What is the ARRS Scheme
The Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) provides additional staff across GP Practices and Primary Care Networks (PCNs). The roles included in this scheme are:
Clinical Roles:
- Advanced Practitioners
- Dietitians
- General Practice Assistants
- First Contact Mental Health
- First Contact Physiotherapy
- First Contact Paramedics
- Nursing Associates
- Occupational Therapists
- Podiatrists
Non-clinical/Personalised Care Roles:
- Care Coordinators
- Health and Wellbeing Coaches
- Listening and Guidance Link Workers
- Social Prescribing Link Workers
How to access the service
If you are interested in knowing more about any of the above services the Primary Care Networks offer or would like to know how to access these services please contact your GP practice.
What is a PCN?
A PCN is a group of GP practices working closely together providing integrated services to their local area. They are aligned with other services such as Health and Social Care.
In Dudley there are 6 PCNs. These are:
• Brierley Hill and Amblecote
• Dudley and Netherton
• Halesowen
• Kingswinford
• Sedgley, Coseley and Gornal
• Stourbridge, Wollescote and Lye
In Dudley 3 of the 6 PCNs are supported by Dudley Group Foundation Trust (DGFT) to employ these additional staff. These are:
• Brierley Hill and Amblecote
• Dudley and Netherton
• Halesowen PCN
These 3 PCNs work closely with each other and DGFT to provide health care to patients within the PCNs.
Information of roles provided under the ARRS scheme
Clinical Roles:
Advanced Practitioners
These are Health Care Professionals that have completed extra training and qualifications, this allows them to diagnose and treat patients and provide medication if required.
Dietitians
These Health Professionals help patients by assessing, diagnosing and treating food and drink issues. They use up to date research on food, health and disease helping patients make the right decisions on lifestyle and food choices.
General Practice Assistants
These staff members provide support to practices by carrying out admin tasks as well as some basic clinical duties. The main part of their role is to support the General Practitioners (GP’s) in their day to day management of patients.
First Contact Mental Health
Mental Health Practitioners are experienced professionals who are able to support patients with either a diagnosed or undiagnosed mental health concern.
First Contact Physiotherapy
Their role is to access patients muscle, joint and soft tissue pain to make a decision on the best treatment for a patient.
First Contact Paramedics
Paramedics will deal with a wide range of medical concerns while working alongside a GP Practice. They are often the first people patients see and provide care for patients with a variety of health conditions.
Nursing Associates
These professionals provide a supporting role between Health Care Support Workers and Registered Nurses by supporting GP Practices to make sure patient appointments run smoothly.
Occupational Therapists
Therapists work with patients to increase body movement from injuries, illnesses or disabilities. They help patients to meet goals, recover and improve and maintain skills for daily living. This can be done through individual or group sessions.
Podiatrists
These professionals specialise in leg, ankle and foot care. They support patients in spotting and treating lower limb problems for patients. Podiatrists treat adults and children.
Non-clinical/Personalised Care Roles:
Care Coordinators
Care Coordinators help patients by providing them with information and putting them in contact with departments and services they may need to help support them with short or long term health conditions.
Health and Wellbeing Coaches
Health and Wellbeing coaches guide patients to increase confidence, motivation and commitment to changing the way they live their life – for example quitting smoking.
Listening and Guidance Link Workers
This service supports patients to help them make a plan of action by listening to the patient, getting to know them and understanding the situation they are struggling with.
Social Prescribing Link Workers
This service helps patients by listening to them, getting to know them and pointing them in the direction of activities, groups and services in their area that may help them.
