How will the biggest funding boost to general practice in over a decade reshape the way care is delivered? With an £889 million increase in investment for 2025/26, the ARRS budget and GP contract changes are set to redefine primary care in the UK.
For GP practices, this is more than just a financial uplift—it’s a chance to embrace a more dynamic, patient-centred approach. With newly qualified GPs and practice nurses now included in the ARRS scheme, enhanced digital access requirements, and a focus on reducing red tape, the changes promise to streamline operations and improve patient outcomes.
But what do these updates really mean for day-to-day practice management and patient care? Let’s dive into the details.
What Is the ARRS and Why Is It Important?
The ARRS was introduced to help PCNs recruit additional healthcare professionals, reducing the workload on GPs and improving access to care. By reimbursing the costs of specific roles, the scheme has enabled practices to expand their teams with pharmacists, physiotherapists, social prescribers, and more.
In 2025/26, the ARRS funding will see significant changes, making it more flexible and inclusive. These updates address workforce shortages, improve patient access, and support the government’s goal of shifting care into the community.
Key Changes to the ARRS 25/26
The 2025/26 GP contract introduces several updates to the ARRS, aimed at making the scheme more effective and adaptable. Here are the most notable changes:
1. Increased ARRS Funding
The ARRS funding for 2025/26 will be combined into a single pot, removing previous restrictions on the number and type of roles that can be reimbursed. This flexibility allows PCNs to tailor their workforce to meet local needs, whether hiring more GPs, practice nurses, or other patient-facing staff.
Additionally, the salary reimbursement for GPs under the ARRS roles will increase from £73,113 to £82,418, reflecting the growing demand for competitive pay to attract newly qualified doctors. This uplift ensures that practices can recruit and retain talent more effectively.
2. Expansion of ARRS Roles
The inclusion of newly qualified GPs and practice nurses in the ARRS roles is a game-changer for PCNs. The scheme aims to address critical workforce gaps and improve care delivery by broadening the scope of eligible roles.
This change also supports the government’s ambition to bring back the “family doctor” model, ensuring patients receive continuity of care from a dedicated GP. Practices now have greater freedom to design teams to serve their communities best.
3. Focus on Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Prevention
A significant portion of the retired QOF indicators has been redirected towards CVD prevention, with 141 points worth approximately £198 million allocated to this area. This aligns with the government’s goal to reduce premature mortality from heart disease and stroke by 25% within a decade.
This means a renewed focus on secondary prevention and proactive patient management for practices. The ARRS roles, including pharmacists and health coaches, will be crucial in delivering these services, ensuring patients receive timely interventions and support.
How the ARRS 25/26 Will Impact Practices
The changes to the ARRS funding and roles are expected to have a transformative impact on GP practices. Here’s how:
1. Greater Workforce Flexibility
By combining ARRS funding into a single pot, practices can now recruit the staff they need most, without being constrained by rigid role quotas. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for practices in underserved areas, where workforce shortages have been a persistent challenge.
2. Improved Patient Access
Including newly qualified GPs and practice nurses in the ARRS roles will help practices expand their capacity, reducing waiting times and improving access to care. With more staff available, patients can expect quicker responses to their queries and a more personalised experience.
3. Reduced Administrative Burden
Integrating digital tools like GP Connect and the streamlining of QOF indicators will significantly reduce the administrative workload for practices. This allows healthcare professionals to focus more on patient care and less on paperwork.
Benefits of the ARRS 25/26 for Patients
The ARRS funding and roles updates are not just about supporting practices—they’re also designed to improve the patient experience. Here’s what patients can expect:
Better Access to Care: With more staff available, patients will find it easier to book appointments and receive timely care.
Enhanced Continuity of Care: The focus on recruiting GPs and practice nurses ensures patients can build long-term relationships with their healthcare providers.
Proactive Health Management: The emphasis on CVD prevention means patients at risk of heart disease or stroke will receive targeted interventions, improving their long-term health outcomes.
Digital Access: The requirement for online consultation tools to remain open during core hours ensures patients can access services conveniently, whether for non-urgent appointments or administrative queries.
Challenges and Considerations for Practices
While the changes to the ARRS 25/26 are primarily positive, they do come with some challenges:
Recruitment Difficulties: Despite the increased funding, some practices may still struggle to find qualified candidates, particularly in high-demand areas like London.
Workforce Retention: Ensuring that ARRS staff feel supported and valued will be crucial to retaining talent in the long term.
Implementation of Digital Tools: Practices will need to invest time and resources into enabling GP Connect functionality and ensuring their online consultation tools meet the new requirements.
How Practices Can Make the Most of ARRS 25/26
To maximise the benefits of the ARRS funding and roles, practices should:
Develop a Workforce Strategy: Identify the roles that will impact patient care most and prioritise recruitment accordingly.
Leverage Digital Tools: Use GP Connect and online consultation tools to streamline operations and improve patient access.
Focus on Prevention: Invest in training and resources to deliver effective CVD prevention services, ensuring patients receive the necessary care.
Engage with PCNs: Collaborate with other practices within the PCN to share resources and best practices, making the most of the ARRS funding.
Conclusion
The ARRS Funding 2025/26 updates mark a pivotal moment for general practice, offering increased funding, expanded roles, and a renewed focus on prevention and digital transformation. These changes empower practices, improve patient care, and address workforce challenges.
Struggling to manage the growing demands of primary care? At TMMT, our expert team of advanced clinical practitioners and GPs can help your practice or PCN streamline medicines management, reduce workload, and improve patient outcomes.
Contact us today to learn how we can support you.
FAQs
How does the ARRS Funding 2025/26 address workforce shortages in primary care?
The ARRS 25/26 introduces greater flexibility by combining funding pots, allowing PCNs to recruit the staff they need most, including newly qualified GPs and practice nurses. This approach helps practices tailor their workforce to local needs, addressing shortages more effectively.
Can practices use ARRS funding for non-clinical roles?
What happens if a PCN cannot recruit staff under the ARRS roles?
How will the ARRS Funding 2025/26 impact smaller practices?
Are there any training requirements for staff hired under ARRS roles?
Comentários