411 - NHS Primary Care Bulletin - 22 October 2026

Introduction

This article summarises the NHS England Primary Care Bulletin for 22 October 2026, the weekly email update for teams in general practice, dentistry, community pharmacy, and optometry.

Main themes of the week

This edition covers essential updates including the opening of the General Practice Annual Electronic Self-Declaration (eDEC), the introduction of a new UK Pharmacy Research Strategy, and details about a forthcoming webinar on NHS prescribing pharmacy services.

Primary care updates

Guidance on single-sex services

The Equality and Human Rights Commission’s services code came into effect on 5 August 2026. This code provides statutory guidance for NHS organisations on implementing the Equality Act 2010. NHS England has published guidance to aid organisations in providing single-sex services, including privacy, dignity and safety in hospital accommodation and guidance on NHS staff facilities.

General practice updates

General practice annual electronic self-declaration (eDEC)

The General Practice Annual Electronic Self-Declaration (eDEC) is now open for submissions, which must be completed by Monday 23 November 2026. All practices are required to submit their eDEC through the Strategic Data Collection System (SDCS). Guidance for completing the eDEC can be accessed after logging into the data collections portal. For any issues or questions, practices can contact ssd.nationalservicedesk@nhs.net.

General practice staff survey

The NHS general practice staff survey is currently open and will run until 27 November 2026. This survey provides an opportunity for GP teams to share their experiences anonymously, aiming to enhance the working conditions within the NHS and improve patient care. The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.

Community pharmacy updates

New UK pharmacy research strategy published

The UK Pharmacy Research Advisory Group (PRAG) has introduced a new strategy aimed at increasing the involvement of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in research. This strategy intends to cultivate research skills, enhance organisational support, and foster a culture that values research within pharmacy practices. The strategy is hosted by NHS England and applies across all four nations.

Get involved

Podcast on single point of access systems

A recent episode of the Transforming Primary Care podcast discusses the advantages of single point of access (SPoA) systems for referrals and advice, featuring insights from a panel of healthcare professionals.

Blood pressure sharing research

Primary care staff, including GPs and pharmacists, are invited to participate in a 45-60 minute online research session focused on designing a blood pressure sharing service via the NHS App. Registration closes on 23 November. To register, fill in the online form.

Upcoming webinars and events

Clinical support webinar on NHS prescribing pharmacy services

NHS England will host a webinar at 6.30pm-7.30pm on 9 November 2026, for community pharmacy contractors discussing upcoming NHS community pharmacy prescribing arrangements. Participants can book their place via the NHS England website.

GIRFT webinar on headache care

A webinar introducing the first national online pathway for managing headaches will take place on 4 November at 12.30pm-1.30pm, featuring Dr. Niranjanan Nirmalananthan. Register now.

NHS resolution dental contract management training

NHS England is offering a series of training sessions on dental contract disputes for regional commissioners. Registration details for sessions on 5 November and 12 November can be found online.

NHS England HOPE network meeting

A meeting for the NHS England HOPE network will be held on 19 November from 10am-11.30am. To join, complete the application form.

More events and webinars

• 4 November, 12.30pm – 1.30pm: GIRFT webinar: launch of national online pathway for headache care

• 11 November, 10.30am – 12.00pm: AI Ambassador Network Inaugural conference

Catch up

Recent national webinars

Missed a recent national webinar? You can view slides and recordings from 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 to view the original email.