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Primary Care Clinical Update 14 December

1. Covid-19 Case Numbers. Some signs that case Covid-19 numbers and hospitalisations are increasing. Continue to promote take-up of Covid-19 vaccination (and flu vaccination) in eligible people.

2. NHS COVID Pass. The NHS COVID pass service closed on 4 December 2023 as vaccination status no longer needs to be shown for UK or international travel and the pass is no generally needed. Patients who still need to show proof of Covid-19 vaccination can do so via the NHS App.

3. Structured Medication Reviews. Resources to support patients having a Structured Medication Review. https://thehealthinnovationnetwork.co.uk/programmes/medicines/polypharmacy/patient-information/

4. NHS England Vaccination Strategy. NHS England’s new vaccination strategy is likely to see the end of the current GP practice enhanced services and QOF targets, with ICBs set to take over population-level management. Under the new strategy, infants and pre-school children vaccinations will probably continue to be delivered within general practice, while adult vaccinations will be at a range of locations depending on circumstances. https://www.pulsetoday.co.uk/news/clinical-areas/immunology-and-vaccines/overhaul-of-vaccination-programme-set-to-end-gp-practice-incentives 

5. Earlier Hospital Discharge. NHS England proposing that hospitals could discharge patients earlier to free up inpatient capacity. https://www.pulsetoday.co.uk/news/workload/hospitals-will-have-to-discharge-patients-earlier-during-strikes-says-nhse/ 

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