More money. Fewer opportunities.

Has ARRS added to the workload woes it was meant to solve? 

In December 2024, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care announced an uplift in ARRS funding, the scheme’s continuation into 2025/26—and beyond–as part of the NHS’ Long Term Workforce Plan.

Yet this welcome news hides a major issue: if more funds are available, then why do 32% of PCNs have at least one vacancy for a pharmacist?

Previous rises in ARRS funding helped cover the Agenda for Change pay increase. This was welcomed by GPs and PCNs as it let them retain valued staff by offering pay rises. 

However, using ARRS to fund pay increases has left PCNs with fewer funds for new hires—and at a time when patient demand is increasing. 

So while there are more funds available, fewer PCNs are able to hire more staff. It’s making medicine management more difficult, opening yet another small wound within the NHS.

Integrating Pharmacists and PCNs: rubbing salt into a wound?

While there are many positives from having pharmacists help with medicine management at PCNs, there are reports of friction when it comes to integration.

Some GPs are having to work longer hours to train pharmacists from community pharmacies in primary care. Other GPs are unsure what a multidisciplinary 

approach means for their practice.

Meanwhile, pharmacists complain that GPs don’t understand their role. Some feel they’ve become too limited, while others feel they’re being spread too thin. 

A lack of formal, structured training is also compounding things. And where training has been given, some PCNs have seen pharmacists leave for another PCN once their training is complete.

Rather than a win-win situation, it looks more like one where many are losing. 

Yet, it doesn’t have to be like this.

150 experienced pharmacists ready to support you

Bespoke Clinical Services was established by pharmacists with over 25 years of combined Primary Care and NHS management experience. We know how difficult it can be to balance budgets, manage resources and give patients the time and care they deserve. So, we set out to change this with BCS.

The way BCS is structured is unique. We have two Hubs–one in Halifax, one in London–staffed with over 150 highly experienced pharmacists, technicians, and GPs. They operate as one integrated unit, and are already helping over 40 PCNs and 200 GPs save time, money and improve patient care.

Operating as a Hub offers you a real advantage: because our pharmacists can consult with peers and senior staff, they’re able to give you real-time patient care and advice, which can lead to faster, better outcomes.

Always learning:

Our Hub is also designed as a learning environment. We have a strong emphasis on Continuous Professional Development with a highly structured training programme. We encourage those who complete training programmes to then train the next generation. This encourages leadership, responsibility and knowledge-sharing so that everyone is up-to-date on the latest practices and protocols.

It also ensures professionalism, competency and confidence at all times, as well- trained pharmacists can handle complex situations swiftly and effectively. And there’s always a senior clinical pharmacist on hand for advice, guidance and overall supervision.

So, rather than worrying about integrating and training community pharmacists into your PCN, you can leave that to us and focus on your patients while we create a bespoke solution for you. You’ll also have a PCN Manager to manage your daily needs and ensure your practice expectations are being met.

This way, we can quickly bridge the gap between patients and overwhelmed NHS practices, while delivering solutions that are both cost and time-efficient.

BCS: a secure choice in more than one way

Knowing you have access to a highly-trained team of pharmacists isn’t the only reassurance we offer.

Our Hubs also improve security, which is especially important in an increasingly digital world. Patient data needs just as much care and privacy as patients themselves. So, we’ve created our own IT infrastructure with dedicated servers, secure HSCN networks and fully-managed laptops. There are no worries about patient data leaking out or being stolen.

Yet integrating with your own, and other IT healthcare systems is simple, enabling accurate, timely, co-ordinated care for all aspects of patient health. 

A prescription for over-worked, under-staffed practices

Over 40 PCNs and 200 GPs are already saving time and money by partnering with BCS. Best of all, 75% were recommended to us by others. We’ve not had to advertise: our service speaks for itself.

So, if you’re looking for a reliable partner with a personalised pharmacy service, including protocols, workflow development and management, call BCS today. 

We’re more than a sticking plaster for practices feeling the strain: we offer a flexible, long-term, solution that enhances patient health—and your practice’s reputation.

To find out more, call us on 01274 036971, or contact us today.