# 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.

- Published: 20 May 2026
- Type: News
- Topic: Contract
- For: Practice managers, PCN leads
- Applies to: England
- Review: Reviewed by the Abtrace team
- Web page: https://ontherecord.abtrace.com/posts/gp-contract-2026-27-where-things-stand/

## 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.

## Who it affects

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

## What to do

- 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.

## Sources

- [NHS England: Supplementary information to support changes to the 2026/27 GP contract](https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/supplementary-information-to-support-changes-to-the-2026-27-gp-contract/)
- [NHS England: Changes to the GP contract in 2026/27](https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/changes-to-the-gp-contract-in-2026-27/)
- [NHS England: Implementing the 2026/27 GP contract changes to PMS and APMS contracts](https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/implementing-the-2026-27-gp-contract-changes-to-personal-medical-services-and-alternative-provider-medical-services-contracts/)

Published by Abtrace on On the Record (https://ontherecord.abtrace.com/). Summaries only; always check the linked source.