Winter has once again exposed the pressures that sit just beneath the surface of the NHS. Since mid‑December, the familiar combination of flu, Covid, norovirus and cold weather has collided with workforce shortages and industrial action. None of this is unexpected, but this year the impact feels sharper.

The newly released NHS England Patient Charter—You and Your General Practice—is now live on the NHS England website. It outlines what patients can expect from their GP practice, and what practices ask of patients in return. As part of the 2025/26 GP contract, it must be displayed on all practice websites by 1 October 2025.

To kick off 2024, our anonymous blogger and practice manager gives their thoughts on worsening financial pressures, vaccination campaigns, and the forthcoming general election.