The Inclusion of GPs in ARRS Funding: Opportunities and Considerations
The UK government’s recent announcement allocating £82 million for hiring GPs through Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) funding has been met with enthusiasm from the medical community.
The additional funding will be available to fund the employment of GPs who have recently obtained their certificate of completion of training (CCT) and PCNs will be able to draw down funding from October 2024.
While this “2024/2025 emergency measure” addresses concerns raised by the BMA, RCGP, and grassroots GPs, it also presents several implications for practices and Primary Care Networks (PCNs).
Key Considerations:
- Contractual Obligations: GPs hired through ARRS funding will likely require contracts aligned with BMA model terms, potentially granting continuity of service for previous NHS experience.
- Criteria: The exact criteria and maximum reimbursement levels for employing GPs is unknown at this stage and will be set out in a revised Network Contract DES specification published in due course. The NHS will want to ensure that the GPs employed are in addition to the existing GP workforce employed by practices.
- Future Uncertainty: The short-term nature of this measure raises questions about what happens after March 2025, particularly regarding potential redundancies and associated costs.
While the inclusion of GPs in ARRS funding is a positive step towards addressing workforce shortages, PCNs should carefully consider their options and potential risks before entering into new contracts. Seeking appropriate legal advice is recommended to navigate these complex considerations effectively.
This new measure presents an opportunity to strengthen primary care, but PCNs must balance the immediate benefits with long-term planning to ensure sustainable and effective implementation.
For more information contact Ballards LLP at 01905 794 504
Disclaimer (as of 14/08/2024): This article has been prepared for information purposes only as of the stated date. The information provided may not be relevant or accurate for any other date. Formal professional advice is strongly recommended before making decisions on the topics discussed in this release. No responsibility for any loss to any person acting, or not acting, as a result of this release can be accepted by us, or any person affiliated with us.
