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August 11, 2026

August 2026 Update

Consultation on Proposed Single and Multi‑Neighbourhood Practice Contracts

NHS England has opened a national consultation on the proposed Single Neighbourhood Practice (SNP) and Multi‑Neighbourhood Practice (MNP) contracting models. These models represent a significant potential shift in how general practice could be organised and commissioned in future, with an emphasis on neighbourhood‑level delivery, larger organisational footprints, and more integrated working.

The consultation outlines two possible contract forms:

Single Neighbourhood Practice (SNP) A contract covering a single neighbourhood population (typically 30–50k), bringing multiple existing practices together under one organisational structure. The aim is to create a unified team delivering core general practice services with shared governance, workforce, and digital infrastructure.
Multi‑Neighbourhood Practice (MNP) A larger contract spanning several neighbourhoods, potentially covering 100k+ patients. This model would support scaled delivery, consolidated management, and more consistent access across a wider geography.

NHS England is seeking views on:

How these models could operate alongside or replace existing GMS/PMS/APMS arrangements
The implications for practice autonomy, partnership models, and local identity
Workforce considerations, including employment models, skill‑mix, and leadership structures
How neighbourhood footprints should be defined
Governance, accountability, and the relationship with Integrated Care Boards
The potential benefits and risks of moving to larger, consolidated contracts
How patient access, continuity, and personalised care can be protected within scaled organisations

The consultation is positioned as exploratory rather than prescriptive, but it signals NHS England’s interest in moving towards more standardised, population‑based contracts that align with ICS neighbourhood architecture.

The LMC strongly encourages practices, partners, and PCNs to review the proposals and respond, particularly given the potential long‑term implications for practice ownership, contractual stability, workforce arrangements, and local service design.

The high‑level summary and response details are available on the NHS England website. Responses are invited from practices, LMCs, PCNs, federations, and wider stakeholders.

RDaSH Talking Therapies Service Events

RDaSH are holding a Trust-wide Talking Therapies Service events where you can join them on Tuesday, 18 August between 12 noon and 1 pm via Microsoft Teams. You can book your place here Lunch Collab – Talking Therapies – 18/8/26

The session is open to all clinical and non-clinical staff.

Takeaways from the sessions will include:

Who the Teams are and how to contact them
Referral criteria/ Who and how!
What they don’t offer and why
Signposting for additional help and advice
Current wait times
Support available for those on our waiting lists and for you
Resources referred to in the session for you to share with your colleagues and Teams

You will also have the opportunity to ask those questions that can help everyone to work more collaboratively through a shared understanding of roles and services provided across primary and secondary care.

You can book a place on any of the future Lunch Collab sessions at the links below –

Date	Time	Focus	Ticketline
Thursday, 15 October Macmillan Service	12 noon – 1 pm	Macmillan Service – Doncaster only Lunch Collab – Macmillan Service – 15/10/26	Lunch Collab – Macmillan Service – 15/10/26
Thursday, 12 November Childrens Crisis Service	12 noon – 1 pm	Childrens Crisis Service – All localities Lunch Collab – Childrens Crisis Service – 12/11/26	Lunch Collab – Childrens Crisis Service – 12/11/26
Tuesday, 1 December	1 pm – 2 pm	Watch this space! To be confirmed.
Thursday, 14 January St John’s Hospice and Day Therapy Unit	12 noon – 1 pm	Lunch Collab – St John’s Hospice and Day Therapy Unit – 14/1/27 St John’s Hospice and Day Therapy Unit – Doncaster only	Lunch Collab – St John’s Hospice and Day Therapy Unit – 14/1/27

We hope to see some of you over coming months. If you have any questions or require any further information, please contact us on rdash.pcliaison@nhs.net

The Meningococcal B (MenB) vaccination service

The national MenB vaccination service went live on 20 July 2026, marking a significant expansion of access to meningococcal disease prevention across community pharmacy.

Comprehensive operational guidance is available on the Vaccinations and Screening workspace on NHS Futures (log‑in required). This includes:

Vaccine supply and ordering processes
Delivery arrangements and stock flow
Provider FAQ covering:
- Allocation rules
- Ordering timelines
- Walk‑in patient handling
- Second‑dose pathways
- Stock management expectations

The Find a MenB Pharmacy tool is also live. Eligible individuals can now search for participating pharmacies, check opening hours, and identify where they can receive the vaccine. Walk‑in patients may be offered an appointment or, where capacity allows, vaccination on the day.

Pharmacies will appear on the finder once they have registered for the service and completed all steps required to receive stock, ensuring the public can reliably identify sites ready to deliver MenB vaccination.

Patient-returned sharps

We would like to remind all GP practices and community pharmacies that patient returned sharps bins are not covered under NHS clinical waste contracts and should not be accepted for disposal.

There continues to be confusion around the appropriate disposal route for domestic sharps, with patients often being directed between GP practices, community pharmacies and local authorities. This has resulted in some GP practices and pharmacies accepting patient sharps as a gesture of goodwill. Whilst well intentioned, this is not compliant with current waste regulations and presents potential safety and liability risks.

Who is responsible?

Sharps used by patients in their own homes are classified as domestic waste. Responsibility for their collection and disposal therefore sits with the local authority, not GP practices or community pharmacies.

It is important to note that:

GP practice clinical waste contracts only cover waste generated on-site during the delivery of healthcare services. They do not include patient-returned sharps bins.
Community pharmacy NHS waste contracts only cover clinical waste generated by the pharmacy while delivering NHS services, such as vaccination programmes. They do not include patient-returned sharps.
Accepting patient-returned sharps falls outside these waste contracts and may constitute a breach of waste regulations, with potential legal, financial and health and safety implications should an incident, such as a needlestick injury occur.

Current position in South Yorkshire

At present, there is no formal, agreed process in place for the disposal of patient-

returned sharps in Barnsley, Doncaster or Sheffield. Unfortunately, this has resulted in inconsistent advice being given to patients, including referrals between GP practices and community pharmacies.

Until a formal solution is agreed, patients requiring disposal of domestic sharps should be directed to their local authority, which has responsibility for domestic waste disposal.

Action Required

Please:

Do not accept patient-returned sharps bins for disposal.
Do not direct patients between GP practices and community pharmacies, as neither service is commissioned or contracted to dispose of domestic sharps.
Review and update any patient information, including websites, posters, leaflets, patient information and other communications, to remove any wording directing patients to GP practices or community pharmacies for sharps disposal.
Signpost patients to their local authority for advice regarding disposal of domestic sharps.

We recognise that the absence of a formal local pathway is frustrating for patients and healthcare professionals alike. CPSY is aware of the challenges this creates and is working with the Integrated Care Board, local authorities and other partners to identify a compliant and sustainable solution across South Yorkshire.

Once an agreed pathway is in place, this will be communicated to all organisations so that consistent advice and signposting can be provided to patients.

If you have any queries, please contact us at info@cpsy.org.uk

Future Proofing Your GP Practice -Webinar

Changes in partnership arrangements are inevitable, but effective succession planning can help ensure continuity, minimise risk and protect the future of your practice.

Join Puja Solanki and Robert McCartney for their free webinar as they discuss the practical, legal and financial issues that GP practices should consider when planning for partner departures and new arrivals.

Date: Thursday 27 August 2026
Time: 13:00 – 14:00

Click here or the button below for more information and to register your place.

Register here

The webinar will cover:

Succession planning for partners in both partnerships and single-handed practices
The options available to single-handed GP practices
Bringing new partners into an existing partnership
Managing succession accounts and resolving disputes where agreement cannot be reached
Addressing funding challenges when practices need to pay outgoing partners
Managing historical liabilities following changes in partnership arrangements

The live session will be followed by a Q&A.

Puja Solanki , Legal director – t: 020 7484 7506 – e: p.solanki@hempsons.co.uk

Robert McCartney Partner – t: 020 7484 7509 – e: r.mccartney@hempsons.co.uk

NHSE Competency framework for nurses and AHPs in England

NHS England has published a new national Competency Framework for nurses and allied health professionals (AHPs). This resource provides a consistent, structured approach to assessing clinical capability across roles and settings, supporting workforce development and safe practice.

The framework is designed to be used within organisations to:

Map individual competencies against nationally recognised standards
Align staff to appropriate training pathways
Track progress over time, supporting appraisal, supervision, and professional development
Identify gaps where further education or support may be required

It offers a common language for competency assessment, helping employers ensure that staff are working at the right level and have access to the training they need.

Over the coming months, NHSE will launch the ASPIRE education and training programme, which will explore the framework in more detail. ASPIRE will introduce a new learning platform bringing together current training opportunities available across the UK. This will include courses and modules that nurses and AHP colleagues may be able to access to support their development and meet competency requirements.

Further information will be shared as ASPIRE rolls out, including how organisations can integrate the framework into local workforce planning and training processes.

Free SCA Practice Cases - Built from the RCGP Curriculum

Please follow the link below to find free resources from Fourteen Fisherman. These may be of particular interest to GP trainees

Fourteen Fisherman have published a library of 79 free MRCGP SCA practice cases. The cases were developed using the “How this can be tested in the SCA” sections of the RCGP curriculum, turning the curriculum guidance into practical consultation scenarios.

Each case includes a candidate brief, patient script, marking scheme, learning points and a built-in 12-minute timer. The full library is completely free to access, with no registration or sign-up required:

https://www.fourteenfisherman.com/sca-cases

NHS Covid Triage and Treatment Service in South Yorkshire

In June Wicker Pharmacy were commissioned by NHS SYICB to take over the triage of eligible patients in south Yorkshire with positive covid LFTs, potentially prescribing antivirals if appropriate. Patients can be referred to the service by GPs or eligible patients with a positive test can self-refer. There’s more information about the service here – NHS COVID-19 triage in S. Yorks for eligible patients – https://wickerclinic.co.uk/covid-triage-and-treatment-service-nhs-sy

Invitation: Help shape national policy on NHS patient data sharing

Important decisions are being made about how patient data is used across the NHS – and you can help shape them.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has commissioned a national programme of engagement to understand the views and experiences of GPs and practice managers on the use of health data. This programme is being delivered independently by Ipsos and Kaleidoscope Health and Care.

This is not a tick-box consultation. Your input will genuinely influence national policy and legislation.

What is this about?
The engagement covers the use of patient data across three key areas:

Individual patient care: When and how other health professionals can access and add to the GP patient record (with a current focus on the Single Patient Record).
Planning and population health management: How patient data is used for routine planning at regional and national levels.
Health research: How GP patient data is used for research into new treatments and medications.

Why your voice matters
GPs and practice managers will be at the centre of delivering these changes – as decision-makers, trusted professionals, and the people who explain data choices to patients. Participating does not require you to take any particular position on data sharing. DHSC simply believes that hearing from professionals with a variety of perspectives, experiences, and concerns is critical.

We are looking to hear from all types of GPs (salaried, partners, locums at all career stages) and practice managers/senior staff. We are especially keen to hear from those in rural, coastal, and deprived areas, as well as single-handed or small practices.

How to get involved (Flexible options)
We know your time is precious. The programme runs from July to October 2026, and you can choose the level of involvement that works for you:

The Survey (10 mins): Share your immediate views and preferences on patient data sharing.
Inside View (60 mins): Get up to speed with a recorded expert briefing from DHSC policy leads, available on-demand.
In-depth Workshops (By invitation): The survey acts as a registration link. You can opt-in to be considered for a structured deliberative process (online and in-person sessions) working directly with policy leads to develop recommendations.

Take the 10-minute survey here: https://survey.alchemer.eu/s3/91120146/DataEngagement
Read more about the programme here: https://dataengagement.kscopehealth.org.uk/

Your participation is entirely voluntary. All data is handled in strict accordance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Your personal details will never be shared without your explicit consent, and all outputs will be fully anonymised.

Recording Medication Prescribed Elsewhere on Clinical System

Recording Medication Prescribed Elsewhere on Clinical System

Please see attached Recording medication prescribed elsewhere on clinical practice systems information which was recently approved at July’s IMOC. The document provides standardised guidance for general practices in South Yorkshire ICB on how to safely and consistently record medication that is prescribed by non‐GP practices (organisations other than the patient’s registered GP practice) within GP clinical systems. Correct recording supports patient safety, medicines reconciliation, clinical decision‐making, and the accuracy of the Summary Care Record (SCR).

This guidance applies to medications prescribed or supplied by secondary and tertiary care, independent and private providers, community pharmacy services, and other non‐GP practices. It covers EMIS Web and SystmOne. Prescribing responsibility does not transfer unless formally agreed.

This information will also be available on the Medicines Optimisation website.

Recording Medication Prescribed Elsewhere on Clinical System

Recording Medication Prescribed Elsewhere on Clinical System

This information will also be available on the Medicines Optimisation website.

LMC Buying Group

Doncaster LMC is been a member of the LMC Buying Groups Federation.

Buying Group membership entitles practices to discounts on products and services provided by the Buying Group’s suppliers.

Membership is free and there is no obligation on practices to use all the suppliers. However, practices can save thousands of pounds a year just by switching to Buying Group suppliers. To view the pricing and discounts on offer you need to register for access to the Buying Group’s online portal: https://buying.plexusportal.co.uk/Register.

What is the purpose of the Buying Group and how does it work?

The sole purpose of the Buying Group is to save its member practices money by negotiating discounts on goods and services which practices regularly purchase. The Buying Group team negotiate with suppliers, after which they identify ‘approved’ suppliers, who guarantee to give you significant discounts over what you would otherwise pay for their services, in return for the Buying Group’s endorsement and help in making you aware of what they offer.

Does it cost us anything to be part of the group?

No, membership is free and members are free to use as many discounts as they wish.

Is there any obligation to take up the deals offered?

No. Each practice is free to take up or decline any of the deals the Buying Group have negotiated. If you wish to take advantage of any of the offers in question, you will be given contact details, and all communications take place between you and the individual supplier*.

*The Buying Group accepts no liability for any contract willingly entered into by a practice with an approved supplier. Practices are advised to check that the terms of any contract with suppliers are consistent with those the Buying Group have negotiated and are advised to inform the Buying Group team of any discrepancy. The Buying Group do not, however, accept any responsibility for any member practices’ failure to check the terms of the relevant contract and the principle of caveat emptor (buyer beware) applies in all cases. Your rights as a consumer under the Consumer Protection Act are unaffected. With respect to any services to which the provisions of the Financial Services Act 2000 might apply practices are advised to seek independent financial advice as may be appropriate.

What happens to my details?

When a practice signs up for Buying Group membership, they will keep your basic contact details (practice address) on a secure system. On the membership application form, they also ask you how they can use your personal data (i.e. your email address) but even if you do sign up to receive their emails you can stop them at any time by clicking the unsubscribe button.

What if I am not happy with the quality of goods and services supplied?

Always let the Buying Group know if you encounter any problems getting what you want, and they will endeavour to sort it out.

Contact the Buying Group

The Buying Group is managed by Plexus Support Services Ltd:

Tel: 0115 979 6910

Email: info@plexussupport.co.uk

Website: https://www.plexussupport.co.uk