‘Ditch the pills and get active’ new wellbeing scheme advises
A BRACING walk on the cliffs, an arts class or even joining a choir could be the doctor’s orders instead of doling out pills, under a new drive called social prescribing.
Queens Road Medical Practice has launched the free service to help improve the wellbeing of patients.
It will focus on connecting people with local support groups and other community services to help them address social, practical and emotional needs as part of an overall treatment programme.
Clare Arnold has undergone training and been appointed as the link worker for the practice’s new offering.
She said it is important to identify what people really need and explore different ways to help them.
‘Today, people are facing so many different issues that aren’t necessarily medical or require medication in the traditional sense.
‘Social prescribing could suit anyone who feels lonely or isolated, has complex social needs which affect their wellbeing or needs support with their mental health, or indeed anyone who is looking for a different way to improve their lifestyle.
‘My role will be to help signpost people to locally available resources that might help improve their quality of life.’
The new approach is recognition that a person’s health is primarily determined by a range of social, economic and environmental factors.
Doctor’s surgeries nationally are increasingly becoming a refuge for those troubled with mental, as well as physical, problems.
For those patients often a change in lifestyle, and a reconnection with other people and nature, can be much more effective than anti-depressants.
For instance, if a patient asks a doctor for sleeping pills because they cannot sleep and are working 14 hours a day in a job they do not like, then the real problem is not the insomnia.
A study by the Royal College of GPs found that if receptionists and administrative staff in every practice were trained to refer people to yoga, walking and exercise groups, evening classes or debt advice services, the demand for GP appointments could be cut by 28%.
Queens Road chief executive officer Will Pierce said Clare’s specialist training had set her in good stead to provide the new scheme.
‘We’re proud of Clare’s dedication and enthusiasm and we look forward to seeing the benefits of offering this holistic approach to people’s health and wellbeing alongside our traditional medical services.’
The new social prescribing service will start from Monday 10 February.
