NHS Primary Care Bulletin - Issue 386

Introduction

This article summarises the NHS England Primary Care Bulletin for 23 April 2026, the weekly email update for teams in general practice, dentistry, community pharmacy, and optometry.

Recent updates focus on guidance for Neighbourhood Health Centres, specialist advice models, and new opportunities for pharmacist training. The bulletin also addresses important changes regarding the Freedom to Speak Up initiative, seasonal COVID-19 vaccination programmes, and the transition to NHS.net Connect, alongside recent developments in the dental quality improvement programme and upcoming events for health professionals.

Neighbourhood health centres – guidance and deadline for submissions

NHS England has released new guidance on Neighbourhood Health Centres (NHCs), which will integrate GP services, community health, social care, and broader support services under one roof, operating at least 12 hours a day for six days a week. Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) are asked to collaborate with regional teams and submit local proposals by the deadline of 28 May 2026. Read the guidance.

Understanding and using the Sickle Cell clinical pathway initiative

A webinar scheduled for 21 May will address the Sickle Cell clinical pathway initiative (CPI), which offers a framework for healthcare professionals to provide accurate information and sensitive counselling to patients identified as carriers of the sickle cell trait. This initiative is suitable for use at all levels of care. Register here.

Freedom to speak up – revised responsibilities

Starting 1 July, NHS England will take on some functions previously managed by the National Guardian's Office (NGO). The Future of Freedom to Speak Up initiative aims to ensure all staff are aware of and can safely access guardians to voice concerns. The NGO is set to close in June following the Dash review of patient safety. Learn more.

Spring COVID-19 seasonal vaccination provider guide

Providers participating in the COVID-19 seasonal vaccination programme are reminded to refer to the seasonal vaccination provider programme guide to stay updated on the latest information. The guide is regularly revised, making it essential to check frequently.

NHS.net Connect is the next chapter of NHSmail

NHS.net Connect is set to replace NHSmail, enhancing collaboration, secure email, and encrypted file-sharing across NHS services. Access to Outlook, Teams, and OneDrive will be integrated into a new platform. For further details, refer to the monthly newsletter available on the NHS.net Connect Support Hub.

New resources to support advanced levels of practice

Resources have been made available to assist experienced registrants and their managers in navigating advanced practice roles. These resources clarify how HCPC standards apply in such roles, focusing on supervision, delegation, and multidisciplinary practice. Explore the resources.

Specialist advice and elective single point of access (SPoA)

A letter from NHS England details the introduction of a new elective SPoA model, outlining what GPs and patients should anticipate from secondary care. Local trusts and ICBs are to collaborate with GP leaders in developing these pathways. Find the letter.

GP additional guidance for seasonal vaccinations

NHS England has released additional guidance for GP practices regarding seasonal vaccinations for 2026/27, covering both COVID-19 and influenza vaccination events and payments. This guidance expands previous protocols that only pertained to influenza. Read the guidance.

Breast screening digital digest

The Breast Screening Digital Digest provides essential updates regarding the new digital breast screening service. The latest edition features insights on this service's rollout. To receive future updates, fill in this form.

Independent prescribing training for pharmacists 2026: applications now open

NHS England is offering fully funded independent prescribing courses for pharmacists across various sectors. This training will enable pharmacists to deliver comprehensive clinical services from diagnosis through to prescribing and follow-up, reinforcing their roles in integrated healthcare. Learn more about eligibility and application.

The 2026/27 dental quality improvement programme now open

Registration for the first year of the dental quality improvement (QI) programme has commenced. Dental practices must register through the Compass system by 8 May 2026. Registration is annual and cannot be joined mid-year. Guidance is available on the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) website. Additionally, a recent webinar on NHS dentistry quality reforms is available for viewing. Watch the recording.

Regional champions announced in NHS Excellence Awards 2026

Outstanding teams and individuals have been recognised as regional champions in the inaugural NHS Excellence Awards. These awards celebrate local initiatives and projects that significantly enhance patient care and community support. All finalists will proceed to the national ceremony in June for the announcement of winners. More details.

Experience of Care Week 2026: 27 April–1 May

NHS England is promoting Experience of Care Week, featuring webinars aimed at improving experiences across health services. Participants will learn from various speakers and discuss practical insights for enhancement. Join the webinars.

Upcoming webinars and events

• 30 April, 11.30 – 12.30pm, NHS England NHS App webinar

• 30 April, 12-1pm, Implementing Elective Single Point of Access webinar

• 6 May, 10.30 – 12pm, AI Ambassador Network meeting

• 21 May 2026, 11am–12pm Understanding and using the Sickle Cell clinical pathway initiative

• 10-11 June 2026, NHS ConfedExpo

Missed a recent national webinar? Access the slides and recordings from earlier sessions. 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. For the original email version, click here.