381 - نشرة الرعاية الأولية NHS - 19 مارس 2026

Introduction

This article summarises the NHS England Primary Care Bulletin for 19 March 2026, the weekly email update for teams in general practice, dentistry, community pharmacy, and optometry.

Main themes of the week

This week’s bulletin includes important updates on a meningococcal disease outbreak in Canterbury, the launch of new resources to support Same-Day Access in urgent care, and the introduction of a Neighbourhood health framework aimed at enhancing population health delivery. Additionally, there are updates on vaccination policies, training resources, and opportunities for healthcare professionals across various sectors.

General practice

Outbreak of meningococcal disease in Canterbury

A notification has been sent out to Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), general practice, and out-of-hours services regarding a meningococcal disease outbreak linked to the University of Kent. Practitioners are advised to prescribe antibiotic prophylaxis for eligible contacts as per national guidance. Local arrangements have been established for managing high demand in the Kent and Medway area, and MenB vaccinations should be offered to certain patients unable to access vaccination clinics on campus.

Same-Day Access technical resources

New technical resources have been published to assist GP practices in providing Same-Day Access for clinically urgent patients. Details on how to record appointments can be found in the Recording Same Day Appointments for Clinically Urgent Patients document. Further guidance on using the GP Appointments Data Dashboard is outlined in the GP Appointments Data Dashboard – National Category Mapping Guide.

MMR vaccinations for practice staff

In response to recent measles outbreaks, GP practices can now administer MMR vaccines to their eligible staff registered with another practice from 1 April 2026 to 30 September 2026. This requires adherence to the recommended schedule outlined in the Green Book.

SNOMED codes for MMRV vaccination

New SNOMED codes for recording vaccination statuses related to measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella have been added. The codes available for use are listed in the SNOMED CT Browser.

RSV vaccinations for older adults

From 1 April 2026, all adults aged 75 and over or those living in care homes can receive the RSV vaccine. Practice teams should encourage eligible individuals to access the vaccine using materials from the Campaign Resource Centre.

Updates on gender services clinical policy

A public consultation has begun on a draft clinical policy regarding masculinising and feminising hormones for children and young people. The consultation will conclude on 7 June 2026, with a temporary pause on referrals for treatments pending policy finalisation. Further details are available in the updated NHS England guidance for primary care providers.

Dentistry

Preparing for NHS dental quality and payment contract reforms

A recording from the recent NHS dental quality and payment reforms webinar for providers and commissioners can be accessed on the Dental Training Future NHS workspace (login required).

Community pharmacy

New Bank Holiday resources from CPPSG

The Community Pharmacy Patient Safety Group (CPPSG) has released resources to support pharmacy teams in Opioid Treatment Programmes, including a video titled "Focus on Methadone" and a Bank Holiday checklist. These resources are available through the CPPSG Resource Hub.

الرعاية الأولية

Neighbourhood health framework published

The newly published Neighbourhood health framework offers guidance on how ICBs and local authorities can effectively deliver neighbourhood health services. It outlines specific challenges and success metrics pertinent to neighbourhood health care.

COVID-19 vaccination programme updates

Changes to ordering and delivery dates for COVID-19 vaccinations over Bank Holidays have been announced. Health professionals must ensure they complete a stocktake within the last seven days before ordering.

Federated Data Platform training resources

Training resources including recordings and guides for the Federated Data Platform are available on the Vaccine and Screening Future NHS workspace (login required). Drop-in support sessions will happen in April and May.

Driving health equity with Digital Exclusion Risk Atlas

The Digital Exclusion Risk Atlas, a new tool, has been developed to help understand challenges in accessing digital services within various populations. A launch webinar will be held on 15 April to discuss how this tool can aid local planning. Individuals can register here.

National survey of NHS staff information needs

NHS staff are encouraged to complete a survey regarding their access to and use of evidence in order to inform improvements. The survey can be accessed here before 12 April 2026.

Get involved

Social prescribing day

Social Prescribing Day will happen on 26 March. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to promote social prescribing initiatives and participate through social media or events. More information is available here.

Applications for Digital Health Leadership Programme

Applications for the Digital Health Leadership Programme are now open, closing on 30 April. This fully funded programme aims to enhance digital leadership in the NHS. Further information can be found on the website.

Movement matters podcast and blog

A recent البودكاست و blog discuss the importance of physical activity for health professionals and patients.

Upcoming webinars and events

Several upcoming webinars and events have been announced, including:

• 25 March, 4-5pm: NHS England Clinically Urgent Same Day Access webinar for ICBs

• 25 March, 12.30-2pm: Medication safety across the system

• 26 March: Social Prescribing Day

• 26 March, 5-6pm: NHS England Clinically Urgent Same Day Access webinar for practices

• 14 April, 12-1.30pm: Growing occupational health and wellbeing together

• 14 April, 1-2pm: Structured medication reviews in problematic polypharmacy: insomnia focus

• 14 April, 2–3.30pm: NHS England and City of London Police Cyber Griffin Primary care cybersecurity webinars Cyber Baseline Part B

• 26 April, 2-3pm: BMJ Best Practice and state-of-the-art care for Sepsis in Adults webinar

• 10-11 June 2026: NHSConfedExpo

Catch up

Links to recorded national webinars and other resources are available for those who missed them. Access them here.

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 to view the original email.