How social care staff in surgeries are easing the burden on GPs
The fallout from public sector spending cuts and subsequent pressures on daily life have added to the already substantial workload of GPs according to this article. Depression, anxiety and social isolation are often the result of benefit cuts, poor quality housing and debt, and the mental strain is driving more people to their doctors seeking help. This is a situation that Stonham Homestay, which is funded by Norfolk council and supports vulnerable people across the county, is familiar with. In 2012 they were frequently seeing clients who were on medication for issues that might be alleviated if we could help them tackle the underlying social causes.
A member of staff from Homestay is now based at a GP practice in the county twice a week. From the GPs’ feedback it is evident that the service is benefiting both them and their patients. GPs often see patients with issues such as problems with budgeting or debt, lack of housing, lack of independent living skills, substance misuse and mental health issues. Many of these problems may not require medical intervention, and in some cases the best chance of managing them successfully is through a social care provider. However, there are many different support organisations and it can be impossible for some people to navigate their way through them, which is why having access to a support coordinator when they present at the practice is so vital if we want to lessen the pressure on GPs and help people turn their lives around.