The Primary Care Network Update - January 2025

Tara Humphrey

Jan 215 min read

Updated: Feb 4

At THC Primary Care, we provide resources for primary care Network leaders

The focus of this blog will be the latest updates affecting primary care networks covering:

1️⃣ The reminder letter from NHSE regarding the GP ARRS

2️⃣ An update on physician associates and anaesthesia associates regulation by the GMC

3️⃣ The 2025 COVID-19 vaccination programme

4️⃣ The recent NHS Elective Care Reform

We will also be sharing details of our 3rd PCN Plus LIVE Conference taking place on 23rd April.

Let's jump in!

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Primary Care Network GP ARRS Update

On January 17th, 2025, NHS England released an important reminder to PCNs to fully utilise their GP ARRS funding for the remainder of 2024/25.

This follows October 2024's modifications to the Network Contract DES specification, which introduced an additional stream of income to recruit newly qualified GPs.

Many PCNs have already begun recruiting GPs under this scheme, helping to address both GP unemployment among recent graduates and improve patient care. However, some networks have hesitated due to uncertainty about funding continuation into 2025/26.

To address these concerns, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care sent a reassuring letter to GP practices on December 20th, 2024, confirming that the additional GP ARRS funding will continue into 2025/26.

Whilst networks now have security, some networks are struggling to recruit due to the salary and availability of GPs in their area.

We are not sure as of yet if unused funding can be transferred to other networks.

Read the letter here: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/pcn-reminder-to-use-gp-additional-roles-reimbursement-scheme-funding-24-25/

Update on Physician Associates and Anaesthesia Associates Regulation by the GMC

The General Medical Council (GMC) begin to regulate AA and PA roles from 13 December this year, which will strengthen patient safety, professional standards and accountability.

While PAs and AAs aren't legally required to register until December 2026, NHSE and the GMC strongly encourage those currently practising or those who have newly qualified in England to apply as soon as they are invited to by the GMC.

This 2-year transition period, specified in legislation, is designed to allow PAs and AAs to complete the necessary steps for registration while continuing to work.

GMC registration for physician associates (PAs), requires the passing of both parts of the physician associate national examination (PANE).

Details, which include the costs of the examination, can be found here: https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/join-our-registers/before-you-apply-guide-for-pas

Details of the registration can be found here: https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/managing-your-registration/fees-and-funding/fees-for-physician-associates-and-anaesthesia-associates

The NHSE update can be found here: https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/update-on-physician-associates-and-anaesthesia-associates-ahead-of-gmc-regulation/

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2025 COVID-19 Vaccination Programme

The government has accepted Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advice that the NHS should plan for a seasonal COVID-19 vaccination programme in spring 2025. The statement also provides a broad indication of JCVI advised cohorts for autumn 2025 and spring 2026. The government is considering this advice carefully, with final decisions to follow in due course.

The announced and authorised cohorts for the spring 2025 programme will cover:

Adults aged 75 years and over
Residents in a care home for older adults
Individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed, as defined in COVID-19: the green book,

The campaign also includes:

Those who will turn 75 years old by 17 June 2025.
Those who are new residents in an older adult care home or have become immunosuppressed by 17 June 2025 are also eligible.

Training materials and legal mechanisms will be updated in line with JCVI advice before the commencement date.

The NHSE Update can be found here: https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/preparing-for-a-successful-spring-2025-covid-19-vaccination-programme/

The NHS Elective Care Reform 2025

On 6th January, NHSE published the "Reforming elective care for patients"

With over 6 million people currently waiting for care, this document sets the vision to tackle the elective care backlog and sets an ambitious target of the 18-week referral-to-treatment standard by March 2029.

The Core Reform Aims at a Glance

Patient empowerment through enhanced NHS App functionality and choice
Shift towards community-based care
Digital transformation of referral pathways
Integration of primary and secondary care services
Focus on productive and efficient care delivery

Workforce Implications

The document cites the following requirements:

Customer care training for non-clinical patient-facing staff
e-Referral Service (e-RS) training for referral/booking management
NHS IMPACT training for 8,000 clinical and operational leaders in elective pathway management
Training on digital tools, including NHS App, patient engagement portals
Clinical staff training for independent practice and reformed ways of working

This will affect you network / member practices. Please read and discuss you with your leadership teams.

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National Insurance Changes

As we are coming to the close of the 24/25 financial year following the announcement of the National Insurance changes, financial planning will be key.

Employer Class 1 NI contributions will rise from 13.8% to 15%
The employee earnings threshold for NI will decrease from £9,100 to £5,000
The employment allowance will increase from £5,000 to £10,500

Hopefully, the ARRS budget will increase; however, to be on the safe side, it's best to account for it and future pay increases.

Your plan may look something like this:

Calculate Carefully: Assess the impact of NI changes on your staffing budget for both 2024/25 and 2025/26. Consider multiple scenarios, including various potential uplift percentages (2%, 4%, 6%, 8.2%).
Review Current Spending: If you're supplementing ARRS funding from other sources, evaluate the sustainability of this approach.
Plan for Cost Increases: Factor in potential supplier cost increases due to rising living costs and business expenses.
Maintain Documentation: Keep detailed records of financial decisions, risks, and concerns. Clear documentation helps prevent conflicts and ensures transparency in financial management.

PCN Plus LIVE Conference

Join Dr Hussain Gandhi, Dr Andy Foster (hosts of GP Learning), and Ben Gowland (host of the General Practice Podcast) for the third annual PCN Plus LIVE conference, taking place on Wednesday, 23 April 2025, at the Crowne Plaza in Nottingham.

PCN PLUS event poster with four speakers' photos and titles, scheduled for 23rd April 2025 in Nottingham. Logos of sponsors at bottom.

The conference will provide insights for those working in (or with) PCNs about what the future holds for networks, plus practical steps on how best to prepare covering:

The 25/26 GP contract
The 10 Year Plan
Understanding Neighbourhoods
Establishment of Collaborative System Working
Building and Strengthening PCN Foundations
Preparing for the Future

Get your early bird ticket today: https://www.thcprimarycare.co.uk/pcn-plus-live

About Us

THC Primary Care is an award-winning healthcare consultancy specialising in Primary Care Network Management and the creator of the Business of Healthcare Podcast. With over 20 years in the industry, we've supported more than 200 PCNs through interim management, training, and consultancy.

Our expertise spans project management and business development across both private and public sectors. Our work has been published in the London Journal of Primary Care, and we've authored over 250 blogs sharing insights about primary care networks.