Page 2 - Link Workers News Today

Talking General Practice speaks to Christiana Melam, chief executive of the National Association of Link Workers, about how social prescribing can help practices meet demand, and the role it plays in prevention and tackling health inequalities.

The advantages of a preventative approach to health and social care are widely recognised, with investment in early intervention reducing the need for more costly acute care if a person’s health is allowed to deteriorate to crisis point.

Christiana Melam, chief executive of the National Association of Link Workers, explains how social prescribing link workers can help GPs deliver patient-focused, holistic care.

Social prescribing is probably the 'biggest cultural shift' in medicine and healthcare for generations,but more needs to be done to realise its benefits, the RCGP chair has said.

A former senior banker who went on to become a GP receptionist before becoming a social prescriber has been named social prescribing link worker of the year.

James Woods and Karen Davis. - Credit: BNSSG CCG People across North Somerset are being supported to improve their wellbeing through social prescribing schemes run by GP practices. With a social prescription, patients are connected with Link Workers who support people who may be struggling with problems such as social isolation or anxiety by connecting them to services in the community which can help. Each patient who is referred typically has six sessions with the Link Worker who is able to sp...