Even though I’m retired, I still take a keen interest in general practice. It’s hard not to. After many years in the job, you don’t simply switch off the part of your brain that watches how the system works — or doesn’t work. These days I find myself looking at NHS news with two hats on: the old practice‑manager hat, which understands the pressures behind the scenes, and the patient who now experiences the system from the waiting room.

Following the release of details of the 2026/2027 GP Contract, one recently-retired practice manager correspondent gives their views and feelings on this latest contract and its measures - some well-publicised and others less so.

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.