Mortimer GP Surgery’s social prescriber describes her role

Doctor and patient relationships have changed beyond recognition since the advent of the NHS 70 years ago

Since 2013, there has been a shift in general practice towards larger practices with more multidisciplinary teams,

We are witnessing development and expansion of the healthcare workforce and improved practice environments – clinical pharmacists, link workers, physiotherapist, dieticians, mental health practitioners, paramedics amongst others are all part of the new PCN frameworks.

GP’s ability to signpost patients to the most appropriate service or where more appropriate, supporting them to self-care is now part of the structure of many surgeries..

NHS social prescribing link workers are amongst them. They connect patients to the right community groups and services.

Social Prescribing Link Worker Lorraine Harper has dedicated the past three years to improving lives at Mortimer Surgery.

"Most importantly it is about what matters to them,” she says.

“I do have to explain my role to most patients and I am trying to make the patients of Mortimer Surgery more aware of my role.”

“I can support patients with isolation and loneliness, access to befriending services, grief and bereavement support, housing issues, benefits and debts, supporting them to be more active, healthy eating, anxiety and mild depression, and family carers who may be struggling to name just some things.

A Social Prescriber offers personalised care to a patient. It can address common mental health difficulties. These include, loneliness, stress, mild to moderate depression, and anxiety.

This area requires further research, particularly for children and young people. But there is robust evidence to support the efficacy of social prescribing for mental health.

Lorraine has been with Mortimer GP surgery, which has 11,000 patients on the books, since September 2023, although the service has been available for a number of years.

Before, she worked at Basingstoke Hospital as a Healthcare Support Worker, The Duchess of Kent Hospice as a nursing assistant and a funeral arranger.

“Over the years I have studied for many qualifications, which certainly help me with my role. These include Health and social care, end of life care, enhancing health care practice, understanding autism, child psychology and Life Coaching. I am a member of The National Association of Link Workers. Link worker is another name for social prescribers.”

She says many conversations start with 'I don't know whether you can help me'

“After finding out what the issue is I can, even if it is just signposting them to another organisation they didn't know about,” she explains.

“Any member of staff can refer patients to me and patients can also self-refer. An appointment for either a telephone call or face to face will be made for the patient. I also do home visits mainly for those who are housebound.

“After the initial chat with the patient, sometimes I can help them there and then and other times I may have to look into other services available. If the latter is the case, I will contact the patient with my findings. Some patients only need to see me once but some need regular support.

“The service is definitely helping both the patient and Mortimer surgery. I can offer a patient a 30 minute appointment and when a receptionist speaks with them, they can book someone in with me, if they don't really need to see a GP.

“I love my job as it is so rewarding. Mortimer Surgery is a great place to work, and everyone is so supportive of each other.”