Primary Care in 2026 and Beyond: Recruitment Predictions and Strategic Hiring Insights
The challenges facing primary care today will shape the workforce of tomorrow. As we move towards 2026, the trends are clear – demand continues to rise, the GP workforce continues to shrink, and practices are having to think strategically about long-term recruitment. At Vela Medical Group, we’re already seeing the next phase of change taking […]
Workforce Crises and Opportunity Zones – Recruiting in Deprived Areas in Primary Care
The NHS faces a widening divide in access to primary care. While some regions attract strong GP coverage and multidisciplinary teams, others – often in deprived or remote communities are struggling to fill even the most essential roles. According to recent reports, several programmes designed to attract doctors to underserved areas are at risk of […]
The End of the 8am Scramble: What New Walk-In Hubs in Scotland Signal for Primary-Care Recruitment
For years, the 8am GP appointment rush has been a defining frustration of primary care. Patients queuing outside surgeries, phone lines ringing off the hook and clinicians under pressure to manage unrealistic demand – it’s a scenario that’s all too familiar. In response, Scotland is introducing 15 new walk-in hubs designed to make access easier […]
Winter Pressures in Primary Care: How to Strengthen Your Workforce
Understanding Winter Pressures in Primary Care Winter pressures in Primary Care are one of the most consistent challenges for GP practices and Primary Care Networks across the UK. During the winter months, patient demand increases significantly, with more respiratory illnesses, urgent care appointments, and long-term condition reviews. These winter pressures make effective Primary Care recruitment […]
Maximising the 2025/26 GP Contract: What New Recruits Need to Know
The 2025/26 GP contract marks one of the most positive shifts for primary care in recent years.With additional investment, streamlined funding routes, and greater flexibility for practices, the changes are designed to strengthen the workforce, modernise access, and sustain high-quality patient care. For practices recruiting new staff and for clinicians exploring career opportunities – these […]
ARRS in 2025/26: What Contract Changes Mean for Your Workforce
The Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) has been central to workforce planning in primary care since 2019. For 2025/26, the new GP contract introduces greater flexibility in how PCNs can use this funding. This makes it essential to review your approach and plan ahead. What has changed in 2025/26? What PCNs should do differently this […]
Last-Minute Cover Won’t Save You, That’s Why Winter Planning Starts Now!
It might feel early, but preparation is everything. Every year, as winter pressures build, GP practices and PCNs find themselves scrambling to fill rota gaps. In March 2024, GP teams delivered almost 30 million appointments in a single month, which was a 23% increase compared to March 2019. By December 2024, practices and PCNs provided […]
The Numbers Don’t Lie: How Vela Helped One Practice Save £4.5K Without Compromise
One GP surgery approached us facing rising locum costs and unclear margins. Within three months, we helped them save £4,500. There was no reduction in hours, no loss in service quality, and no disruption to the day-to-day running of the practice. This is not just about cutting costs. It is about smarter, more transparent recruitment […]
Why Transparent Pricing Should Be Standard in Primary Care Staffing
When you are under pressure to fill shifts, getting cover in place quickly is often the priority. But without full clarity on what you are being charged or what is included, it can be difficult to understand the real value of your staffing setup. Pricing models in Primary Care vary. Some use session rates or […]
Is It Time to Re-Evaluate Your Agency Spend?
When was the last time you reviewed your agency costs? If it’s been over a year, there’s a strong chance you’re overpaying. Not because of any major mistake – but because staffing arrangements that feel familiar can quietly slip out of line with today’s market. At Vela, we speak to Primary Care services every week […]