407 - NHS Primary Care Bulletin - 24 September 2026

Introduction

This article summarises the NHS England Primary Care Bulletin for 24 September 2026, the weekly email update for teams in general practice, dentistry, community pharmacy, and optometry.

Main themes of the week

This week's bulletin highlights critical updates across various primary care sectors, including new guidelines for urgent patient appointments in general practice, revisions to the dental unscheduled care claims process, and the introduction of a national online pathway for headache management. Additionally, there are upcoming events and consultations aimed at enhancing service delivery and collaboration within the healthcare system.

General practice

Coding appointments for clinically urgent patients

The 2026/27 GP contract mandates that practices address patients identified as clinically urgent on the same day. This requirement aims to ensure timely access to care, thereby minimizing risks associated with delays. Practices are responsible for determining which patients fall into this category. Further details can be found in the supplementary information to support changes to the 2026/27 GP contract.

COVID-19 vaccination claims in CQRS

Practices need to familiarize themselves with the requirements for claiming COVID-19 vaccinations ahead of the new season. The claiming service consists of three automated and six manual payment indicators, which practices must review each month. More information is available on the COVID-19 Vaccination Claiming Service page.

One year of Jess’s Rule

This month marks the first anniversary of implementing Jess’s Rule, which encourages healthcare professionals to reassess diagnoses when a patient presents three times with persistent or escalating symptoms. Resources to support this initiative can be found on the Campaign Resource Centre. Further details on Jess’s Rule are available on NHS England's website.

Newborn Hearing Screening Programme Targeted Follow-up Pathway: consultation on changes

NHS England is seeking feedback on proposed changes to the newborn hearing screening programme (NHSP) targeted follow-up pathway. GPs play a crucial role in ensuring babies at risk of hearing loss receive appropriate care. Stakeholders can read the recommendation paper and participate in the consultation until 18 December 2026.

Community pharmacy

Community Pharmacy Assurance Framework – full survey

The full community pharmacy assurance framework (CPAF) survey will be available from 1 October to 31 October 2026. This mandatory survey will monitor compliance and will directly impact pharmacies selected for a visit. Contractors can complete the survey through the Manage Your Service (MYS) portal.

Dentistry

Re-processing of dental unscheduled care and care pathway claims

Due to the recent uplift in the tariff payments for unscheduled care activities, all claims submitted between 1 April and 31 August 2026 will be reprocessed. This adjustment will reflect in the September pay schedules and electronic eDEN reports, with no action required from contractors or ICBs.

New guidance available on where to find data relating to the dental reforms

New guidance has been issued regarding where to access relevant data in Compass and eDEN. Queries should be directed to the relevant ICB. Further details can be found on the BSA website.

Primary care

National online pathway for headache care supports GP teams and pharmacists

A new national pathway for managing headache symptoms is now available online. This tool aims to assist GP teams and pharmacy colleagues in delivering effective headache care. The resource, developed by NHS England’s Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) programme, is accessible through the GIRFT website.

COVID-19 vaccination children’s appointments on the National Booking Service

Only providers authorized by their ICB to vaccinate children aged 5–11 and 12–17 may publish appointments on the National Booking Service (NBS). Providers not authorized should promptly remove any published capacity. For instructions, refer to the provider guide.

Get involved

Your Voice: shaping the future of maternity and neonatal care

An NHS-wide conversation, Your Voice: shaping the future of maternity and neonatal care, invites staff to share their views to help enhance maternity and neonatal services. More information is available here.

Futures Collaboration Annual Survey 2026

The Futures Collaboration Platform team has launched its annual survey to gather feedback from users. Responses are due by 9 October 2026. Details and a recent blog about the survey are available online.

Upcoming webinar and events

Getting ready to become a prescribing pharmacy: book your place

A webinar hosted by NHS England will take place on 1 October 2026, focusing on the IT solutions required for community pharmacies transitioning to prescribing. Interested parties can book their place.

UKHSA and NHS England: Communicating vaccines webinar - winter vaccines 2026/27 - 5 October

A webinar on winter vaccines communications will occur on 5 October 2026. Registration details are available here.

Medical education training review virtual engagement events

The medical education training review is hosting a series of virtual engagement events to gather input on future medical training. More information can be found here.

Closing

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 to view the original email.