 min )

A source inside the coronial service responds to criticism of GPs using the medical examiner process, and argues that coroners must take more responsibility for safeguarding cause of death accuracy. Like many who read in Pulse about a coroner criticising two GPs for ‘not understanding’ the medical examiner process, I felt frustrated. I have a The post ‘GPs aren’t getting the medical examiner system wrong – coroners are’ appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 5 min )

A GP practice has set up a ‘taxi service’ for patients to reach the surgery – but this may be cancelled after no one used it in its first month.   Hadleigh Health Centre took the step of funding the taxi service following the closure of one of its branches in the village of Boxford The post GP ‘taxi service’ could be cancelled because patients do not use it appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 5 min )

The Government has announced a pilot to test new ways to support patients living with obesity, in a bid to ‘ease pressures’ on general practice. ICBs will be asked to submit bids to pilot ‘innovative models of care’ for people living with obesity, outside of existing specialist weight management services, including wraparound services, obesity treatments The post Government to pilot new obesity services to ‘ease pressure on GPs’ appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 9 min )

NHS England has urged pregnant women to use a new service to self-refer directly to local maternity services, without seeing a GP first. By completing an online form on NHS.uk, families can now choose directly which NHS trust to refer themselves to. NHS England estimated that this service could lead to 180,000 fewer calls to The post Pregnant women asked to self-refer to maternity services without seeing GP first appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 8 min )

Dr Burnt Out reflects on decades of scepticism over fibromyalgia and ME/CFS, following the new NHS plan directing GPs to support delivery of care for these conditions For years and years, some doctors have made fun of and dismissed patients with chronic pain and fatigue conditions (which often co-exist) such as fibromyalgia and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic The post GPs owe ME/CFS patients an apology appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 5 min )

The health secretary has written to all GP practices in England thanking them for their ‘tireless efforts’ and reaffirming the Government’s commitment to the partnership model and a new GP contract. In a letter to practices, Wes Streeting said the Government ‘remains committed to the partnership model’ and that it will work with the BMA’s The post Streeting reconfirms commitment to new GP contract and partnership model appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 8 min )

A retired GP was among at least 13 health workers arrested at protests against the proscription of the group Palestine Action on Saturday, according to a health worker protest group.  The group formed a ‘health block’ at the protest in Parliament Square to draw attention to attacks on health workers in Gaza.  It is estimated The post Retired GP among health workers arrested at Palestine Action protest  appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 8 min )

Talking therapies offered on the NHS for depression and anxiety appear to be less effective for teenagers and young adults, a study has found. Analysis of data from almost 310,000 patients aged 16-24 years who had an episode of treatment by the NHS Talking Therapies service found they were less likely to have improved or The post NHS talking therapies may be less effective in 16-24-year-olds appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 8 min )

One GP shares why they will be risking arrest at a protest against the Government’s proscription of Palestine Action, and explains why healthcare workers participating in activism is so important Tomorrow, London’s streets will be filled with people marching in support of Palestine and condemning Israel’s genocide in the Gaza Strip. It is a sight The post ‘Why I’m risking arrest as a GP over Palestine Action’s ban’ appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 5 min )

The BMA has written to the primary care minister asking to meet ‘at the earliest possible opportunity’ regarding the GP unemployment crisis.  Over 3,000 GPs will gain their Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) this week, but the BMA said the lack of substantive work available means ‘many face uncertainty’.  The union reiterated its demand The post BMA demands urgent meeting with primary care minister over GP unemployment appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 8 min )

Exclusive A GP practice could not locate the origin of a panic alarm due to an IT systems issue, in a critical incident highlighted by the LMC. YOR LMC medical secretary Dr Brian McGregor said he was told of a ‘critical incident’ at a practice in the Bradford District and Craven, West Yorkshire. He said The post GP practice could not locate panic alarm due to IT system failure appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 9 min )

Real-world analysis of the first season of vaccination against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has shown a dramatic impact on hospitalisation in both older people and newborns. An analysis done by the UK Health Security Agency found RSV vaccination was 82% effective against hospitalisation in older people this winter. It also showed it was ‘highly effective’ The post First season with RSV vaccination saw dramatic reduction in hospitalisations appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 8 min )

The Government is consulting on changes that would allow physiotherapists to prescribe pregabalin and gabapentin once more to take pressure off GPs. Under the proposals, physiotherapist independent prescribers would be able to also provide codeine and tramadol. Physiotherapists were previously able to prescribe tramadol, gabapentin and pregabalin prior to changes in their controlled drug scheduling, The post Physiotherapists could prescribe pregabalin again to take pressure off GPs appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 5 min )

An exasperated Copperfield on the trials and tribulations that Mounjaro prescribing has wreaked on general practice Well, that’s one question answered: What happens to patients post-Mounjaro? Yes, they flab up again, but who will be responsible for stopping that happening? Ah, you’re ahead of me. We GPs will be expected to ‘monitor’ them for at The post Fat chance that Mounjaro will save the NHS appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 5 min )

AI tool ChatGPT may be able to free up GP time during a patient consultation by providing a quick summary of recent medical notes, researchers have found. Testing the theory on simulated records, GP researchers found ChatGPT was able to do sum up the patient’s history more quickly and with similar accuracy to doctors. If The post ChatGPT could free up GP consultation time by summarising notes appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 5 min )

Once in a lifetime: Continuing our series on conditions that GPs may only encounter once in a career, gastroenterology resident doctors Dr Kevin Jacob, Dr Sana Mallick, Dr Belinda Eze and consultant gastroenterologist Dr Andrew Poullis provide an overview of the rare disorder known as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES) What is Zollinger-Ellison syndrome?  Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES) The post How to recognise Zollinger-Ellison syndrome appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 10 min )

Once in a lifetime: Continuing our series on conditions that GPs may only encounter once in a career, gastroenterology resident doctors Dr Kevin Jacob, Dr Sana Mallick, Dr Belinda Eze and consultant gastroenterologist Dr Andrew Poullis provide an overview of the rare disorder known as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES) What is Zollinger-Ellison syndrome?  Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES) The post How to recognise Zollinger-Ellison syndrome appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 10 min )

Public health officials are warning people to be mindful of tick bites this summer. UK Health Security Agency officials advised the public to be alert to the signs of Lyme disease – including the telltale bullseye rash – and to seek quick to seek help from the GP if needed. It comes as the latest The post Contact GP quickly with Lyme disease symptoms, public told appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 8 min )

The Government has said it will be cracking down on ‘cowboy’ cosmetic procedures with new rules over who will be able to carry them out. Only qualified healthcare professionals will be able to perform the highest-risk procedures – such as non-surgical Brazilian butt lifts – and they must be working in providers that are registered The post Government to limit high-risk cosmetic procedures to be carried out by doctors only appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 8 min )

GPs continue to struggle with their workload more than other doctor groups, according to new GMC data. The doctor regulator’s annual survey on the state of medical education and practice in the UK found 44% of GPs are struggling with workload, compared with just 29% of respondents overall. The figure for GPs was a slight The post GPs struggle with workload more than other doctors, finds GMC appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 9 min )

Pulse editor-in-chief Jaimie Kaffash ponders the silence surrounding the future of newly-qualified GPs amid the ongoing unemployment crisis Remember the GP unemployment crisis? It seems so long ago now – that crazy situation where GP practices were short of GPs, but there were huge numbers of GPs out of work. Then the Government announced the GP ARRS The post Why has it all gone quiet about the next cohort of qualified GPs? appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 8 min )

The UK medicines regulator has urged GP practices to report all ‘adverse incidents’ and ‘inaccuracies’ with artificial intelligence (AI) tools used in clinical practice to its Yellow Card Scheme. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)’s Yellow Card scheme, established for patients to report adverse reactions to medicines, has a specific reporting service for The post MHRA asks GPs to report ‘all AI inaccuracies’ to Yellow Card scheme appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 9 min )

Pulse LIVE will return to Newcastle next month, with a keynote speech by the CQC’s primary care chief inspector, as well as expert-led presentations and networking. The event, worth 4.5 CPD hours, will take place on 17 September at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead. Professor Bola Owolabi, CQC chief inspector of primary care, will deliver the The post CQC primary care chief inspector to address GPs at Pulse LIVE Newcastle appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 8 min )

Public health officials are urging parents to get their children’s vaccinations up to date over the summer holidays over fears measles cases will surge further when school starts again in September. The latest figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show another 145 measles cases in the past four weeks, mainly in children under The post Parents urged to book vaccine appointments for children in summer holidays appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 9 min )

We are at a time of GP unemployment, GP trainees unsure whether they can get a substantive role, and burnout continuing to be prevalent throughout the profession. One solution many GPs are finding to these problems is pursuing a portfolio career. The number of potential roles that GPs can take to supplement their routine work The post The GP portfolio career for you appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 8 min )

GP teams in England delivered seven million more appointments in the past year amidst rising levels of patient satisfaction, NHS data has shown. ‘Hardworking’ GP practices carried out 383.3m appointments in the last 12 months, compared to 375.7m in the previous year, figures show. In June alone, GP teams delivered a record 31.4 million appointments The post GP appointment numbers and patient satisfaction rise year on year appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 5 min )

Dr David Turner argues for tougher vaccine policy following the death of a child with measles Children becoming seriously ill and dying from a preventable disease is something we usually associate with developing countries – not the UK. Yet recently measles claimed the life of a child in Liverpool, and has caused many others to The post ‘We should go hard-line on measles and mandate child vaccination’ appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 5 min )

The threat to health caused by air pollution is far greater than previously understood and requires urgent and ambitious action, the Royal College of Physicians has warned. Affecting almost every organ in the body, air pollution is a serious and avoidable health risk that could contribute to 30,000 deaths in 2025 alone, a report from The post Air pollution is ‘public health crisis’, doctors warn appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 8 min )

Exclusive GPs across a large area in England are calling on the BMA to re-enter formal dispute with the Government over the 10-year plan, Pulse can reveal. Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire (BBO) LMCs said that 87% of GPs in their area believe the union’s GP committee should ‘urgently return to formal dispute with the Government’ The post LMCs call for BMA to re-enter GP collective action over 10-year plan appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 5 min )

NHS England has not changed physician associate (PA) role descriptions in line with Leng review recommendations in the PCN enhanced service specification. According to the PA trade union, this is due to the pending legal case it is bringing to challenge the recommendations, although NHS England did not confirm or deny this. The PCN DES The post NHS England fails to update physician associate job description amid legal case appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 11 min )

The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination programme in older adults should be expanded to include those over the age of 80 years, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation has recommended. It follows analysis that the introduction of RSV vaccination in 75-to-79-year-olds last September led to a significant reduction in hospital admissions among that age The post RSV vaccination should extend to over-80s, JCVI advises appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 8 min )

GPs should monitor patients who have taken weight-loss medication ‘for a minimum of one year’ after treatment is completed, according to a new NICE quality standard.  Published today, the updated standard asks healthcare professionals including GPs to offer advice, follow-up support and provide tailored action plans including regular check-ins.  The standard said they should ‘ensure The post GPs should support patients for one year after GLP-1 treatment, says NICE appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 9 min )

The BMA has called for ‘clear financial arrangements’ to underpin the new neighbourhood care models proposed by the Government, following the 10-year plan’s lack of detail around funding. In new guidance to practices and GP federations, the union’s GP committee warned that without safeguards, the plan risks funding ‘flowing to higher tiers of the system’ The post GPC calls for ‘clear financial arrangements’ amid neighbourhood funding uncertainty appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 8 min )

Exclusive More than one-third of GPs are under greater pressure to complete a death certificate when they are unsure of a patient’s cause of death, a Pulse survey has found. Of 972 respondents, 37% said that pressure to fill out Medical Certificates of Cause of Death (MCCDs) despite not knowing why a patient died has The post Pressure on GPs to complete death certificate without knowing cause has increased appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 5 min )

GP practices are facing delays in receiving correct reimbursements for the cholesterol-lowering drug inclisiran, due to ‘incorrect calculations’. In a message to GPs, the BMA’s GP committee said it was ‘aware of an issue regarding reimbursement for inclisiran, whereby payments have been delayed’.  Practices buy inclisiran for £45 and claim a £60 reimbursement from the The post GP practices face delays in receiving correct inclisiran reimbursements appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 5 min )

Do you have a strong sense of public duty? Do you mind being disliked by your peers? Would you make a good contestant on The Apprentice? Do you genuinely enjoy spending time with patients? If you feel that you want to add another string to your career bow – or you just want to waste five minutes – The post What is the GP portfolio career for you? Take our quiz appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 6 min )

Practice managers in England will not be included – for now – in new Government regulations covering NHS managers, though this may change due to an ‘appetite’ to expand the scope, according to the Department of Health and Social Care. The new regulatory framework, announced last week, introduces a statutory barring system preventing NHS leaders guilty The post Government will not regulate GP practice managers – for now appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 5 min )

GP leaders have warned that Government plans to introduce ‘year of care payments’ – which could see other NHS organisations take on budgets for general practice services – can ‘only mean the end for the GMS contract’. The NHS 10-year plan pledged to introduce ‘a capitated budget for a patient’s care over a year’, which The post Other NHS organisations take on GP budgets under ‘year of care’ plans appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 9 min )

Pulse takes on July’s talking points – how involved will trusts be in running neighbourhood services, and is collective action on the horizon again? Will trusts take on neighbourhood health services? The Government’s hefty 10-year health plan left many GPs scratching their heads earlier this month. Tagged as part of Labour’s ‘plan for change’, the The post Trust-run neighbourhood services and collective action: July’s big talking points appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 5 min )

Pulse is launching a new platform for GP trainees, newly-qualified GPs and those considering the next stages of their career. The platform will be launched on Monday 4 August, and will provide all the essential news around jobs and recruitment, as well as analysis and advice, columns from experts and those who have stories to The post Pulse to launch platform for GPs considering next career stage appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 7 min )

GP practices in one part of England are facing an ongoing IT systems outage which has forced them to hand-write forms, and caused huge backlogs and ‘severe’ disruption to services over the past week.  The IT issues in West Yorkshire were caused by problems with data centres that support IT systems in primary care in The post GPs resort to pen and paper as six-day IT outage ‘severely’ disrupts services appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 9 min )

In this case-based CPD module, consultant paediatric specialists in allergy Dr Thisanayagam Umasunthar and Dr Robert Boyle explain evidence-based approaches to food allergy in primary care, including accurate diagnosis of cow’s milk allergy, management of Pollen Food Syndrome, when testing is appropriate and identifying and managing anaphylaxis. Complete the full module on Pulse365 today. Note The post CPD: Casebook – food allergy and testing appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 12 min )

The global sum for GP practices in England has been increased from £121.79 to £123.34 per patient to implement the 4% staff pay rise recommended by the pay review body, NHS England has confirmed. For 2025/26 the Government committed to ‘uplifting the pay element of the GP contract’ by 4% following the Review Body on Doctors’ The post Global sum increased by £1.55 per patient to implement DDRB GP pay uplift   appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 8 min )

Clinical conundrum: In the next in our series, Dr Raj Thakkar considers how to manage a patient who presents with apparent tachycardia from a recording on her ‘Fitbit’ wearable device A 32-year-old woman’s ‘Fitbit’ wearable device shows that she has a resting tachycardia (of around 104bpm) and that her heart rate goes ‘too high’ during The post How should this patient’s ‘Fitbit’-recorded tachycardia be managed? appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 10 min )

The BMA has threatened the GMC with new legal action over the regulator’s use of the term ‘medical professionals’ to cover both physician assistants and doctors, following the Government-commissioned review into the role by Professor Gillian Leng.  In April, the High Court dismissed the BMA’s claims the GMC was ‘blurring the lines’ between PAs and The post BMA threatens GMC with new legal action for ‘blurring lines’ between PAs and doctors appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 9 min )

The Department of Health in Northern Ireland has set out plans to expand primary care teams across the country as GPs plough on with collective action. Funding has been secured to push ahead with growing the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) programme which will ‘open up a million more appointments by 2033’, health minister Mike Nesbitt said. The post NI Government sets out primary care expansion as GPs continue collective action appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 9 min )

GPs in Suffolk were left to deal with thousands of duplicate pathology results following a ‘software failure’ at a hospital trust, which had ‘significant knock-on effects’ on practices. West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust confirmed to Pulse that 19 of the 24 GP practices in West Suffolk were affected by the incident, which was caused by The post GPs left to deal with thousands of duplicate test results following hospital IT failure appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 8 min )

Pulse editor-in-chief Jaimie Kaffash on how general practice should embrace the value and flexibility of the part-time GP I’ve got a little riddle for you. A father and son are involved in a car accident. The father dies immediately, and the son is rushed into A&E. The surgeon sees him and immediately says: ‘I can’t The post We should not be embarrassed by part-time GP work appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 8 min )

Guidance produced by one ICB to help GPs support bereaved parents after the death of a child should be taken on board by practices around the country, the RCGP has said. A framework produced by Cheshire and Merseyside ICB to help GPs supporting bereaved parents noted that 3,500 children die every year in England. Child The post GPs encouraged to take on ICB advice on supporting bereaved parents appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 9 min )

The Government has instructed GP practices to make anonymous patient data available to a data sharing platform to further medical research.  A letter from NHS England to GPs said health secretary Wes Streeting has issued NHSE with ‘directions’ – a legal instrument – for practices to join the OpenSAFELY data analytics service by instructing their The post GPs instructed to make anonymised patient data available for research appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 9 min )

The BMA has raised concerns around the ‘looming’ unemployment crisis as half of doctors finishing foundation training say they have no job secured for next month.  According to the results of a survey by the union, 52% of doctors said they have no ‘substantive employment or regular locum work’ secured for August, when they finish The post Half of doctors finishing foundation training will have no job next month, BMA warns appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 8 min )

The first 24/7 ‘neighbourhood mental health centre’ announced in the 10-year plan has now opened in London. Earlier this month, the Government pledged to ‘transform mental health services into 24/7 neighbourhood care models’ as part of the NHS 10-year plan. Now NHS England has announced that the first of six neighbourhood mental health centres – which The post First 24/7 ‘neighbourhood mental health centre’ announced in 10-year plan now open appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 8 min )

Drawing on her own experiences and those of colleagues, Dr Louise Clarke highlights the ingrained sexism affecting GPs from training levels Last year Pulse brought long-overdue attention to the entrenched sexism in general practice with an investigation that involved surveying over 700 female and marginalised gender respondents. The findings were stark. Women were underrepresented in The post Sexism in general practice begins in training – it’s time we faced it appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 5 min )

Exclusive GP leaders in one area have advised practices to hold off from taking part in new ‘neighbourhood health programmes’, amid a lack of clarity and fears that these could jeopardise GMS contracts. Earlier this month, the Government announced the first phase of the rollout of neighbourhood health programmes following the 10-year plan, with 42 The post GPs advised not to take part in neighbourhood programmes yet amid ‘lack of clarity’ appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 9 min )

A study of more than 800 patients has found that most penicillin allergy labels in GP records are ‘incorrect’, pointing to increased antibiotic use and worse health outcomes for patients as a result. The trial in 51 GP practices found that almost nine in ten patients with a penicillin allergy label on their GP record The post Most penicillin allergy labels in GP records ‘incorrect’, study finds appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 8 min )

The trade union for physician associates (PAs) has announced it is seeking a judicial review after the Government accepted recommendations made in the Leng review.  United Medical Associate Professionals (UMAPS) – which was officially recognised as a trade union by the Government – said it sent pre-action letters to health secretary Wes Streeting and NHS The post PA union seeks judicial review over Leng recommendations appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 10 min )

With junior doctors striking again, Dr Katie Musgrave explores whether the real crisis lies not in pay negotiations, but in the very foundations of the NHS Everyone’s talking about the junior doctor strikes. Aren’t doctors already well paid? How can the health service afford to pay them more? Isn’t the NHS becoming a black hole The post Is pay really the issue for striking doctors? appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 5 min )

GP registrars have been encouraged to take part in the resident doctors strikes organised by the BMA across England this week. The union published new guidance advising GP registrars that they should not see patients nor perform administrative work on strike days; it also encouraged them not to attend their practice on these days, as The post GP registrars encouraged to take part in BMA industrial action this week appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 5 min )

GPs in Northern Ireland will begin collective action this week, implementing measures ‘designed to reduce the unfunded work they carry out’, the BMA has announced.   Some of the actions which practices will take as part of this include limiting patient consultations, serving notice on any voluntary work and insisting on referrals for specialist appointments The post Northern Ireland GPs to begin collective action this week appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 7 min )

ARRS money should be moved into practice-level reimbursements to avoid GPs re-entering dispute with the Government over the 10-year plan, the BMA GP committee has demanded. In a letter to primary care minister Stephen Kinnock, GP Committee England chair Dr Katie Bramall also demanded the Government is ‘explicit’ in its preference for GPs to run The post BMA demands ARRS money be given to GP practices to avoid further dispute appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 10 min )

Dr Sheila Paul is a portfolio GP who, among various other roles, has worked as a forensic physician for over 30 years. Here she shares what the job involves  How do I get into the role (including necessary qualifications)?  To go into clinical forensic medicine, you need to obtain the necessary qualifications from the Faculty The post Forensic Physician   appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 8 min )

In the second part of our mini series considering how the 10-year plan will influence a new GMS contract for general practice, Anna Colivicchi looks at what it will mean for GP funding The Government has promised to shift resources from secondary care into the community, as part of its big ambitions set out in The post How will the NHS 10-year plan affect GP funding? appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 15 min )

An ICB has reversed its decision to transfer an APMS contract from a GP-led group to a private company.  NHS Sussex ICB announced its decision yesterday (24 July) following an independent review which found it had breached transparency rules during the contract bidding process.  The ICB had stated its intention to transfer the APMS contract for The post Panel sides with GPs over private company in APMS contract dispute appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 10 min )

A large ICB has chosen a number of hospital trusts to oversee the new ‘neighbourhood health service’ across its footprint. South East London ICB said that, following the 10-year plan, it has approved partnerships between primary and secondary care, called ‘neighbourhood health service integrators’, in four of its six boroughs (see box). The ICB’s plan The post ICB appoints hospital trusts – not GPs – to lead neighbourhood teams appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 8 min )

Case of the month – answers: In the latest in our series, Dr Keith Hopcroft asked what was the underlying cause in this patient with hypothyroidism failing to respond to treatment. Did you get the diagnosis? Answer revealed below! You review a 55-year-old woman who presented a few weeks previously with tiredness. She is on The post What was the diagnosis in this case of treatment-resistant hypothyroidism? appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 9 min )

Community pharmacies will be able to offer flu vaccination for young children under a one-season trial this winter. Pharmacies that sign up to the advanced service will be able to offer flu vaccine to children aged 2-3 years from 1 October. The move is to try and boost uptake in this age group who would The post Pharmacy-based flu vaccine service for children to be trialled this winter appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 8 min )

The Government has claimed that more than 2,000 extra GPs have been added to the workforce since last October, however this is only the headcount rather than full-time equivalent number. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) cited ‘Government action to slash red tape’ last year, referring to the extension of the additional roles The post Government claim of ‘2,000 extra GPs’ at odds with FTE data appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 5 min )

Speedy skins: The first in a new series of quick quizzes in dermatology asks – what is the likely diagnosis in this case of a woman with bilateral lower and upper limb rashes? AI was used to assist in development of this article, with thorough review by our medical advisors before publication The post What’s causing this woman’s chronic rash on her ankles, feet and wrists? appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 10 min )

As part of a portfolio career spanning 20 years, Dr Ellen Welch worked part-time as an expedition doctor, accompanying travellers on adventure trips. She told us what the job involved   How do I get into the role (including necessary qualifications)?  You require broad experience and training, but being a competent expedition member already is key, The post Expedition doctor  appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 7 min )

UK medicines regulators have approved an adrenaline nasal spray to treat anaphylaxis. The needle-free option can be used in adults and children weighing over 30kg, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said. Known as EURneffy, the epinephrine nasal spray delivers the full 2mg dose in one spray and can still be used if The post Nasal spray alternative to anaphylaxis auto-injector approved for use in UK appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 7 min )

GPs have been instructed to consider patients’ learning disabilities and neurodivergence before removing them from their patient list, following a change to NHS England guidance and a coroner’s prevention of future deaths report. The coroner’s report into death of a 33-year-old Devon man ‘in crisis’ identified his removal from his GP practice and subsequent placement The post GPs urged to take ‘additional considerations’ before placing patients on SAS scheme appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 10 min )

A study of 30 self-test health kits available on the high street has raised concerns over regulation after many were found to be ‘unfit for purpose’. The analysis showed a range of issues with test kits bought from supermarkets or pharmacies including poor or no information on when and why to do the tests as The post Commercial self-test kits ‘unfit for purpose’ and increase GP workload, finds study appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 9 min )

The RCGP has opposed Government plans for acute and community trusts to run general practice, it has told its members. In a summary of the Government’s 10-year plan, the college said that while collaboration between providers is ‘important’, the RCGP ‘does not support trusts running general practice’. It added that any new models of neighbourhood The post RCGP opposes Government plans for trusts to run general practice appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 8 min )

Copperfield on why the biggest winners from ME/CFS clinics might be GPs, not patients Well, that’s interesting. Apparently, those new neighbourhood health services they have these days are going to support the delivery of ME/CFS care. So let’s think. That means an illness of unknown cause, with no diagnostic test, no specific pharmacotherapy and no The post Neighbourhood ME/CFS care should energise GPs appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 5 min )

Recognising the signs of sepsis continues to be an ‘urgent and persistent’ safety risk in the NHS, a series of reports have warned. The Health Services Safety Investigations Body (HSSIB), an independent arm’s length body of the Department of Health and Social Care, found ongoing challenges in early diagnosis of the life-threatening emergency. It highlighted The post Sepsis continues to be ‘urgent and persistent’ safety risk in the NHS, reports warn appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 8 min )

‘Stubborn barriers’ to accessing childhood vaccinations, including around booking a GP appointment, are contributing to the ‘worrying decline’ in uptake, paediatricians have claimed. A report from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health said some parents face significant barriers getting their child vaccinated which is contributing to growing inequalities in coverage. The current system The post Paediatricians blame GPs systems for poor uptake of childhood vaccinations appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 10 min )

There will be ‘no additional funding’ for pay increases for doctors in the next financial year, the health secretary has told the independent pay review body. Wes Streeting wrote to the Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration (DDRB) yesterday to formally commence the annual pay review. He asked the new chair of the DDRB The post ‘No additional funding’ for 2026/27 GP pay uplifts, Streeting tells DDRB appeared first on Pulse Today.  ( 9 min )

NHS Employers - This guidance has been written for local job evaluation leads and panellists to support their understanding and use of the updated profiles for nursing and midwifery. It provides an explanation of the updated format for profiles and provides further advice to ensure matching panels are able to use the profiles effectively and consistently. Guidance

NHS Employers - This guidance, produced by the NHS Staff Council, is for local partnerships to support the publication of updated profiles for nursing and midwifery and improvement of local job evaluation practices. Guidance

Local Government Association (LGA) - This short resource has been developed to support the occupational therapy workforce as part of council preparations for CQC assessment. It summarises the key principles of the Care Act 2014 and the universal and specific duties placed on councils as they relate to occupational therapy, with particular focus on prevention, wellbeing, and promoting independence. Where...

Local Government Association (LGA) - This resource was developed following consultation with principal occupational therapists (POTs) from the national and ADASS regional POT networks and incorporates learning and tips from POTs who have gone through Care Quality Commission (CQC) assessment. Guidance

NHS England - This toolkit will help commissioners, service managers, health play practitioners and clinical leaders to design, plan and deliver high-quality health play services for babies, children and young people. The resources include guidelines, recommended standards and a quality checklist. Toolkit

Royal College of Nursing (RCN) - This submission to the government's 2025 Spending Review argues that there is an opportunity to start addressing some of the challenges within the nursing workforce and wider health and care system. The RCN ask that the 10-Year Health Plan and the forthcoming Workforce Plan for England, and the Spending Review are aligned in terms...

Cancer Research UK - This report finds that over the last 50 years, the proportion of the UK population dying from cancer has fallen by more than a fifth. However it also finds while people are now less likely to die from cancer, more people are likely to get it. And due to the UK’s growing and ageing population, the...

Institute for Fiscal Studies - The Spending Review 2025 will set detailed departmental budgets for most of this parliament. This analysis examines the key choices facing the government on spending in the NHS, health and care, pay and the public sector. Report

The Health Foundation - This analysis sets out the Health Foundation’s priorities for health and care investment at the Spending Review and options for how they could be achieved. It draws on evidence submitted to the Treasury in February 2025. It covers the investment needed in public health, the NHS and adult social care services; additionally, it sets out policy...

NHS Employers - This case study outlines how Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust used an innovative flexible working model to combat escalating demand for imaging diagnostic services. Case study

NHS Confederation - Primary care provider collaboratives are fundamental to the successful delivery of a neighbourhood health service. Their role will be pivotal in shifting care from hospitals to community, reducing health inequalities and ensuring that everyone has access to high-quality care. In partnership with KPMG, the NHS Confederation's Primary Care Network has been exploring what is needed to unlock...

Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) - The Department of Health and Social Care commissioned Ipsos UK, in partnership with the Institute of Public Care at Oxford Brookes University, to conduct an evaluation of the Better Care Fund (BCF) Support Programme. The evaluation explores local authorities' perceptions of the design and delivery of the BCF support programme; the enablers...

Joseph Rowntree Foundation - This briefing suggests that people are unaware of the challenges of the social care system and thus are likely not preparing for a future in which they may have to meet significant care costs or care themselves. It found that only 19% of the general public correctly guessed that the cost of professional home care services...

Re:State - This report outlines a model that fundamentally changes the configuration of the modern hospital. The paper proposes a model that combines a radical increase in virtual care with renewed approaches at system-wide integration. It argues that instead of inefficiently relocating hospital staff and infrastructure to communities, hospital-level care should be delivered as a service through entirely new care...

NHS Providers - This report features four case studies demonstrating how trusts are successfully improving services for children and young people across a variety of sectors: delivering mental health support to children and young people in the community; collaborating at neighbourhood level for the benefit of children and young people; improving access to care through digital interventions; and using co-production...

lnstitute for Fiscal Studies - This report finds that Sure Start – one of England’s biggest early years programmes – generated widespread and long-lasting benefits for children. It improved educational outcomes and health, and reduced school absences and less severe special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Report Press release

IQVIA Institute for Human Data Science - This report profiles the current state of research and development in oncology, including key mechanisms, targets, and cancer types being investigated as well as pointing to some novel areas which are only just emerging. It also looks at metrics of clinical development productivity. Report More detail

International Longevity Centre (ILC) - This report warns that health systems in high-income countries are dangerously underprepared for the growing number of people ageing with HIV. Thanks to advances in antiretroviral therapy, people with HIV are living longer than ever before, but social, economic and health systems have failed to keep up. Report Press release