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13 November 2025
The latest news and updates from NHS England for those working in Primary Care.
This week’s issue covers:
- Strike action by resident doctors
- Primary care nurses asked to share their career stories
- Pragmatic prescribing for older people with frailty
General practice
Cloud Based Telephony publication release
Cloud Based Telephony (CBT) data will be made publicly available at GP practice level for the first time via the NHS England website on 27 November 2025.
Publication of CBT data will enable analysis to measure patient-initiated demand and the ease of patients being able to contact their GP practice.
Key metrics include call volumes, call outcome (answered, missed, resulting in a call back request, or ending in response to an automated message or diversion) and call wait times and duration. Data will be available by day of the week and time of day and updated monthly.
Reminder: MHRA action required from dermatology services who prescribe isotretinoin by 16 November 2025
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has reviewed the impact of safety measures related to the prescribing and dispensing of isotretinoin that were implemented in 2023.
An effective approach is required to oversee the safe prescribing of isotretinoin going forward, while supporting patient access to treatment across all age groups.
Clinical service leads for any service or clinic that prescribes isotretinoin for the treatment of acne, are asked to complete this survey by 16 November 2025. There should be one response per service provider.
GIRFT seeks input on the delivery of MSK First Contact Physiotherapy services
GP practice managers and primary care network (PCN) leads with a responsibility for MSK First Contact Physiotherapy (FCP) services are invited to complete a short five to 10 minute questionnaire. The aim is to build an understanding of how FCP services are currently working across England and to identify opportunities for improvement.
The evaluation is being led by Getting it right first time (GIRFT), an NHS England improvement programme, in collaboration with the Government’s joint work and health directorate and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. The survey runs until 1 December 2025. To participate, please complete the FCP National Evaluation survey.
Updates to the NHS App GP appointment booking experience
The NHS App recently piloted updates to the GP appointment booking feature, which are being rolled out nationally in the coming weeks.
The updates improve the experience of booking GP appointments in the NHS App – this makes it easier to use and more accessible for patients. Developed in collaboration with surgeries, the App updates should not affect existing ways of working for GP staff.
Find out more about the changes. If you work at a GP surgery, help improve the NHS App GP appointment booking updates by sharing your feedback.
New updates to the paper form for GP patient registrations
An updated GP registration paper form is now available, featuring new questions to support the Infected Blood Inquiry and updated information on Summary Care Records. These updates reflect the recent changes made to the online patient registration and are designed to improve patient data collection and support national health initiatives. Please ensure your team is aware of these changes and begin using the new form at the earliest convenience.
For more information on the changes and where to download the form, read this update article on the register with a GP surgery website: New updates to the paper form for GP registrations - NHS England Digital
New case studies: Inclusive approaches to cervical cancer elimination
To support efforts to increase uptake of HPV vaccination and cervical screening while tackling health inequalities, the following case studies showcasing innovative work across the country have been uploaded to FutureNHS:
- Engagement with primary care as part of cervical cancer elimination in the South West: Improving awareness and access to HPV vaccination for 16–25 year-olds
- Inclusive approaches to screening in the North West: Delivering cervical screening through a mobile service to reach underserved communities
- Toolkits to improve HPV vaccination uptake in the South East: Supporting local initiatives and drive coverage
If you have examples of good practice to share, please email: england.vaccination@nhs.net
Learning sessions: Delivering the People Promise in general practice
These sessions are focused on embedding the NHS People Promise within general practice.
Each session will explore a different theme, offering practical advice, tools, and examples to support teams in creating positive, inclusive workplace cultures. All dates and links to sign up are available below:
- 19 November 2025 – The People Promise and Customer Care
- 26 November 2025 - Introduction to Improvement Training
- 2 December 2025 – Health and Wellbeing in General Practice
- 10 December 2025 – Management and Leadership Development in General Practice
- 14 January 2026 – General Practice Staff Survey Learning Session
The NHS Digital Weight Management Programme
The NHS Digital Weight Management Programme helps participants to develop healthier habits and lose weight. More than half a million referrals have been made into the programme since April 2021.
Participants must be living with obesity (BMI of 30+, or 27.5+ for ethnic minority groups) and have a diagnosis of diabetes, hypertension or both.
The free online service allows participants to complete the programme in their own time. Read the peer-reviewed outcomes paper. Find information or learn how to refer into the programme.
Get ‘Veteran Friendly Accredited’ this Remembrance Week
To coincide with Remembrance Week, all practices are being encouraged to become Veteran Friendly Accredited to support veteran patients with their physical and mental health needs. Getting accredited takes just 20 minutes, almost 100 per cent of all PCNs have at least one or more of their GP practices signed up.
The quick-to-implement programme provides practice teams with a simple process for identifying, understanding, supporting and, where appropriate, referring veterans to specialist healthcare services such as Op COURAGE and Op RESTORE.
Primary care
Strike action by resident doctors
The British Medical Association (BMA) has announced strike action by resident doctors from 7am tomorrow morning, Friday 14 November, until 7am on Wednesday 19 November.
Please ensure that when talking to patients or the public, they know that regardless of any action taking place, people who need care should continue to come forward as normal, especially in emergency and life-saving cases. People should visit 111 online or call 111 for help and advice but dial 999 if it is a serious life-threatening emergency.
There is information online on NHS preparations for industrial action, along with information for the public.
IV Therapy Passport Course: Download your certificates
The current version of the IV Therapy Passport course will soon be updated and moved to the Learning Hub.
If you have recently started this course, please make sure you complete all modules by 21 November 2025, download and save certificates as soon as possible. Once the course moves to the Learning Hub, you may not be able to access your certificates. For details of how to download your certificates please visit the elfh news page. A new, updated version of the course will be available in late November 2025.
Primary care nurses asked to share their career stories
NHS England is asking primary care nurses to share their career journeys and help inspire the next generation.
Whether a newly registered, in early career, or an experienced professional in primary care, every story matters. NHS England wants to showcase the diverse paths into primary care nursing, and the rewarding career it offers.
Case studies could feature in resources for future nurses, students and newly registered nurses on Health Careers or the Student Hub. There may also be opportunities to speak at online events, be featured on NHS England social media accounts and on the Health Careers website. Contact: wte.comms@nhs.net
Pragmatic prescribing for older people with frailty
The British Geriatrics Society, Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) have developed guidance on pragmatic prescribing for older people with frailty. Read the details on the website.
New reports showcase impact of Health Innovation Network Polypharmacy Programme and Polypharmacy Shared Learning Network
The Health Innovation Network Polypharmacy Programme has published impact, economic analysis and learning reports demonstrating changes in clinician and patient behaviour related to stopping inappropriate medicines. Over 12,800 healthcare professionals accessed the programme’s education offers, improved engagement and access to structured medication reviews in seldom heard communities and demonstrated cost savings while improving prescribing safety.
Join the Polypharmacy Shared Learning Network to be a part of a growing network of clinicians, patients and researchers tackling problematic polypharmacy. It includes education, news, research, and upcoming events.
Community pharmacy
Reminder: 2025 Community Pharmacy Workforce Survey
Community pharmacy NHS contractors are reminded to complete and submit the 2025 Community Pharmacy Workforce Survey.
Completion of the survey is a Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) requirement for all community pharmacy contractors. Responses are essential to inform future workforce and service planning and investment. The survey closes at 11:59pm on Friday 21 November 2025. If you need help with your submission, contact the NHSBSA at: pharmacysupport@nhsbsa.nhs.uk.
More information about the survey is available on the NHS England and the Community Pharmacy England websites. Email england.pharmacyteam@nhs.net with further questions.
Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework update: webinar
NHS England is holding a webinar on the progress of the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework: 2025 - 2026.
Taking place at 7-8pm on 18 November, it will be hosted by Ali Sparke, Director for Dentistry, Community Pharmacy and Optometry at NHS England, and David Webb, NHS Chief Pharmaceutical Officer for England. Updates will include the Pharmacy Contraception Service and the New Medicine Service expansions and Independent Prescribing Pathfinder Programme, and will include a Q&A.
Pharmacy contractors, pharmacists and other pharmacy colleagues can book their place via the NHS England website.
Reminder: Registration is now open for Inclusive Pharmacy Practice Week 2025
From 24-27 November, all pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and wider pharmacy team members are invited to join a series of free online workshops. Co-produced by 16 national pharmacy partners, sessions will focus on building more diverse leadership in pharmacy, improving patient experiences and reducing health inequalities. Register via the CPPE website.
Get involved
World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) awareness week
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health threat, making common infections harder, or even impossible, to treat. In the UK, AMR is linked to twice as many deaths annually as breast cancer. This year’s World AMR Awareness Week (18–24 November) highlights the urgent need to act and use antibiotics responsibly.
Join the free, expert-led webinars to deepen your understanding, learn more about best practice, and gain practical strategies to combat AMR in your work. Let’s protect patients, preserve antibiotics, and drive change together. Reserve your spot today and be part of the solution.
World Diabetes Day, 14 November – promoting the 4Ts
Type 1 diabetes can present at any age but most commonly presents in children and young people. Nearly 40 per cent of children and young people are in life-threatening Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) at diagnosis – and this percentage is rising.
This World Diabetes Day, Friday 14 November, help prevent serious complications by knowing the four key symptoms of type 1 diabetes – the 4Ts: Toilet (frequent urination), Thirsty (constant thirst), Tired (low energy), Thinner (unexplained weight loss).
If you suspect type 1 diabetes in a child or adult: check finger prick glucose immediately, refer for same day specialist review, and follow NICE guidance.
Access five-minute training on DKA prevention and visit Diabetes UK for campaign resources.
AI Ambassador Network
The next Artificial Intelligence Ambassador Network meeting – Greener NHS and AI – will be held on 3 December 2025, 10.30-12pm.
Featuring speakers Ben Tongue, Greener Digital Lead, NHS England, Dr Arjun Dhillon, Deputy Caldicott Guardian NHS England, Brhmie Balaram, National AI Team Join the AI Ambassador Network to register.
Hosted by the NHS AI Team, the meeting is for anyone with an interest in or who uses AI across all roles, and AI Ambassador Network meetings offer the opportunity to discuss all issues relating to AI and for members to shape the network’s focus.
Nurturing Compassionate and Inclusive NHS Cultures – online course
NHS England is offering a free, flexible online course designed to support colleagues working to compassionate and inclusive cultures across health and social care. The course introduces the NHS Culture and Leadership Programme (CLP), providing practical tools and resources to help you on your culture transformation journey.
This course is aimed at anyone interested in developing inclusive and collaborative leadership approaches, as well as programme leads, change team members and stakeholders involved in CLP and colleagues across health and social care who want to improve culture in their team, organisation or system. Find out more and register here.
Upcoming webinars and events
- 18 November 7pm-8pm Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework: 2025 - 2026
- 19 Nov 12-1pm. Delivering the People Promise in general practice webinar: The People Promise and Customer Care
- 19 November, 12.30pm–13.30pm, GIRFT webinar: Introducing the GIRFT chronic pain workstream
- 19 Nov 3pm – 4pm Seen and not heard – a gut feeling antibiotic use and AMR in children is a secondary consideration
- 24 Nov 12:30 – 1:30pm Optimising the Blood Culture Pathway: Audit Insights and Regional Success Stories
- 2 Dec 12-1pm. Delivering the People Promise in general practice webinar: Health and Wellbeing in General Practice
- 2 Dec 1-2pm. Primary care discussion: hypertension care in community pharmacy
- Dec 1-3.30pm. Latest developments in Health and Justice Medicines Optimisation
- 10 Dec 12-1pm. Delivering the People Promise in general practice webinar: Management and Leadership Development in General Practice
- 14 Jan 12-1pm. Delivering the People Promise in general practice webinar: General Practice Staff Survey Learning Session
Catch up
Missed a recent national webinar? View slides and recordings below:
