Click the date to collapse or expand all entries
Sets out how DHSC and NHSBSA collect and use personal information as part of the process of providing reciprocal healthcare.
( 4
min )
Official statistics on the deferred payment agreements (DPAs) that local authorities have arranged with clients to help with the payment of the costs of their care.
( 2
min )
Findings from ASCOF, which measures how well care services achieve outcomes including quality of life and whether long-term support needs are being met.
( 6
min )
Data on Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) in local authorities, including the profile of people for whom a DoLS application was received.
( 2
min )
Minister for Social Care and Mental Health, Alison McGovern, delivered a speech at the Fonagy Review launch event hosted by Rethink Mental Illness
( 14
min )
Minutes of a meeting held between the government, NHS England and ABPI about the 2024 voluntary scheme for branded medicines pricing, access and growth (VPAG).
( 3
min )
Final report detailing the findings of the independent review into the prevalence and support for mental health conditions, ADHD and autism.
( 4
min )
This report explains the final results of a review about mental health conditions, ADHD and autism.
( 3
min )
Independent review into prevalence and support for mental health conditions, ADHD and autism published
( 22
min )
£33.2m will fund eight vaccine projects targeting deadly diseases, strengthening UK pandemic preparedness and helping protect people worldwide.
( 7
min )
Amendment in the tariff and ceiling of charges payable by compensators for the recovery of NHS charges under the NHS injury costs recovery scheme.
( 4
min )
Guidance for NHS trusts on the application of the NHS injury costs recovery (ICR) scheme for 2026 to 2027.
( 5
min )
Guidelines to support commissioners and procurement teams responsible for adult social care telecare services.
( 3
min )
Guidelines to support commissioners and procurement teams responsible for adult social care telecare services.
( 3
min )
Guidelines to support commissioners and procurement teams responsible for adult social care telecare services.
( 3
min )
Guidance for housing providers in England to provide information to help them safeguard telecare users during the digital phone switchover.
( 3
min )
Official statistics in development on adult social care activity including data on requests for support, provision of care services, and reviews of care and support plans.
( 7
min )
We are seeking views on the potential use of DEXA scans outside of a healthcare pathway.
( 5
min )
Data on the funds collected by the Compensation Recovery Unit and funds paid to the NHS.
( 3
min )
Report bringing together data on the delivery of globally competitive clinical research through the UK Clinical Research Delivery programme.
( 2
min )
Easy read version of the government’s plan to make life better for unpaid carers in England.
( 4
min )
Information about the mandated national adult social care data returns for the year 2026 to 2027.
( 3
min )
Partnership to help women spot symptoms of breast cancer earlier
( 8
min )
Sets out the government’s 10-year strategic vision for the health and care system to reduce premature deaths from heart disease and stroke in England.
( 4
min )
Sets out supporting evidence to supplement the cardiovascular disease modern service framework.
( 3
min )
The equality impact assessment accompanies the publication of the cardiovascular disease modern service framework.
( 3
min )
The Air Pollution Awareness Coalition (APAC) is a cross-sector coalition to improve public understanding of air pollution and support action to reduce harm.
( 4
min )
How UK citizens or residents can get healthcare when visiting countries or territories outside the EU where the UK has reciprocal healthcare agreements.
( 18
min )
The public health grant allocations and monetary conditions for local authorities to improve health in local populations.
( 4
min )
Local authorities in England must have regard to this statutory guidance when planning expenditure from the ring-fenced public health grant.
( 4
min )
This guidance explains how local authorities should give healthcare public health advice to integrated care boards.
( 3
min )
An analysis of fresh beef cuts bought in the UK in 2024, to measure their macronutrient, mineral and vitamin content.
( 3
min )
How alcohol and drug treatment and recovery commissioners and providers can safeguard children affected by their parent or carer's alcohol or drug use.
( 4
min )
This framework sets out guidance for designing, commissioning and providing alcohol and drug support for children and young people in England.
( 4
min )
Guidance and materials for local authorities on how to collect data for the survey of adult carers in England (SACE) for the 2025 to 2026 survey year.
( 5
min )
Guidance for local authorities on how to complete the safeguarding adults collection (SAC) data return for the 2025 to 2026 reporting period.
( 4
min )
Guidance for local authorities on how to complete the deferred payment agreements (DPAs) data return for the 2025 to 2026 reporting period.
( 4
min )
Guidance and materials for local authorities on how to collect data for the adult social care survey (ASCS) for the 2025 to 2026 survey year.
( 5
min )
Terms of reference for Baroness Casey's Independent Commission on Adult Social Care.
( 3
min )
Guidance and materials for the adult social care survey (ASCS) in England 2026 to 2027 survey year.
( 5
min )
Government expands Healthy Babies support, boosts adult social care workforce and backs NHS action on violence against women.
( 6
min )
Sets out medicines that can be moved to Northern Ireland to meet patient need.
( 48
min )
List of residential further education settings whose students may be eligible for the one-off MenB vaccination programme.
( 3
min )
Information on the national tariff rates for clinical placements, explaining what they cover, how they’re administered and when they may vary.
( 3
min )
Directions for the NHS from the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care relating to payments for primary medical services contractors.
( 4
min )
Progress update on the implementation of the 2026 resident doctors deal.
( 3
min )
Makes changes to the payments made by NHS England to contractors under dental service contracts with effect from 30 September 2026.
( 3
min )
Learn about who is eligible to apply and the benefits the qualification offers for adult social care providers.
( 5
min )
Guidance for adult social care providers on the role of digital champions, and how to introduce them successfully into your organisation.
( 8
min )
A resource to help people working in adult social care understand and develop the digital skills they need.
( 3
min )
Guidance for adult social care providers on choosing and managing the right software and IT suppliers for their organisations.
( 16
min )
What it means to be a fully digitised care provider, the benefits, and how this links to Care Quality Commission (CQC) ratings and inspections.
( 6
min )
Help for adult social care providers when choosing and setting up digital social care records (DSCRs) software.
( 16
min )
How to set up a secure email service that meets the secure email standard if you provide adult social care.
( 8
min )
Guidance for adult social care providers on how to use smartphones and other devices to support better care, and how to keep them secure.
( 10
min )
Choose your broadband connection, manage your contract and wifi security, and get ready for the digital phone switchover.
( 18
min )
Official statistics in development on insights from client level data from local authorities, including information on assessments and long-term support.
( 4
min )
Official statistics in development on insights from client level data from local authorities, including information on assessments and long-term support.
( 2
min )
Independent review into Leeds maternity and neonatal care sets out terms of reference for investigation.
( 9
min )
Terms of reference for the independent investigation into maternity and neonatal services at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
( 3
min )
Official statistics on the outcomes and experiences of people aged 18 and over in receipt of long-term adult social care services in England.
( 2
min )
All data on senior officials’ business expenses, external meetings and hospitality.
( 3
min )
Data on gifts and hospitality received by special advisers, and meetings they attended with senior media figures.
( 3
min )
Data on ministers’ external meetings and any overseas travel.
( 3
min )
Summaries of advice given under the business appointment rules to applicants at SCS2 and SCS1 level and equivalents.
( 3
min )
Reports on departmental staff numbers and costs.
( 3
min )
Sets out who is eligible to apply for the Healthy Start scheme under the extended criteria, and how to apply.
( 4
min )
Letter from Health Minister Dame Diana Johnson MP confirming the UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA) role and priorities for the financial year 2026 to 2027.
( 3
min )
Official statistics on the opinions and experiences of unpaid carers aged 18 and over on topics that are indicative of a balanced life alongside their unpaid caring role.
( 5
min )
How the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) will gather and respond to feedback from users to ensure abortion statistics meet their needs.
( 3
min )
September 2026 update on implementing the independent review of employers' role in tackling health based economic inactivity and promoting healthy and inclusive workplaces to change outcomes, improve lives and drive growth.
( 3
min )
Update following the Supreme Court judgment on 2 June 2026 clarifying the definition of the deprivation of liberty.
( 3
min )
Information on how the 2024 voluntary scheme for branded medicines pricing, access and growth (VPAG) is controlling spend on branded medicines in the NHS.
( 3
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.
( 2
min )
Official statistics in development on adult social care activity including data on requests for support, provision of care services, and reviews of care and support plans.
( 2
min )
Baroness Louise Casey's Independent Commission on adult social care is inviting people to join Public Panels as part of the Big Conversation on Care
( 5
min )
Government announces new National Cancer Board, whose first meeting is today.
( 11
min )
Minister Alison McGovern delivered the keynote speech at the Alzheimer's Society Conference 2026 in London, highlighting the government's action on dementia
( 22
min )
Chair to the public inquiry into mental health care at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV) appointed
( 6
min )
Official statistics in development on healthy child programme activity, school nursing services and associated workforces in England in 2025.
( 3
min )
Annual statistics on the size and composition of the life sciences sector in the UK. These statistics are designated as 'official statistics in development'.
( 4
min )
New neighbourhood health investment partnership to bring care closer to home and tackle health inequalities
( 10
min )
Analysis of male to female birth ratios in the UK for the period 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2023.
( 3
min )
Analysis of male to female birth ratios in the UK for the period 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2022.
( 3
min )
Report bringing together data on the delivery of globally competitive clinical research through the UK Clinical Research Delivery programme.
( 3
min )
The Secretary of State has apologised to families and set out urgent action following the Thirlwall Inquiry’s findings, published on 15 September.
( 15
min )
The government outlines plans to strengthen NHS safeguarding, accountability and neonatal safety, including work on cot cams.
( 7
min )
Details the government’s plan to transform cancer care and outcomes in England by 2035.
( 4
min )
Report and recommendations of the public inquiry established to examine the events at the Countess of Chester Hospital from 2015 to 2018.
( 3
min )
Every GP practice across Kent and Medway has signed up to a first-of-its-kind local variation to the network contract directed enhanced service (DES) that brings new funding for targets to support neighbourhood working.
( 3
min )
BMA England GP committee chair Dr Katie Bramall will not stand for re-election when her three-year term ends this month, GPonline has learned.
( 2
min )
Primary care leaders have been left ‘flabbergasted’ after the NHS England chair said GP practices have ‘twice as much floor space’ as they need.
( 2
min )
Sheffield City Council has become the first local authority to approve a motion formally opposing Palantir's involvement in the NHS FDP.
( 16
min )
One year on from the publication of the government's 10-year health plan, how much progress has been made against its aims and promises?
( 2
min )
GP practices are being asked to refuse to accept any new shared care agreements that lack appropriate funding from 1 July in the next phase of collective action.
( 3
min )
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) has begun rolling out a digital triage system across its emergency departments.
( 15
min )
Four companies developing solutions to improve health and social care have won the Isle of Man's 2026 Innovation Challenge.
( 15
min )
Seven in 10 GP practices have had to reinstate patients removed incorrectly during a list cleaning drive that has cut practice funding by up to six figures, pushed up workload and risks 'drastic patient harm', LMCs have warned.
( 3
min )
Resident doctors including GP registrars have called off strikes after voting to accept a government pay offer that delivers a 6.6% average pay uplift along with other reforms.
( 2
min )
The ‘constrained’ funding system used to develop new GP premises could derail the government’s neighbourhood agenda, a senior MP has warned.
( 2
min )
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust has gone live with an interoperable digital medicines management system.
( 15
min )
Today's briefing features quantum simulation for drug discovery tech and new digital healthcare infrastructure in Morocco.
( 15
min )
HSSIB has warned that gaps in information sharing between the NHS and independent prescribing services could put patients at risk.
( 15
min )
PCNs are in talks with ICBs over potential network contract DES variations to support neighbourhood development, but few appear close to approval - and neighbourhood contracts promised in the 10-year health plan may not appear in the current financial year, experts suggest.
( 3
min )
Around half of growth in the GP workforce over the last financial year came from jobs created through the additional roles reimbursement scheme (ARRS), NHS data suggest.
( 2
min )
The final round of speakers for Summer Schools 2026 has been announced, with experienced NHS digital leaders joining the line-up.
( 15
min )
The NHS is failing to capitalise on productivity benefits by underusing AI for admin tasks, new workforce census data from the RCR reveals.
( 15
min )
GP practice staff have reported feeling dizzy and unwell at work as UK temperatures hit record highs over the past week - with patients struggling to last through appointments, polling shows.
( 3
min )
BMA leaders are seeking to identify any practices or salaried GPs affected by an error in legal documentation that underpins the GP contract, after the government cut the hourly rate practices can claim under the GP reimbursement scheme and admitted the move was to correct a mistake.
( 3
min )
GPonline editor Emma Bower and deputy editor Nick Bostock discuss the key news stories affecting general practice.
( 2
min )
Millions of patients who use online prescription services could be at risk because of poor communication between these services and NHS GPs, a report warns.
( 2
min )
An update to the statement of financial entitlement (SFE) for general practice appears to have reduced the hourly rate practices can claim under the GP reimbursement scheme by around 13%.
( 2
min )
Removal of more than 400,000 patients from practice lists through list cleaning over recent months threatens to destabilise practices and force 'severe cutbacks' that will undermine patient care, GP leaders and financial experts have told the government.
( 3
min )
GP partners could see profits drop in 2026/27 because rising costs are outstripping income, a leading specialist accountant has warned.
( 2
min )
Medication shortages described as the most severe on record have pushed up GP workload and left patients struggling to access treatment, experts have warned.
( 2
min )
Exclusive: More than £81m of additional roles reimbursement scheme (ARRS) cash went unclaimed in 2025/26, figures obtained by GPonline suggest.
( 2
min )
GP practices should consider boycotting a new QOF target for prescribing weight loss drugs over concerns that it is not financially viable, the BMA has said.
( 2
min )
A BMA committee has advised GP registrars to back the government's latest pay offer in an ongoing referendum that closes this week.
( 2
min )
GP leaders have questioned the validity of an 'alarming' list cleaning drive that has slashed more than 300,000 patients from practice lists over the past year.
( 2
min )
GP leaders have questioned the validity of an 'alarming' list cleaning drive that has slashed more than 300,000 patients from practice lists over the past year.
( 2
min )
Dozens of LMCs across England have written to the government to raise serious concerns about an intensive list cleaning drive that has stripped more than 450,000 patients from GP practice lists since late last year, amid rising fears over inappropriate removals.
( 3
min )
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Dr Emma Watts, a dispensing doctor in Surrey and the chair of the RCGP's Rural Forum, speaks to GPonline editor Emma Bower about the distinct challenges facing rural general practice.
( 2
min )
GP access schemes should not come at the expense of continuity of care, the RCGP has warned - as it signed a three-year deal with the NHS to deliver support to practices.
( 3
min )
GPs and practice staff fear plans to create a 'single patient record' could drive up workload, experts have told MPs.
( 2
min )
'I've had sleepless nights,' says London GP Dr Tina Agrawal, a partner whose exceptionally popular practice faces a six-figure income cut thanks to list cleaning. 'We're in trouble.'
( 3
min )
GP leaders are demanding a pause to an intensive list cleaning drive that has stripped more than 450,000 patients from practice lists across England - with removals accelerating over the past month.
( 3
min )
The BMA has begun legal action against the government over a planned U-turn on stripping the GMC of its power to appeal medical tribunal decisions.
( 2
min )
Up to a third of GPs in the country are doing ‘phenomenally impressive’ collaborative work despite delays to neighbourhood contracts, NHS England has said.
( 2
min )
A major NHS list cleaning drive has hit GP funding hard and left practices struggling to avoid losing genuine patients. GPonline looks at which parts of England have been affected most.
( 3
min )
Nearly three in five GP practices in Cornwall asked for emergency permission to pause contract changes around online consultation systems after a surge in workload.
( 2
min )
As the government prepares to publish a refreshed NHS workforce plan, RCGP president Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown sets out how the college wants it to change - and why it must be built around general practice.
( 3
min )
Resident doctors including GP registrars have called off strikes planned for this week while the BMA puts a revised pay offer from the government to its members.
( 2
min )
GPs, including a former chair of the BMA GP committee and the King's own GP, were among those to receive awards in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours list.
( 2
min )
GPs fear their workload could increase when a new online NHS hospital opens next year.
( 2
min )
The government’s commitment to the GMS contract could get in the way of neighbourhoods, the NHS England chair has said.
( 2
min )
GPonline editor Emma Bower and deputy editor Nick Bostock discuss the latest news affecting general practice.
( 2
min )
GP access will remain a key NHS target, health and social care secretary James Murray has said, despite warnings that the government has focused too much on this at the expense of continuity.
( 3
min )
Take part in our survey to share your views on advice and guidance, rejected referrals and the future of the GP contract. Click here to take part.
( 3
min )
Politicians are wary of GPs forming integrated health organisations (IHOs) because many think this should only be an option for NHS bodies such as hospital trusts, the NHS England chair has said.
( 3
min )
The NHS has made neighbourhoods 'massively overcomplicated' and risks failing to shift care out of hospital as a result, NHS England's chief executive has said.
( 2
min )
Health organisations have told the government to pause its long-delayed refresh of the NHS workforce plan - expected to be published imminently - warning that it risks falling 'significantly short' of delivering the workforce boost the health service needs and is over-reliant on unproven assumptions about artificial intelligence (AI).
( 3
min )
GPs have been left exposed to clinical negligence claims because of a ‘widening gulf’ between the law and use of AI in general practice, medico-legal experts have warned.
( 3
min )
Exclusive: Nearly 350,000 patients have been stripped from GP practices in an 'aggressive' list-cleaning drive - wiping around £45m from practice funding and forcing staff to spend hours re-registering patients removed inappropriately, GPonline can reveal.
( 3
min )
'We won't really know how many patients have been wrongly removed from their GP practice until they pitch up expecting to be seen, because they think they're still patients,' warns Gateshead GP Dr Paul Evans.
( 3
min )
Hospitals trusts taking control of general practice in England would pose an 'existential threat' to the GP partnership model - but this scenario is a 'likely' outcome of government plans for the NHS, the BMA has warned.
( 3
min )
Are you confident in identifying and managing chronic insomnia in diverse adult populations? Join us to learn from expert speakers in this five-part MIMS Learning webinar series.
( 4
min )
Weight-loss prescribing could consume a fifth of GPs’ time once roll out on the NHS is complete, an expert has warned.
( 2
min )
Dr Nada Khan, a GP in Exeter and clinical lecturer in general practice at Exeter University, speaks to GPonline editor Emma Bower about her recent study on GP retention.
( 3
min )
GPs in Kent and Medway have agreed a local variation to the PCN contract worth £10m to support neighbourhood development, in the first deal of its type signed off by NHS England.
( 3
min )
More than three in five UK GPs say contract changes this year have made them more likely to increase private work, polling reveals.
( 2
min )
NHS spending on weight-loss drug tirzepatide surged to £574m in 2025/26 - almost 5% of total community prescribing costs for the entire health service.
( 3
min )
Exclusive: Only 8.5% of the £1.7bn additional roles reimbursement scheme (ARRS) budget was spent on employing GPs in 2025/26, figures obtained by GPonline suggest.
( 3
min )
When we were collating the location data for England’s first 27 neighbourhood health centres, we were simply creating a map to inform our special report on The Vision for Neighbourhood Health. We had no idea what was lurking beneath the surface.
( 3
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 )
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 )
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 )
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 )
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 )
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 )
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 )
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 )
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 )
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 )
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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‘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.
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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.
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