GP Contract Headlines 2025/26

Join Andy and Gandhi for this extra episode reviewing the draft GP contract changes and what they mean for General practice LIVE join PCN PLus LIVE: https://www.thcprimarycare.co.uk/pcn-... Contract offer: https://www.bma.org.uk/media/vy3fnfsa... Government comments: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ne... BMA comments: https://www.bma.org.uk/bma-media-cent... Join PCN Plus LIVE 2025: https://www.thcprimarycare.co.uk/pcn-... 00:00 Overview of Draft Changes to the GP Contract for 2025/26 Suggested changes tentatively approved by the GPC. Missing details and future implications for GP practices. 02:00 NHS England GP Contract Negotiations for 2025/26 Official contract version released and negotiated by the GPC. Analysis of contract letter and upcoming negotiations. 05:44 Funding Distribution and GP Contracts £889M funding, ~18% allocated to the global sum. Optional elements introduce complexities for ICB practices. 07:42 GP Contract Funding Increase for 2025/26 7.2% cash increase, 4.8% real growth. Largest general practice investment in over a decade (~£121 per patient). 11:48 32 QoF ndicators Retired 212 QoF points, 71 removed and reinvested in the global sum. Adjustments in locum reimbursements and vaccination service charges. 14:06 160+ participants Concerns on disease register changes affecting KPIs. 17:57 Cardiovascular Prevention Changes in GP Contracts More eligibility points for diabetes/cholesterol management. Higher thresholds make achieving rewards harder. 19:43 Patient Access & Online Consultations Online consultation tools required during core hours from Oct 2025. NHS Patient Charter to improve transparency. 23:14 Key GP Contract Concerns IM vaccine achievement challenges in deprived areas. Triage implementation affecting patient access. 25:01 GP Connect & Patient Records Access by 2025 GP Connect must allow read-only access by Oct 2025. Community pharmacies to send consultation summaries to GPs. 30:36 Upcoming Healthcare & Pharmacy Contract Changes Pharmacy impact on patient care and contracts. Private healthcare’s role in NHS sustainability. 34:20 Newly Qualified GP Funding Increase Salary up from £73,113 to £82,418 (+10%). Concerns about hiring within PCNs. 36:17 GP Contract Staffing Flexibility in PCNs GP number restrictions in PCNs removed. Employer cost reimbursements for pensions & insurance. Debate on mandatory departure vs retention. Mixed views on primary care organizational changes. 41:25 GP Retention & Financial Constraints PCNs face budget limits for hiring. PCM Plus conference to address GP retention issues. 45:01 CAIP changes £87.6M funding for general practice accessibility. Focus on validated criteria for managing access. 46:54 Continuity of Care in 2025/26 GP Contract £292M total funding, 7% directly for practices. PCN stratification funding to enhance continuity. 50:32 Online Consultations & Data Safety NHS pharmacists to access patient records under strict guidelines. Risk of increased GP waiting lists. 52:30 GP Funding Plans & NHS Transformation £969M extra for core funding and recruitment. Addressing safe working & commissioning gaps. 56:29 Data Sharing & GP Connect Concerns Anxiety over unlimited online service access. Sensitivity in sharing medical records. 58:29 GP Contract Changes & Workforce Impact Uncertainty over employment responsibilities. Risks to population health ambitions. 1:01:59 Potential GP Financial Uplift NI increases could add ~£3 per patient. House of Lords voted to protect GP budgets. 1:03:46 Contract Adjustments for 2025/26 2.8% inflation-linked salary increase expected. Removal of 32 QA criteria affecting payments. 1:07:25 Vaccination Schedule & Service Changes Varicella vaccine introduction pending approval. Possible shift of vaccination management to ICBs. New 18-month vaccine requires an extra visit. Unclear online consultation guidelines. 1:12:56 GP Partnership Termination Issues No successor requirement may limit service continuity. ICBs may gain more partnership control. 1:14:48 Patient Removal & Deregistration Changes Deregistration time cut from six to three months. New violent patient reporting guidelines. 1:18:35 Contract Criteria & Payment Adjustments 31 criteria retired, 212 new C points introduced. 1:45:00 Feedback on Studio Format for Contract Reviews Plans to reopen studio for interactive sessions. Encouraging audience feedback.