The first patients in England will receive the new COVID bivalent vaccine early next month, it has been announced. NHS England said the vaccination programme would begin in care homes and among the housebound. One primary care leader said practices would “continue to deliver” the programme – whilst calling for more resources. Some GP leaders…

Practices in 11 districts of England will be prescribing cycling and walking in a new trial, it was announced today. Practices will be backed by councils who will provide bike loans, cycle training and organise walking groups, the Department of Transport said. Districts involved in the £12 million project include Leeds, Bath, Nottingham, Cornwall, Suffolk…

GPs could be asked to authorise financial help for patients struggling with their fuel bills, it has been reported. The proposal was immediately rejected by the British Medical Association, which said doctors do not have the time or the skill to assess hundreds of requests for help. The idea is being considered by the favourite…

The government must extend temporary registrations for doctors and nurses who returned to work during the pandemic, a senior health official has said. GP leaders have sounded the alarm over plans for massive new vaccination campaigns, with the arrival of the bivalent booster for COVID and plans for a mass polio campaign in London. Health…

New vaccination programmes could stall because of staffing shortages and lack of resources in general practices, GP organisations have warned. The UK yesterday approved a new bivalent vaccine for COVID – expected to lead to a new drive to vaccinate large numbers of people with boosters against the virus. Wales became the first country to…

Most people who experience “red flag” cancer symptoms will not contact their GP, increasing the risk of cancer going undetected, according to a new survey. GP leaders called for the “necessary resources” to build confidence among the public that they would be seen by a GP if they sought help from their local practice. The…

Pressure on GPs has reached intolerable levels, aggravated by “relentless misrepresentation,” a doctors’ organisation has warned. The Doctors’ Association became the latest medical group to comment after the death of GP Dr Gail Milligan in Surrey. Dr Milligan’s husband has spoken of the relentless pressure of work she faced and the long days she worked.…