Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of premature death in the UK, accounting for over 25 per cent of all fatalities. With such staggering numbers, the NHS has boldly moved in the 2025 26 GP contract by reallocating £198 million from retired QOF indicators to prioritise CVD prevention. This shift signals a transformative approach to tackling heart disease and stroke, aiming to reduce premature mortality by 25 per cent within the next decade.
For GP practices and PCNs, these changes bring both opportunities and challenges. The redistribution of 141 QOF points across nine CVD indicators and increased thresholds demands a strategic response to maximise funding and improve patient outcomes.
But what does this mean for your practice, and how can you adapt to these sweeping changes? Let’s break down the 2025 26 QOF updates and explore how TMMT can help you explore this new space effectively.
Key Takeaways:
Key Changes To QOF Indicators
The 2025 26 QOF updates involve the retirement of 32 indicators, equating to 212 QOF points worth approximately £298 million. These indicators, which were income-protected in 2024 25, will now be permanently removed. Notable examples include registers for cancer, dementia, hypertension, and heart failure.
Of the retired points:
71 points (£100 million) will be removed outright and reallocated to the global sum and immunisation fees.
141 points (£198 million) will be redistributed across nine CVD prevention indicators.
This redistribution aligns with the government’s goal to reduce premature mortality from heart disease and stroke by 25 per cent within a decade.
Focus on CVD Prevention
The updated QOF places a strong emphasis on nine key CVD areas:
Atrial Fibrillation (AF)
Heart Failure (HF)
Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
Stroke/Transient Ischaemic Attack (S/TIA)
Hypertension
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
While the lower thresholds for these indicators remain at 2024 25 levels, the upper achievement levels have been raised, encouraging practices to improve performance and patient outcomes.
Why CVD Prevention Matters
Cardiovascular disease is one of the most significant health challenges in the UK, contributing to a substantial proportion of premature deaths. By prioritising CVD prevention, the NHS aims to:
Improve Patient Outcomes: Early identification and management of CVD can significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Reduce Healthcare Costs: Preventing CVD-related complications can alleviate the financial burden on the NHS.
Achieve National Health Goals: The government’s target to reduce premature mortality from CVD by 25 per cent within a decade is ambitious but achievable with the right strategies.
How TMMT Can Support GP Practices and PCNs
Adapting to the 2025 26 QOF changes can be challenging, but The Medicines Management Team (TMMT) offers tailored solutions to help practices navigate this new landscape effectively.
1. Bespoke CVD Case-Finding Services
TMMT provides customised strategies to identify patients at risk of CVD. By leveraging advanced tools and data analysis, we help practices build accurate CVD registers and ensure no eligible patients are missed.
2. Expertise in QOF Domains
Our team has extensive experience in managing QOF indicators. We offer:
Guidance on meeting updated thresholds.
Support in optimising performance across the nine CVD indicators.
Assistance in aligning with NICE guidelines.
3. Accurate Read Coding
TMMT’s custom templates and protocols ensure precision in read coding, reducing errors and improving data quality. This is crucial for achieving QOF targets and maximising payments.
4. Integrated CVD Prevention in Medication Reviews
We streamline medication reviews to incorporate CVD prevention, minimising duplication and reducing workload for GPs. This integrated approach ensures patients receive comprehensive care.
5. Proven Track Record
As an award-winning provider, TMMT has a history of delivering exceptional support to GP practices and PCNs. Our expertise helps practices achieve their goals while improving patient outcomes.
Benefits of Partnering with TMMT
1. Achieve QOF Targets
With the redistribution of QOF points, meeting updated CVD indicators is essential for maximising payments. TMMT ensures practices are well-equipped to achieve these targets.
2. Enhance Patient Outcomes
By focusing on early identification and management of CVD, practices can proactively reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, improving overall patient health.
3. Increase Funding Potential
Accurate patient identification and streamlined processes help practices unlock additional funding opportunities, ensuring financial stability.
4. Reduce Workload
TMMT’s tools and expertise simplify complex processes, allowing GPs to focus on patient care rather than administrative tasks.
Broader Implications of the 2025 26 GP Contract
Changes to Vaccination and Immunisation Schedules
In addition to the focus on CVD prevention, the 2025 26 GP contract introduces updates to vaccination schedules:
An additional dose of the Hib-containing multivalent (6-in-1) vaccine at 18 months.
The second dose of the MMR vaccine brought forward to 18 months.
Adjustments to the adult shingles programme to include a broader cohort of severely immunosuppressed patients.
Potential introduction of a varicella vaccine, subject to ministerial approval.
These changes aim to improve vaccine coverage and address inequalities in uptake.
Increased Funding for Immunisation Fees
The Item of Service Fee for routine childhood vaccinations will increase from £10.06 to £12.06. This £2 rise reflects the critical role of general practice in improving vaccination rates.
Impact on GP Practices
While the increase in the global sum and immunisation fees is welcome, the removal of QOF indicators may create financial challenges for some practices. Careful planning and adaptation are essential to ensure a smooth transition.
Adapting to the Changes: Next Steps for GP Practices
To thrive under the 2025 26 QOF changes, GP practices and PCNs must take proactive steps:
Review Current Performance: Assess your practice’s performance against the updated CVD indicators and identify areas for improvement.
Invest in Training and Tools: Equip your team with the knowledge and resources needed to meet higher thresholds.
Partner with Experts: Collaborate with organisations like TMMT to streamline processes and optimise performance.
Plan Financially: Understand the financial implications of the changes and adjust budgets accordingly.
Conclusion
The 2025 26 QOF changes represent a pivotal moment for GP practices and PCNs, with a renewed focus on CVD prevention and significant updates to vaccination schedules. While these changes bring challenges, they also offer opportunities to improve patient outcomes and secure additional funding.
The Medicines Management Team is here to help your practice navigate this new landscape confidently. From bespoke CVD case-finding services to expert guidance on QOF indicators, we provide the tools and support you need to succeed.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you adapt to the 2025 26 QOF changes and achieve your goals.
FAQs
How will the retirement of QOF indicators affect smaller GP practices?
Smaller practices may face financial challenges but can benefit from the increased global sum. Focusing on CVD indicators and seeking expert support can help them adapt.
What are the implications of the increased upper thresholds for CVD indicators?
How can practices ensure accurate patient data for CVD registers?
Will the changes to immunisation schedules increase workload for GPs?
How can practices address inequalities in vaccination uptake?
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