406 - Primary Care Bulletin: NHS Updates from 17 September 2026

Summary of the NHS England Primary Care Bulletin for 17 September 2026

This article summarises the NHS England Primary Care Bulletin for 17 September 2026, the weekly email update for teams in general practice, dentistry, community pharmacy, and optometry.

This week’s bulletin covers important updates including the national rollout of NHS App electronic referral service notifications, information on a selective MMRV catch-up programme, the opening of the Community Pharmacy Workforce Survey 2026, and the launch of the Medical Education Training Review Ideas Factory.

General practice updates

National rollout of NHS App electronic referral service notifications

From 11 September, patients referred through the NHS electronic referral service (e-RS) will receive automated notifications via the NHS App. This initiative aims to enhance transparency by keeping patients informed at key points in their referral journey. Practice teams should be aware of these notifications to assist patients effectively. Read about the rollout and to view the notifications patients will receive.

Selective MMRV catch-up programme information

General practices are set to implement a one-dose selective catch-up programme for the MMRV vaccine from 1 November 2026 to 31 March 2028, subject to clinic capacity. This will target children aged between three years and four months to under six years who have no history of chickenpox disease or have not received two doses of varicella vaccination. Practices are not required to verify vaccination history for those who respond.

General Practice Staff Survey – thank you for submitting lists

Thanks to all colleagues for their diligence in submitting staff lists for the 2026 General Practice Staff Survey (GPSS), achieving a 94 per cent completion rate. The survey will open on 5 October and close on 26 November, inviting participants via email.

Community pharmacy updates

Community Pharmacy Workforce Survey 2026 opens

The Community Pharmacy Workforce Survey 2026 is now live, with pharmacy contractors required to submit their workforce data by 11.59pm on 14 November 2026. This data is crucial for informing future workforce and service planning. For assistance, pharmacy contractors can reach out to the NHSBSA or visit NHS England's website.

Get involved

Medical education training review ideas factory open now

The Medical Education and Training Review, following an extensive listening exercise, has entered its implementation phase. The Ideas Factory, hosted on NHS Futures, invites contributions from doctors, educators, and employers to shape the future of medical training. Find out more.

Help shape the NHS College of Leadership and Management

NHS staff are encouraged to complete a short questionnaire to influence the three-year business plan for the NHS College of Leadership and Management. This feedback will be invaluable in guiding its development.

Upcoming webinars and events

Introduction to the NHS College of Leadership and Management

Join the webinar on 18 September at 10am to learn about the new College's vision.

Leadership and Management Development

Scheduled for 22 September from 2pm to 4pm, this session focuses on development opportunities.

Talent Management and Career Development

This webinar will take place on 24 September from 2pm to 3pm.

Responding to measles outbreaks: local learning to improve uptake

This webinar on 25 September from 1.30pm to 2.30pm will discuss strategies to enhance vaccine uptake in underserved communities. Register here.

Additional resources

First podcast in new series explores cervical cancer prevention

The latest episode of the Transforming Primary Care podcast covers cervical cancer prevention initiatives and aligns with national health strategies.

User research sought in reporting and analytics for patient communications

The NHS Notify team is conducting user research to better understand reporting needs for patient communications. Find out more.

Missed a recent national webinar? View slides and recordings below

Access resources from previous General Practice webinars.

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