West Lancashire CCG Launch Innovative Social Prescribing Pilot using Elemental Software
Elemental Software and West Lancashire CCG have partnered to launch a significant social prescribing pilot in Skelmersdale.
Public Health England reports suggest that people living in the least deprived areas of the country live around 20 years longer in good health than people in the most deprived areas.
In an effort to tackle these growing health inequalities, West Lancashire CCG is working with Elemental Software to kickstart a social prescribing pilot which enables GPs to make direct referrals to non-medical sources of support within the community such as Citizens Advice Bureau, Age UK and counselling services.
Alex Rowlands, Operations Manager said “The life expectancy in Skelmersdale is lower than in other parts of West Lancashire and the difference is patterned by deprivation, lifestyles and other social and economic influences. By addressing social issues through a holistic approach to health and wellbeing, we are hoping that we will prevent individuals from developing long term conditions and ultimately increase their life expectancy and quality of life.”
Another great day in Skelmersdale with @westlancscvs training their link workers and providers on the Elemental Platform. Looking forward to activating the GP’s tomorrow through @EMISHealth. @Its_Elemental @WestLancsCCG @Dee_Elemental pic.twitter.com/74xyNnfpj0
— Clare Cooper (@clare_elemental) July 18, 2018
Using Elemental’s social prescribing platform, GPs across seven practices will be able to make, manage and report on instant referrals to local social prescribing hubs, as well as track the impact of the referral.
By reducing administrative pressures, not only will GPs save time and resource but they will also be able to provide enhanced support for those patients most in need. The cloud-based solution will allow key stakeholders to track and monitor the impact of a referral in real time, enabling accurate reporting and collaborative working between primary care and the community and voluntary sectors.
Alex Rowlands, Operations Manager added “Time with patients is limited in a GP practice, therefore processes need to be quick and easy, Elemental is both of those things which really impacts on the buy-in we need from the primary care workforce in order adopt this approach.”
With Elemental, West Lancashire CCG can use evaluation reports to scale and design new models of care, tailored to the needs of the community which will empower individuals to manage their own health and wellbeing, resulting in a reduction in avoidable GP appointments and reduced waiting times.
Leeann Monk-Ozgul, Elemental Co-Founder said “Social prescribing is continuing to gain traction in general practice and we’re delighted to be working with West Lancashire CCG on the launch of their new social prescribing pilot. It’s unacceptable that a person’s postcode can have a major impact on their health and like West Lancashire CCG, we’re passionate about tackling health inequalities. Using Elemental Software, over 500 people will be connected to areas of support within their own community, which will assist them in leading happier, healthier lives.”
Enhance the impact of your social prescribing programmes and services
To find out more about Elemental and how our Social Prescribing platform can help connect and improve your community services, drop us a line or give us a call. We’d love to chat.
Elemental Social Prescribing People
