Practices are to begin administering the homegrown Oxford COVID-19 vaccine today amid concern about the ability of the NHS to meet the logistical challenge of getting doses to the frontline on time. The announcement followed successful hospital trials of the vaccine – as GP leaders warned that practices were facing erratic deliveries, leading to clinics…

Some practices could refuse to delay booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, it has been revealed. The government yesterday said second doses should be delayed for up to 12 weeks to maximise the number of people getting first doses. It triggered a backlash among medical organisations and GPs, dismayed that many patients already have appointments…

The NHS bowed to growing medical anger yesterday and promised vaccination for frontline staff following the approval of a second COVID-19 vaccine. News of the second vaccine led to practices stepping up preparations for mass programmes – as the UK developed vaccine can be refrigerated at normal temperatures. A letter from NHS England admitted that…

The NHS must urgently rethink its vaccination priorities, ensuring that frontline NHS staff are protected against the new variant COVID-19, the British Medical Association has said. Access to vaccines continues to be “sporadic,” the BMA said, citing reports from its members across the country. BMA chair Dr Chaand Nagpaul wrote to NHS England chief executive…

Frontline practice staff should get priority for the COVID-19 vaccine given the increased risks posed by the new strain of the virus, senior doctors said today. Most frontline doctors, including GPs, have “no idea” when they might get the vaccine, according to a survey by the Doctors’ Association. Especially in tier 4 areas, trusts have…

In the middle of October I participated in a podcast discussing the low morale in primary care, how everyone had just about had enough of the 6.30 am TV appearance of Matt Hancock telling Joe Public that primary care was going to be doing X, Y and Z today… and yet we had no clue…

Most practices expect to continue using remote consultations and triage after the end of the pandemic – but continue to struggle to meet demand, according to two new surveys. 77% of GPs plan to use remote working practices “frequently” post pandemic, according to a survey by the Medical Defence Union. Among the respondents, 90% felt…