Latest ARRS data show shift in hiring trends

Pharmacist numbers continue to rise within the ARRS while social prescribers show a slight decline, according to the latest NHS England figures.

The number of pharmacists working in ARRS roles has increased by 22 FTE since the start of the financial year in April. The figure was 5,330 FTE as of the end of July, up from 5,324 FTE in June and 5,308 in April. At the end of July 2023, this figure was 4,743, meaning there has been an increase of 587 over the year.

However, the number of social prescribing link workers (non-mental health practitioners) has decreased by 64 since April, with 2,781 FTE now working in ARRS roles, compared to 2,805 FTE in June and 2,845 FTE in April. But, this figure is above the number of FTE roles a year ago in July 2023 (2,775).

Charlotte Osborn-Forde, chief executive officer of the National Academy for Social Prescribing, said: ‘It does appear from NHS data that the numbers of Link Workers in primary care have reduced, and if this data is correct that may be a concern.

‘Evidence shows that social prescribing improves wellbeing and mental health, reduces loneliness and has benefits for people with a wide range of health conditions. It can also take pressure off GPs and secondary care, by ensuring people get earlier and more tailored support for social issues affecting their health.

‘By recruiting Link Workers and supporting them effectively, PCNs can benefit both GPs and patients, and this is recognised in the NHS Workforce Plan which sets a target of 9,000 Link Workers in post over the next 10 years. Therefore it is important that PCNs are supported to develop their social prescribing offer and that it is easily accessible to patients.’

The number of digital and transformation leads also continue to rise, with a further 36 hired since the starts if the financial year taking the July total to 225 FTE. These were first included in the statistics in November 2023, when there were just 44 FTE employed through ARRS.

This data is based on submissions to the National Workforce Reporting Service (NWRS).

Earlier this year, NHS England revealed that there were 37,000 staff now employed by PCNs through ARRS, which is 43% higher than its original 26,000 target.

The new contract added an enhanced level nurse role to the scheme from April, however figures for this role are not yet included in the statistics. The role was capped at one per PCN, or two for those with 100,000 patients.

GPs were also recently added to ARRS, with PCNs to be granted an extra £82m ‘ring fenced’ pot to ensure other ARRS staff are not impacted.

In a letter to the profession, health secretary Wes Streeting said the move was an ‘emergency measure’ to enable practices to hire 1,000 more doctors this year. But that the details were still to be discussed with the profession.

The expansion will allow PCNs to hire newly-qualified GPs who face potential unemployment this summer.

Mr Streeting’s letter said: ‘It is my intention that by putting additional funding into ARRS this will protect existing staff and continue to build on the success of multidisciplinary teams as we develop a neighbourhood health service, ensuring patients are able to access care from a range of healthcare professionals.’

Although the BMA called for GPs to be added to ARRS in January 2024, they last week called for the funding to be given directly to practices rather than PCNs, as the latter would not provide GPs ‘with the desperately needed stability required’.

PCNs are still waiting for clarity over whether ARRS staff will be included in pay uplifts announced earlier this month.