ARRS funding has brought meaningful change to primary care. Additional roles are now embedded across PCNs and are supporting better access, broader skill mix and more joined-up patient care.
As ARRS continues to mature, the conversation is shifting from implementation to optimisation. How practices make it work alongside existing teams matters more than ever.
The Value ARRS Brings
ARRS roles have strengthened multidisciplinary working and helped practices respond to rising demand. Pharmacists, paramedics and first contact practitioners are playing a vital role in patient flow and clinical triage.
For many practices, ARRS has enabled more sustainable ways of working.
Where Support Is Still Needed
ARRS works best when it sits within a wider workforce plan. Supervision and integration take time, and senior clinicians still carry responsibility for complex decision-making.
That does not weaken ARRS. It highlights the importance of supporting those teams properly.
Blended Workforce Models Are Key
The most stable practices combine ARRS roles with permanent clinicians and flexible clinical cover. This allows teams to stay resilient when demand spikes or absences occur.
ARRS is not designed to do everything on its own. It is part of a wider solution.
Planning for Stability
Practices that plan ahead and build flexibility around their ARRS teams are seeing better continuity of care and reduced pressure on permanent staff.
This approach allows ARRS roles to deliver maximum impact.
Speak to Vela
Vela Medical Group works closely with primary care organisations across the UK. We support practices in building workforce models that get the best out of ARRS.
If you need trusted clinical cover or advice on strengthening your ARRS-led workforce, speak to Vela. We are here to support long-term stability in primary care.