391: Primary Care Bulletin - NHS Updates for 28 May 2026

Introduction

This article summarises the NHS England Primary Care Bulletin for 28 May 2026, the weekly email update for teams in general practice, dentistry, community pharmacy, and optometry.

The latest updates from NHS England highlight important changes and resources aimed at improving patient care across various healthcare settings. Key topics include same-day appointments for urgent cases in general practice, dental check-up recall intervals, and updates to essential dental forms. Additionally, community pharmacy contractors are reminded of changes regarding service suspension reporting.

Same day appointments for clinically urgent patients

The 2026/27 General Practice contract mandates that requests identified as clinically urgent must be addressed on the same day. This requirement aims to enhance timely access to care for patients to prevent harm or deterioration. Guidance is now available for practices on recording same day appointments for all clinically urgent patients as well as a national category mapping quick guide. Additional support can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions guide available on FutureNHS (log-in required).

Jess’s Rule training video now available

In support of Jess’s Rule, which encourages healthcare professionals to reassess diagnoses for patients presenting with persistent symptoms, a training video has been released by the Jessica Brady CEDAR Trust. This resource is designed to aid healthcare professionals in applying Jess’s Rule effectively in their practice. The video can be accessed on NHS England’s website.

Resources for dental check-up recall intervals

To assist dental teams and ICB commissioning teams in explaining check-up recall intervals to patients, communication materials have been developed. These materials can be accessed via the Campaigns Resource Centre and include posters and leaflets available in various languages. The NICE dental checks guidance outlines appropriate recall intervals tailored to individual patient needs, aiming to address health inequalities and manage resources effectively.

Updated FP17DC forms now in circulation

The FP17DC forms will soon feature a new design as part of the 2026 quality and payments reforms. Significant changes include new clinical and treatment capture fields, particularly a specific field for denture repair, alongside a new Care Pathway (1–3) section. Colleagues are advised against using the Care Pathway section until the contract change is officially active. Updated patient information will clarify aspects of care pathway eligibility, NHS treatment payment, and recall intervals.

Amendment to temporary suspensions reporting

Community pharmacy contractors should note that the process for reporting temporary service suspensions will change starting 1 June. Notifications must now be submitted via the MYS platform, with manual notifications to ICBs no longer allowed unless the MYS platform is unavailable. Updated particulars regarding this change will be available on the NHS England webbplatsen.

Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme

As part of Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Week, professionals are encouraged to refer patients to the NHS Healthier You Diabetes Prevention Programme. This programme aims to assist individuals in reducing their risk of type 2 diabetes through lifestyle modifications.

Webinar on preventing measles outbreaks

A national webinar on preventing and responding to measles outbreaks will take place on 17 June, featuring discussions on vaccination strategies and addressing health inequalities. For further details, access the webinar registration page.

Survey for vaccination access needs

Vaccination Digital Services is conducting a survey to assess patients’ access needs in vaccination settings. Providers are encouraged to participate in this 5-10 minute survey before it closes on 12 June 2026.

Autism Central webinar

A webinar titled ‘What a “good life” might look like for autistic people with a learning disability’ will be hosted by Autism Central on 5 June, focusing on everyday support for families.

NHS ConfedExpo 2026

Professionals are invited to attend the NHS ConfedExpo on 10-11 June at Manchester Central, featuring a diverse agenda of sessions and discussions.

New podcast on mental health

A new episode of the Transforming Primary Care podcast focuses on mental health within general practice, featuring insights from healthcare leaders.

• 3 June, 10.30-12.00pm. AI Ambassador Network meeting: Closing disability gaps with AI, shaping NHS Trust AI policy.

• 5 June, 12-1pm. Autism Central webinar on ‘What a “good life” might look like for autistic people with a learning disability’

• 9 June, 1-2pm. Patient Group Directions, legal mechanisms and governance: what’s new

• 10 June, 12.30–1.15pm. Primary care pancreatic cancer webinar

• 10-11 June 2026, NHS ConfedExpo

• 17 June, 1–3pm. Preventing and responding to measles outbreaks in the community webinar

Missed a recent national webinar? View slides and recordings of 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.