WIREDGOV

Programme to help GPs in deprived communities.

A dedicated worker will help patients in some of our most deprived areas find local help and support to ‘turn their lives around’, thanks to a Scottish Government scheme.

The Link Worker programme will see a dedicated individual working in GP surgeries and helping patients on a one-to-one basis.

The Link Worker will advise on the help and support available to the patient locally to overcome the specific problems and challenges they face on a daily basis both relating to their health problems and their whole lifestyle.

An investment of £1.35 million will be made for the programme which will support primary care teams in some of our most deprived areas.

The aim of the programme is to help staff in primary care become better at identifying local support available in their area and match that support to the needs of specific patients. This will see more patients being able to take ownership of their personal circumstances and, with the Link Worker, identify ways they can improve these by linking into local groups and organisations which may be able to help them.

Minister for Public Health Michael Matheson said:

“A trip to the GP surgery can help solve the immediate health issues a patient may be facing. But this scheme will be about much more than that. It’s not just about helping patients to get better, but instead helping them to live longer, healthier more fulfilling lives.

“The new Link Worker Programme focuses on the priorities of those patients by listening to their non-health concerns, understanding the issues that are at the top of their agenda and helping them access the most appropriate support.

“Many people engage with their primary care services on a broad range of issues not always directly related to their health but which ultimately impacts on their health and wellbeing. Understandably for many of individuals faced with the challenges of living in poverty and dealing with the challenges that brings, health is often not their most important priority.

“With the right support people, especially those living in the most deprived areas, can turn their lives around. More than 90 per cent of all NHS consultations taking place in primary care. GP surgeries are at the heart of the community and we should be taking advantage of that to help people whenever we can - which is exactly what this new scheme will do.”

Glasgow GP Dr Peter Cawston, who works in a practice in Drumchapel in the city, is also Clinical Lead for the programme. He said:

“Practices within the programme will be able to expand the options available in a primary care consultation. Helping people access the support available in their communities can bring new life opportunities that can add meaning, form new relationships, or give the person a chance to take more control over their own health and wellbeing.

“Often people don’t know where and who to turn for emotional support especially when they are feeling lonely and vulnerable and their GP is often their first port of call. The Link Worker will step in to complement the GP’s role by helping to open up doors within their community and provide them with supportive networks.

“There is often a wealth of support available locally, for example lunch clubs, self-help groups, befriending services, sports or arts clubs and voluntary or employment support opportunities. All of these compliment what a GP service can offer but accessing them can be challenging for people and that is where this programme seeks to help.”

The Link Worker programme will be delivered in Partnership with the Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE).

ALLIANCE Chief Executive Ian Welsh added:

“Many people who live in deprived areas experience complex circumstances that impact their health and wellbeing. Community-based support can make a huge difference and can help people to unlock their own skills, capacity and confidence.

“This programme will help to overcome some of the physical, geographical, financial and psychological barriers that prevent people from accessing this invaluable support.”

Notes to editors

The Link Worker programme will be delivered in seven “Deep End” practices in Glasgow and two Dundee.

A dedicated Link Worker will be appointed to each practice.

The Link Worker Programme will be delivered in partnership with the Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE), the programme is endorsed by the General Practitioners at the Deep End, The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and the Scottish Association of Mental Health (SAMH).

The Scottish Government will evaluate the scheme as it is delivered to patients in practices.