Our response to the announcement of additional GP recruitment through the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme. 'We recognise this is a short-term solution for the GP staffing crisis but longer-term we would support the government stepping up its efforts to recruit both more GPs and First Contact Physiotherapists in primary care. 'FCP roles are currently stretched too thin and there is a considerable way to go to achieve the goal of having 5000 FCPs working in primary care by 2030. 'There is a bigger question around the funding mechanism for FCPs. ARRS may well not be the best model but because is linked to the GP contract it is not something we or the other professional bodies or unions representing non physician primary care staff has had any input into. 'What is imperative though is that the new government provides the funding to ensure workforce targets relating to all roles are met, whether through the ARRS or some other mechanism. 'Investing in upskilling more physios to advanced practice level would help to fill the FCP and advanced community roles the government’s neighbourhood care commitments need. 'With MSK waiting lists at an all-time high and growing ill-health related worklessness, demand has never been higher. It is vital that we expand the physio workforce in both primary and community care.' @RobYeldham, director of strategy, policy and engagement at the CSP. Read the announcement: gov.uk/government/news/over-… #FirstContactPhysio