At its most basic, a social prescription offers the kind of help that doesn’t come in a tube or bottle (non medical).

Instead, a social prescribing link worker creates your own social prescription to provide you with support, help and information that will enable you to access services or activities that will improve your health, wellbeing and overall enjoyment in life.

Social prescribing link workers can offer support and signposting for a variety of non-clinical interventions such as:

• people struggling to adapt or cope with chronic conditions that can’t be addressed by clinical consultation
• mental health and emotional wellbeing
• relationship difficulties
• domestic abuse
• loneliness and isolation
• low self esteem
• poor housing
• financial issues, including benefits
• carers
• bereavement
• health goals e.g. weight management, healthy eating, stop smoking, physical activity

About clinical pharmacists

Clinical pharmacists work as part of the general practice team to improve value and outcomes from medicines and consult with and treat patients directly.  This includes providing extra help to manage long-term  conditions, advice for those on multiple medicines and better access to health checks.

The role is pivotal to improving the quality of care and ensuring patient safety.

What can clinical pharmacists help with?

• prescribing
• medication reviews
• queries about medications
• telephone reviews
• treatment of minor illnesses
• managing a patient’s condition holistically
• ensuring patients get the most out of their medication
• ensuring there is joined-up care for patients

How to see a clinical pharmacist

Each surgery has their own clinical pharmacist and appointments can be booked online or by calling your GP practice.

The PCN has contracted with Guys and St Thomas’ hospital to provide First Contact Physiotherapists working in our practices. You can book to see these experienced physiotherapists to diagnose a musculoskeletal  or joint problem you have – as an alternative to seeing a GP. They can not only diagnose your condition, but offer advice on how to best manage it, and refer you on for imaging or specialist support, if this is needed.

Guys and St Thomas physiotherapy services recommend using the GetUBetter app to get personalised support with exercise to help your musculoskeletal problem.

If you know that you need ongoing support from a physiotherapist, or have been advised by your GP, the First Contact Physiotherapist or a consultant that you need to see a physiotherapist to support you with your condition, then you can self refer to local physiotherapy services.

What can care coordinators help with?

A care coordinator is a trained health professional that helps to manage a patient’s care, for example, the elderly or disabled. They monitor and coordinate patients’ treatment plans, educate them about their  condition, connect them with healthcare providers, and evaluate their progress.

Some of the work care coordinators might do includes:

• consulting with patients and family members to discuss health problems
• educating patients about their condition, medication, and give them specific instructions
• developing a care plan to address a patient’s personal healthcare needs
• consulting and collaborating with other health care providers and specialists to set up patient appointments and treatment plans
• checking in with the patient regularly to evaluate and document their progress
• evaluating interventions and care plans with the care team, including identifying areas where further care may be required
• supporting patients on an ongoing basis to manage their own needs where possible
• promoting and encouraging patient awareness, skills and confidence to help them maintain and make decisions about their own health and wellbeing
• supporting patients with personal health budgets