ARRS. Four letters – yet essential to strengthening our primary care system! The ARRS Scheme is an NHS programme designed to strengthen general practice by expanding the range of healthcare professionals working within primary care teams.
The scheme enables practices to recruit a variety of skilled professionals who work alongside GPs and nurses to provide patients with timely, personalised care. These roles include clinical pharmacists, physiotherapists, physician associates, social prescribing link workers, care coordinators, health and wellbeing coaches, mental health practitioners, and many others.
By bringing together professionals with different expertise and perspectives, ARRS helps practices improve access to services, offer more specialised support, and ensure patients are seen by the most appropriate member of the healthcare team. This not only enhances patient care but also helps create a more sustainable and resilient general practice workforce for the future.
ARRS is helping to diversify, strengthen, and modernise primary care giving patients greater access to the right care, at the right time, from the right professional.
Meet the ARRS team at CRGPA
Our team currently includes Clinical Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians, Physician Associates, Paramedics, Social Prescribing Link Workers, Care Coordinators, Pharmacy Technicians, First Contact Physio (FCP) and Trainee Nursing Associates.
We value each of our teams who deliver an exceptional service to our Primary Care Network.
So what does ARRS deliver at CRGPA?
- Faster access for patients
- The right care, first time
- A stronger, more diverse workforce
- Reduced pressure on practices
- Better, more joined-up care
With these objectives the ARRS team helps build a system that is sustainable, responsive and centred around the needs of our neighbourhood.
How does CRGPA support the employment of ARRS
We employ ARRS staff, managing payroll and pensions and ensuring all staff are treated fairly and in line with employment law. We oversee recruitment and carry out all necessary checks, making sure staff have the right qualifications, training and clearances to work safely. Throughout your employment as part of ARRS, we provide full HR and workforce support, including leave management, wellbeing support, performance management and opportunities for professional development. As the employer, we also maintain oversight of quality, governance, and risk management, helping to ensure that care delivered by ARRS staff is safe, effective and of a high standard. In addition to this, ARRS roles offer flexibility in how and where you work, helping you build a career that fits both your professional goals and personal life. Being part of the ARRS team is an exciting and rewarding career.