Fellowship scheme puts new GPs in a SPIN

SPIN is a scheme aimed at recruiting and retaining newly qualified GPs has now recruited over 400 GPs to practices across London.

The Salaried Portfolio Innovation Programme (SPIN) linked with new to practice fellowships, is a joint venture between HEE and NHS England and Improvement, provides fellowships for newly qualified and early career GPs. The programme aims to create attractive roles for GPs and ensure they feel fully supported in the crucial early stages of their career by offering:

• a permanent, salaried or partnership role in general practice;
• a portfolio role, which could be in a variety of settings; and
• peer support sessions once a month run by an experienced educator.

As well as the benefits for the individual trainees, SPIN – new to practice fellowships has enabled practices to employ GPs, when previously they have found it hard to recruit, as well as encouraging innovation across the sector. It has also resulted in increased cross sector working, as GP fellows are able to pursue special interests and educational roles in acute, mental health and community trusts.

The success of the programme in London is a result of collaborative working between HEE and NHS England and Improvement as we have worked together to plan and combine resources. We have also worked closely with stakeholders across primary care, secondary care, commissioning and education.

We are pleased to share the experiences of both GP fellows and their employers, which you can read in the case studies found below.

If you would like more information about the programme, either as a GP looking to undertake a fellowship, or a practice looking to host, you can get in touch with us at PrimaryCare.London@hee.nhs.uk