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. 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 we were frequently seeing clients who were on medication for issues that might be alleviated if we could help them tackle the underlying social causes. With news of the unrelenting and unmanageable demand on GPs always in the media, we approached commissioners to suggest a more integrated approach to health and social care could help both GPs and their patients. The commissioners agreed to fund a year-long pilot scheme that placed social care staff in two GP surgeries with one choosing to continue providing it after the pilot ended in June 2013 due to the positive impact doctors had experienced both on their workload and on patient wellbeing.
I'm now based at the surgery twice a week as part of my work as a support coordinator, and the GPs know that if a patient has underlying, non-medical issues they can suggest they are referred to me, and I'll get in touch and set up an appointment. The initial assessment usually happens in the surgery, but I can also visit people in their homes if necessary. From then on the support is flexible, and I can meet people at the jobcentre, at their local council, or wherever they need help. 
One lady I worked with was lonely and very low on self-confidence and self-esteem. She was referred to me by the practice and her mental health problems were exacerbated by the fact that she hadn't got the correct benefits in place. I've been working with her for 18 months to tackle the practical stuff and benefits issues, and now instead of me ringing the Department for Work and Pensions she rings them herself with my support. She is also confident enough now to work in a local cafe as a volunteer.
Another woman was suffering from depression, and after helping her to find suitable housing her anxiety lessened because she felt much safer having a home of her own. I think it makes a real difference to people to be able talk things over – GPs only have a short appointment slot to try and find the root cause of problems, whereas I have enough time to assess patients' wider needs. 
It took a while to build up a rapport with the staff, but they now have an understanding and appreciation for my complimentary role. 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 is so vital if we want to lessen the pressure on GPs and help people turn their lives around.
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