ARRS – what is it?
The UK government has now been running the ARRS funding scheme (Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme) since 2019, which until now was designed to boost funding for, and encourage surgeries to hire additional clinical staff, such as Pharmacists, Paramedics and Physician’s Associates. However up until now this crucially was not extended to GPs.
What’s changing?
As of the beginning of October the government has ring-fenced a ‘GP sum’, worth £82M, which can now be accessed by GP services especially for the hiring of GPs (source – Practice Index). Surgeries should however keep in mind that this can only be utilized for the recruitment of certain GPs. Namely those who gained their CCT less than 2 years ago, and who have not held a substantive GP position since then. Yo can also use the funding to hire locum GPs, is the role has the potential to turn into a longer-term commitment subject to funding and the locum GP has not been substantively employed previously and is in their first 2 years post CCT.
How much ARRS funding can be accessed?
A GP employed via the ARRS scheme would expect to earn £92,462 per annum, if working full-time, or £95,233 per annum if in London (source – Pulse Today). The role itself would be advertised by a local PCN, with the PCN then claiming back the relevant reimbursement via the ARRS portal following a successful hire. Currently this funding has been guaranteed to PCNs until March 2025, but even so, will provide a solution to busy surgery workloads (especially for GPs) through the busier winter months.
NHS England has also stipulated that PCNs ensure any ARRS GPs are ’employed or engaged on terms and conditions which are no less favorable’ than the model contract for English salaried GPs at GMS practices. This move by the government, although only temporary, can indeed be viewed as a sign of things to come. They are recognizing the unique funding issue preventing practices from hitting GP appointment targets.
How can Prospect Health Assist?
Prospect Health speaks with an average of 85% of all newly qualifying GPs every year during their training, and therefore we have always been perfectly placed to provide introductions for these GPs to surgeries and PCNs. We have built close relationships with our clients up and down the country, and so are well aware of the budgetary constraints’ surgeries have been under over the last few years. The key worries we hear from practices we work with are centered around an ever-growing workload and lack of GP cover, and at the same time a scarcity of funds to hire more permanent GPs.
Likewise, we speak to newly qualifying GPs every week, concerned about a lack of options for work, both permanent and temporary. We find the concerns for surgeries and PCNs are even more acute in many regions where there has traditionally been limited GP availability, i.e. rural and remote regions.
We work closely with these newly qualifying GPs on a daily basis, and we understand there can also be apprehension over the possible temporary nature of these roles, as well as concerns they will be asked to work across multiple sites within a PCN area. Not to mention a potential lack of support and isolation. Through a detailed, consultative approach, Prospect Health can alleviate these concerns and ensure GPs are well informed and well-motivated, before they interview. We can also clearly explain to them how the ARRS funding works in practice, and how it directly benefits them as a clinician, through improvements to staffing and support around them.
Conclusion?
With access to both the ARRS funding, and the wide pool of candidates (and market knowledge) of Prospect Health, now is an opportune time to consider hiring one of these GPs for your service. With the above in mind, we can provide a comprehensive service of understanding your staffing needs and conducting a thorough search for the right GPs. As well as working closely with you through the hiring process to ensure a mutually beneficial long-term hire.
You can call the team on 01423 813454 or email us at [email protected]