WHEN we’re ill, our GP surgeries are the first place we turn for help. But who we’re seen by is changing, with some patient care moving away from under pressure doctors. In our series, Changing Care: The new GP team, we’re looking at what patients in North Cumbria can expect.
Today- social prescribers.
“We look at things that might improve your health and wellbeing that aren’t found in a medication.”
Rachel Murdie has a short explanation when asked to describe how her role as a social prescriber helps people.
Social prescribing is increasing within the NHS as the service looks to move demands away from a traditional, doctor-led service and look more holistically at helping people stay fit and healthy.
Rachel, who works for Carlisle Healthcare, one of eight Primary Care Networks (PCN) in North Cumbria, explains further.
“We help people look at their wider health and wellbeing, not just their clinical needs. There might be something medical going on, but there might be other things feeding into that as well.
“We have time with them to explore what their needs might be and then try and link them in with community support.”
Those issues are varied. From housing and financial problems to relationships and low-level mental health issues.
Rachel estimates up to 70% of those she sees are affected by social isolation and loneliness, sometimes caused by bereavement and loss, and made worse since the pandemic.
She said: “A lot of lonely people have lost their way, or they’ve been through a life stage that leaves them thinking ‘I don’t really know who I am any more’. Or sometimes they’ve got a long-term condition. We can’t cure that, but what we can do is help them live well with that condition.
“We also work closely with groups like Age UK and Citizens Advice, which is really important with the cost of living crisis.”
Rachel’s colleagues describe her as the link between healthcare and the community third sector.
She said: “My privilege is time, which is what the clinicians don’t have. For some people it’s just signposting to what’s available.
“And when you’re feeling run down you are more susceptible to illness, so sometimes it’s just keeping people on an even keel.”
Different surgeries will use social prescribers and other alternative resources in slightly differently ways.
While Rachel currently only works with over 18s, at Workington’s James Street Group practice they’re also helping young children and families.
Social prescriber Kelly Holliday said: “We’ve got families who have felt isolated, children that don’t really want to go out. So we’ve got groups set up now for the children and we can work with schools as well.
“We have noticed a huge rise in family cases since lockdown, so we do try and make a difference, supporting everyone really.
“It was a bit of a slow burn at the beginning with 25 referrals in the first month, then it snowballed.
“We are getting 100 referrals a month now.
“We get referrals every day for people suffering with low level mental health and that is what social prescribing is there for.”
Tomorrow: Frailty co-ordinators
READ MORE: Nurses have their finger on the pulse
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