RCGP Weekly Returns Service

The RCGP Weekly Returns Service (WRS) is a network of 100 general practices located throughout England and Wales that participate in a scheme to collect information on every consultation and new episode of illness diagnosed in general practice.

Established forty years ago at the Birmingham Research Unit of the RCGP, the WRS plays an integral role in the surveillance of infectious disease, most notably the incidence of influenza-like illness and other common respiratory conditions. The total population covered by the WRS averages approximately 900,000 with an equal distribution within each of three defined reporting regions; North, Central and South - see map: WRS practices and RCGP defined reporting areas. From 2007, data are also available distributed by 10 Strategic Health Authority regions available on request or from the RCGP BRU website.

Conditions updated weekly

Weekly incidence rates (calculated per 100,000 population) are presented for common infections and illnesses in the RCGP Communicable & Respiratory Disease report. This is published weekly on the Birmingham Research Unit website and in the online Health Protection Report.