Contract · 20 May 2026 · 2 min read

GP contract 2026/27: where things stand and what to have in place

A recap of the 2026/27 GP contract changes that applied from April, and the practical requirements practices should now have in place.

01 / What's changed

Access: requests the practice identifies as clinically urgent must be dealt with the same day. Other requests need a response confirming next steps by the end of the next working day, and patients must not be asked to call back on another day.
Online consultation: tools must stay open throughout core hours (8am to 6:30pm on weekdays) with no cap on requests. Practices must also share data on online and video consultations.
Other duties: use the NHS England online registration service for every registration, reconfirm the nominated pharmacy on new prescriptions, keep a monitored pharmacy email listed in the Directory of Services, and use Advice and Guidance before or instead of planned referrals where clinically appropriate.
Money: the global sum is £130.07 per weighted patient, and a new practice level GP reimbursement scheme pays up to £4.57 per adjusted patient.

All GMS, PMS and APMS practices in England, and PCNs taking part in the Network Contract DES.

Check your online consultation tool stays open all of core hours, and publish opening times for walk-in, phone and online access on your website, leaflet and premises.
Write a simple same-day process for clinically urgent requests and code those appointments using the national guidance.
Move any paper registrations onto the online registration service, while keeping non-digital routes open.
Set up, or confirm, a dedicated pharmacy email address and check it is in the Directory of Services.