375 - Primary Care Bulletin: Insights and Updates on NHS Services

Introduction

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

This issue presents several key updates, including the publication of the National Cancer Plan for England, details regarding the expansion of the RSV vaccination programme for older adults, and important guidance for community pharmacy on hub and spoke arrangements. Additionally, there are new standards for reasonable adjustment digital flags and opportunities for healthcare professionals to contribute their views on appraisal practices.

The National Cancer Plan for England published

The National Cancer Plan was released this week, outlining a long-term strategy aimed at enhancing cancer outcomes, experiences, and equity over the next ten years. Based on real-life experiences, the plan prioritises early diagnosis, improved cancer care, and addressing disparities. The aim is that by 2035, 75% of people diagnosed with cancer will be either cancer-free or living well with cancer five years after diagnosis.

RSV vaccination programme expansion

The government has accepted recommendations from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) to broaden the eligibility for the RSV vaccination programme to include all individuals aged 80 and over, as well as residents of adult care homes, starting from 1 April 2026. An official letter providing further details has been published for those managing and executing the programme.

Setting up FDP access for COVID-19 vaccine ordering

Providers involved in the spring COVID-19 vaccination programme will need Federated Data Platform (FDP) access for ordering COVID-19 vaccines. A comprehensive guide is available for assistance. In case of access issues, providers should clear their browser cache and may need to consult their IT Service Desk for support. Further FDP access drop-in sessions are scheduled for 23 February, 27 February, and 10 March.

Reasonable adjustment digital flag action checklist

An information standard on reasonable adjustment digital flags requires all primary care providers to be prepared to share reasonable adjustments by 30 September 2026. Details regarding the implementation can be found in the guidance and a summary checklist is available here. This initiative aims to enhance access to health and care services for disabled individuals.

NHS Standard Appraisal Framework

NHS England is collecting feedback on current appraisal processes to help develop a new Standard Appraisal Framework (SAF) that aligns with recommendations from the Messenger Review. Organisations are invited to complete a short survey, and staff are encouraged to provide their insights through another survey, which closes on 28 February 2026.

NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme update

Digital pre-invitations for the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme will be available by the end of February for participants in the North-East, Midlands, London, and Eastern hubs. The Southern hub will follow shortly after. Details can be accessed on the Digital Screening Futures page.

GP Connect compliance actions

To ensure compliance with GP Connect contracts, practices using TPP SystmOne should verify that their Structured Records Access configuration includes the entire patient record. Non-compliance could lead to issues, and practices need to consult NHS England’s frequently asked questions for clarity.

New guidance for proxy access

Proxy access allows caregivers to act on behalf of patients, thus improving care and facilitating online services. NHS England has issued new guidance to standardise this approach, focusing on safe and appropriate use. Compliance is expected from providers by 31 December 2026. For further details, read the full standard.

NHS Digital Weight Management Programme

The national NHS Digital Weight Management Programme for patients with obesity is currently accepting referrals from general practices. The programme has demonstrated significant benefits, including over half a million referrals and evidence of clinically meaningful weight loss. General practice referrals remain supported until 31 March 2026 through the Weight Management Enhanced Service.

Hub and spoke notifications

New Approved Particulars have been released concerning hub and spoke arrangements, which will be implemented from 9 February 2026. Community pharmacies must utilise the Manage Your Service (MYS) platform for these notifications.

Promoting urgent dental care appointments

Promotional materials including posters and flyers have been developed to assist ICBs and dental practices in advertising additional urgent dental care appointments. Availability can be found on CommsLink and in the dentistry area of NHS Futures.

Harnessing physical activity

The second edition of the NHS Physical Activity podcast and blog has been released, coinciding with World Cancer Day. This initiative aims to promote increased physical activity among health and care professionals. Resources are available on the NHS Physical Activity webpages.

• 10 February, 1-2pm: Structured Medication Reviews in problematic polypharmacy: diabetes focus

• 11 February, 1-2.30pm: Community of Practice National Neighbourhood Health webinar

• 25 February, 10.30am–11.30am: Webinar on equality, diversity, and inclusion

• 4 March, 10–12pm: Violence Prevention and Reduction National Learning Session

• 10 March, 1-2pm: Specialist Pharmacy Service - Cardiology focus

• 26 March: Social Prescribing Day

• 10-11 June: NHS Confed Expo

If you missed any recent national webinars, access the slides and recordings here.

Content in this article is drawn from the NHS England Primary Care Bulletin. Patient.info edits and formats the updates to provide a clear, accessible archive for professionals. Read the original email here.