Recent changes announced by the NHS on 1 August bring significant adjustments to funding and contracts, specifically aimed at addressing critical issues in primary care. These changes are particularly relevant to Medloop as we specialise in provisioning GP-led clinical capacity for PCNs.
New Funding Opportunities for Recently Qualified GPs
One of the most notable changes is the introduction of an additional £82 million in funding for the employment of recently qualified GPs through the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) for the fiscal year 2024/25. This initiative is a direct response to hiring recently qualified GPs, which can be staffed by Medloop.
Amendments to PCN DES
The Primary Care Network (PCN) Directed Enhanced Service (DES) contract for 2024/25 has been amended to expand ARRS for these recently qualified GPs. This expansion is seen as an emergency measure while long-term solutions are being developed. The extra funds aim to employ over 1,000 additional GPs by PCNs, equating to approximately £82,000 per GP. It’s important to note that this figure is not the final amount paid out to GPs, as overheads such as management costs will reduce the actual payout.
Ring-Fenced Funding and Employment Scheme
To ensure that existing ARRS staff are not impacted, separate ring-fenced funding has been allocated for this initiative. The scheme will be available for GPs who have recently obtained their Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT), with funding drawdown commencing in October 2024. The criteria for this will be set in the revised Network Contract DES specification. Furthermore, the ARRS portal will be updated to facilitate reimbursement claims for newly qualified GPs, streamlining the process and expediting their employment.
Long-Term Solutions and Professional Engagement
While these measures are a significant step forward, they are not to be considered a cure-all for the myriad issues facing the NHS. The government acknowledges calls to expand the scheme to practice nurses and will keep it under review while addressing immediate GP unemployment. Engaging with the profession to review long-term solutions for GP employment and practice sustainability is crucial.
Challenges and Considerations
Deploying these newly qualified GPs poses several challenges. Multiple practices under a single PCN might require additional capacity, and single-use hubs could be considered, albeit with additional costs and overheads. This change, while necessary and welcome, acknowledges that it is merely the beginning of a broader effort required to address the systemic issues within the NHS.
Conclusion
The recent NHS funding and contract changes represent a pivotal moment for primary care. As we at Medloop continue to support and innovate within GP practices, it is essential to recognise the significance of these changes and their potential impact. While these measures may not resolve all issues, they are a crucial step in the right direction. It is vital to continue developing and implementing long-term solutions to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of primary care in the UK.
