Mention an imminent inspection visit from the regulator the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to any general practice team and you can just imagine the nervous twitches, raised heartbeats and agitated moods that are likely to ensue. No matter how good any primary care team may be, and regardless of their previous rating, be it good…

General practice needs an action plan for recovery, the new leaders of the NHS were told today. A five point plan includes a call to ensure practice premises are fit for purpose within three years. This would allow safe care to delivered in modern buildings with reliable technology, according to the Royal College of GPs.…

GP leaders have reacted angrily to a decision to remove the vaccine booster campaign from practices this autumn. The government wants a “double jab” with vulnerable patients receiving their annual flu vaccine at the same time as a booster dose. Practices would normally lead on giving flu vaccines but a letter issued last night by…

I went for a face-to-face appointment at my GP surgery last week. Mask safely covering the huge zit that had developed on my chin – check. For once, though, I wasn’t there in an official or a work capacity, but as a patient. Yet, as I sat in the silent and sombre waiting room, my…

An improved notification system will be in place this year, alerting practices to which patients have received the flu vaccination, it has been announced. The service, created by NHS Digital, sends the information electronically from pharmacies to GP practices. NHS Digital reported on Monday (30 December) that it has been expanded ahead of this winter,…

COVID-19 vaccination programmes will be delivered mainly through GP practices, it was announced last night. Practices are likely to designate one building in each area as a vaccination centre, sending their patients to it for vaccination, the British Medical Association said. The BMA announced a deal with NHS England, promising that practices would have preparations…

GP leaders have set out the measures they believe are needed to ensure that practices can cope with the growing pressures of the coming winter. Growing rates of COVID-19 infection are leading to GPs getting increasing numbers of inquiries – while at the same time trying to help the NHS get routine services back on…