Operose Health has launched pilots across 20 of its practices to prepare for the introduction of new GP contract requirements in October 2025, demonstrating our commitment to supporting NHS England’s ambition for improved patient access, reduced pressure on primary care, and streamlined digital pathways. 

Under the 2025/26 contract, GP practices must keep online consultation tools open during core hours (8am–6.30pm) to allow patients to make routine requests, medication queries, and administrative submissions. Operose Health is among the first large-scale providers to test this functionality at scale, ensuring that operational processes are optimised and colleagues are fully prepared ahead of the national go-live on 1st October 2025. 

Proactive planning and scalable implementation 

By piloting the new system across 20 diverse practice sites, Operose Health is: 

• Testing operational resilience to ensure consistent and reliable service delivery across multiple settings. 

• Gathering patient and colleague feedback to inform best practice and refine workflows before the national rollout. 

• Supporting workforce readiness by embedding processes into practice teams well in advance of October 2025. 

• Strengthening digital inclusion by maintaining alternative access routes while encouraging digital uptake. 

Harnessing digital tools to improve access 

The pilots are delivered through the Dr.iQ, powered by Evergreen app, giving patients a clear and accessible route for non-urgent requests. Requests submitted via the new routine pathways are reviewed and triaged, ensuring timely, structured management of routine care. 

Dr Saffan Qureshi, Senior Regional Medical Director at Operose Health, said: 

“The 2025/26 GP contract presents both opportunities and operational challenges. At Operose Health, we are committed to leading the way by proactively testing and refining digital access ahead of the deadline. By piloting in 20 practices, we are ensuring readiness not just for compliance, but for long-term sustainability and patient benefit. This is a prime example of how large-scale providers can add value to the wider system through early adoption and structured learning.” 

Alignment with NHS priorities 

This initiative reflects Operose Health’s broader strategy of supporting NHS objectives around access, prevention, and digital innovation. As one of the largest primary care providers in England, serving over 700,000 patients across 82 sites in 16 ICB areas, Operose Health is uniquely placed to evaluate, scale, and share best practice for the benefit of the wider system.