In this monthly report, FPM looks in detail at what the CQC have publicly reported from their GP practice inspections during February 2026. Only the most notable/useful comments are selected for readers from amongst thousands. We highlight some of the behaviours that won practices Outstanding ratings, and the reasons some practices were scored Requires Improvement, or Inadequate. Do you recognise any of the observations the CQC picked up, either good or bad?

February has felt like one of those months where the NHS is trying to move forward while dragging a heavy weight behind it. There are sparks of innovation, a few signs of recovery, and then the familiar grind of disputes, underfunding, and people on the ground doing their best in conditions that would exhaust anyone.

January is rarely a quiet month in primary care, but January 2026 has felt particularly intense for many. Between winter viruses, new national programmes, and ongoing workforce pressures, healthcare staff have been juggling high demand with limited capacity. This month’s NHS updates give a good sense of the wider picture — and importantly, what it might mean at practice level.