Joining Up Health and Care

Age UK and Cancer Research UK, together with health and social care teams in Berkshire Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire ICB identified a low uptake in bowel cancer screening by men in Wantage and sent social prescribers to support them to take up the offer. Men aged 65 to 74 who had not had bowel screening, the influenza vaccine and little contact with health services were identified as most likely to need support. Social prescribers with extra training contacted 50 men almost half of whom took up the screening.

Neighbourhood working helped primary care networks, social care and voluntary services in Berkshire Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire ICB to collaborate in setting up a paramedic home visiting team to see patients. This has reduced admissions to hospital as conditions are treated earlier and so less likely to deteriorate and frees up time for GPs to see other patients.

Mental health problems represent the largest single cause of disability in the UK. Before the Pandemic Frimley Health and Care launched the Aldershot Safe Haven Café. Open every day and evening throughout the year, the cafe aimed to help people avoid going to A&E. The Safe Haven Café encouraged people to remain independent by improving access to other services and preventing them from reaching a crisis.

Hedge End Medical Centre in the Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB is one of a growing number of practices using an online service called eConsult, which is helping patients get support more quickly and freeing up precious time for doctors to see the patients who need their help most. eConsult is an online triage and consultation tool on the practice website, which provides self help such as requesting a sick note. If a patient is unsure what the problem is or would like advice from their GP, they can complete a form describing their symptoms in detail.