Primary care is operating under sustained pressure and as 2026 unfolds, that pressure is becoming less predictable and harder to plan around.
This is no longer about short-term gaps or seasonal demand. Workforce flexibility is now essential for GP practices, PCNs and ICBs across the UK.
ARRS Has Helped, But It Has Limits
ARRS funding continues to influence how practices build their teams. Additional roles have improved access and broadened skill mix, but they have not removed pressure.
Supervision demands on senior clinicians are increasing, and ARRS does not cover every clinical gap. Practices are learning that ARRS works best when combined with flexible clinical cover, not as a replacement for it.
Demand Is Volatile, Not Linear
Patient demand is rising, but it is inconsistent. Sickness, last-minute absences and sudden spikes in activity are now routine.
Practices that cope best are not the ones with perfect rotas. They are the ones that can respond quickly when plans change.
Workforce Planning Has Changed
Permanent recruitment remains slow and competitive. Burnout continues to impact retention.
As a result, many practices are moving away from ideal workforce models and towards operational resilience. That means having trusted access to locum GPs, ANPs and practice nurses who can step in quickly and safely.
Flexibility is no longer a fallback. It is built into daily operations.
Blended Teams Are Becoming the Norm
The most stable practices now use blended workforce models. Permanent staff, ARRS roles and flexible clinicians working together.
This approach reduces risk, protects patient care and gives leadership teams space to focus on running services, not constantly plugging gaps.
What This Means for Primary Care in 2026
Primary care is not failing. It is adapting to a new reality where uncertainty is constant.
Practices that plan for flexibility will remain stable. Those that rely on best-case scenarios will continue to feel stretched.
Speak to Vela
Vela Medical Group works exclusively with primary care organisations across the UK. We understand the pressures because we hear them every day.
If you want straightforward advice or fast access to reliable primary care clinicians, speak to Vela. We help practices stay operational when it matters most.