GP Contract Changes 2025/26: The Three Essentials Every Practice Must Know
- Mohammed A Rashad
- 7 days ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Patients today expect more than just a phone line and a waiting room. They want seamless digital access, clear information, and joined-up care. As the NHS sets new standards for general practice from October 2025, the spotlight is firmly on how surgeries connect, communicate, and empower their communities.
The latest GP contract changes are not just another tick-box exercise. They represent a shift towards smarter, more transparent healthcare, with three essential requirements that will shape the way every practice operates.
Read on as The Medicines Management Team unpacks what these changes mean for your team, your patients, and the future of primary care.
Key Takeaways:
Conclusion
How The General Practice is Evolving
General practice is undergoing a digital revolution, with the NHS driving forward new standards to ensure patients receive accessible, transparent, and joined-up care. The 2025/26 GP contract changes are not just about compliance—they are about future-proofing your practice and meeting the expectations of a digitally savvy population. As technology and patient needs evolve, so too must the way practices operate, communicate, and deliver services.
Online Consultation Tools Must Be Switched On for Core Hours
What Are Online Consultation Tools?
Online consultation tools allow patients to contact their GP surgery digitally, whether to request advice, book appointments, or submit health queries. These platforms are designed to streamline communication, reduce phone congestion, and offer patients a convenient way to access care.
What’s Changing from October 2025?
From 1 October 2025, every GP practice must ensure their online consultation tools are available and switched on for the entire duration of core hours. This means no more limiting access to certain times of day or switching off digital tools during busy periods.
Why Is This Important?
Patient Convenience: Patients can submit queries at times that suit them, improving satisfaction and reducing frustration.
Operational Efficiency: Digital triage can help practices manage demand, prioritise urgent cases, and reduce unnecessary appointments.
Accessibility: Ensures all patients, including those with work or caring commitments, can access services without needing to call or visit in person.
How Can Practices Prepare?
Audit Your Current System: Review your existing online consultation platform. Is it user-friendly? Is it reliable during peak times?
Staff Training: Ensure all team members understand how to manage and respond to online queries efficiently.
Patient Communication: Update your website, phone messages, and waiting room materials to promote the availability of online consultations.
Monitor and Improve: Use analytics from your platform to identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement.
TMMT Tip
Consider running a short patient survey to gather feedback on your online consultation system. This can highlight areas for improvement and demonstrate your commitment to patient-centred care.
“You and Your General Practice” Must Be on Practice Websites
What Is “You and Your General Practice”?
“You and Your General Practice” is an NHS resource designed to help patients understand what to expect from their GP surgery, their rights and responsibilities, and how to get the most from primary care. It covers topics such as appointment types, confidentiality, and how practices work as part of the wider NHS.
Why Is This Now Mandatory?
From October 2025, every GP practice must display this resource prominently on their website. The aim is to provide consistent, accessible information to all patients, regardless of where they are registered.
Key Benefits
Transparency: Patients know what to expect, reducing confusion and complaints.
Empowerment: Encourages patients to use services appropriately and understand their role in their own care.
Compliance: Meets NHS England’s requirements and avoids potential contract breaches.
How to Add “You and Your General Practice” to Your Website
Locate the Official Resource: Use the latest version from the NHS England website.
Prominent Placement: Add a dedicated section or banner on your homepage, and include it in your main navigation menu.
Accessibility: Ensure the resource is easy to read, mobile-friendly, and available in alternative formats if needed.
Regular Updates: Check for updates from NHS England and refresh your website content accordingly.
TMMT Checklist for Website Compliance
The resource is visible on the homepage
The link works and leads to the latest version
The content is accessible on mobile devices
Patients are informed about the resource in practice communications
GP Connect Access Record and Update Record Must Be Enabled
What Is GP Connect?
GP Connect is an NHS digital service that allows authorised healthcare professionals to securely access and update patient records across different NHS organisations. It supports better continuity of care, especially when patients are seen outside their usual practice.
What’s Required from October 2025?
Practices must enable two key features within their clinical systems:
Access Record (HTML and Structured): Allows other NHS services to view a patient’s GP record in a standardised format.
Update Record: Enables authorised professionals to add information to a patient’s record, ensuring it is always up to date.
Why Does This Matter?
Joined-Up Care: Clinicians have access to the latest patient information, reducing duplication and improving safety.
Patient Experience: Patients do not need to repeat their history or worry about missing information.
NHS Integration: Supports national initiatives for integrated care and digital transformation.
Steps to Enable GP Connect Features
Check with Your Clinical System Supplier: Confirm that your system supports GP Connect Access Record and Update Record.
Enable the Features: Work with your IT team or supplier to activate both HTML and structured record access, as well as update functionality.
Staff Training: Ensure all relevant staff understand how to use GP Connect and the importance of accurate, timely record-keeping.
Monitor Usage: Regularly review how GP Connect is being used and address any issues promptly.
TMMT Support
The Medicines Management Team can help you audit your current digital systems, liaise with suppliers, and provide tailored training to ensure your practice is fully compliant and making the most of GP Connect.
Preparing for 1 October 2025: Your Action Plan
Key Steps for Practices
Review Current Systems and Processes: Identify any gaps in your online consultation tools, website content, and clinical system capabilities.
Engage Your Team: Hold a staff meeting to discuss the upcoming changes and assign responsibilities.
Update Patient Communications: Let patients know about new features and resources, and encourage them to use digital services.
Test and Monitor: Run test scenarios to ensure everything works as expected, and monitor feedback from both staff and patients.
Stay Informed: Subscribe to NHS England updates and work with trusted partners like TMMT for ongoing support.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Technical Barriers: Work closely with your IT supplier and seek support from NHS Digital or TMMT.
Staff Resistance: Provide clear training and highlight the benefits for both staff and patients.
Patient Awareness: Use multiple channels—website, SMS, posters—to inform patients about new services.
Conclusion
The 2025/26 GP contract changes are a significant step towards a more digital, transparent, and patient-focused NHS. By embracing these three essentials: always-on online consultations, clear patient information on your website, and fully enabled GP Connect features, your practice can not only meet compliance requirements but also deliver better care and a smoother experience for your patients.
Contact The Medicines Management Team and ensure your practice is ready for the future of general practice.
FAQs
What happens if my practice does not comply with the new GP contract requirements by October 2025?
Non-compliance may result in contract breaches and could trigger intervention from NHS England. It’s important to act early to avoid disruption to patient services and potential penalties.
Will enabling online consultation tools increase my team’s workload?
Initially, there may be a learning curve as staff adapt to new workflows. However, most practices find that digital consultations help manage demand more efficiently and reduce unnecessary face-to-face appointments over time.
How can I make sure my website is accessible to all patients, including those with disabilities?
Use clear language, readable fonts, and ensure compatibility with screen readers. Providing information in alternative formats, such as large print or audio, can also help meet accessibility standards.
Is patient data safe when using GP Connect and online consultation tools?
Yes, both systems are designed with NHS-level security and data protection in mind. Ensure your staff follow best practices for data privacy and regularly update passwords and access controls.
Where can I get help if I encounter technical issues with my clinical system or website updates?
Contact your IT supplier or NHS Digital support for technical issues. The Medicines Management Team can also provide guidance, training, and troubleshooting to help your practice stay compliant.
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