Social Prescriber

Across the country the NHS is rolling out social prescribing and here at Oakwood Surgery we are keen to support this initiative by creating a thriving community response to the social determinants of health. Health is influenced by a wide range of social, economic and environmental factors, and social prescribing allows medical professionals at Oakwood Surgery to signpost patients to incredibly effective services in our community—these community-based services have been proven to be very effective and beneficial. In essence, the purpose of social prescribing is to connect our patients who face challenges such as isolation, mental ill-health or need some support to get more active, with practical activities within our community which might help them. Through these initiatives, we here at Oakwood Surgery, are keen in making a huge difference to the lives of those that need support the most.

What is the aim of social prescribing?

Often patients present at GP practices with non-medical related issues e.g. housing, debt advice etc. These issues frequently impact on an individual’s wellbeing; and if the patient has a long-term condition, this further erodes into their wellbeing, and therefore further makes managing their long-term condition even more challenging. The aim of this novel programme is to support individuals and GP practices with the concept of well-being and address some of the issues highlighted.

The focus of this scheme is on people who are isolated, facing physical or lower mental ill-health. These factors often result in individuals lacking confidence, and the inability in some circumstances to develop skills or qualifications. The project will aim to work with such individuals to empower them to manage such challenges and move forward.

This unique model of integrated services forms the basis of social prescribing and enables people to tackle both immediate and deep-rooted issues.

Birmingham Smartcare will aim to link in with individuals who have the potential to develop volunteer skills, to go on to support the wider community. In doing so this will enable those individuals to develop and learn new skills and improve their wellbeing.

Please if you think you are in need of this service please call the surgery and speak to the reception staff or book an appointment with the doctor.

Specialist Support to Care Homes?

In general, care homes cater to the needs of vulnerable senior citizens in a residential setting. Some support independent living and provide assistance with personal care only (e.g., help with washing, dressing and administering medication). Still, other care homes are registered to deliver specialist care (e.g., help with dementia, terminal illness, MND etc.).

Oakwood Surgery’s highly trained Clinical and Admin Teams are proud to support the dedicated staff members of two care homes. Specifically, we provide our medical expertise and equipment in order to enable the care home staff to continue delivering the exceptional level of service that they provide day and night to their residents/patients.

The focus of this scheme is on people who are isolated, facing physical or lower mental ill-health. These factors often result in individuals lacking confidence, and the inability in some circumstances to develop skills or qualifications. The project will aim to work with such individuals to empower them to manage such challenges and move forward.

This unique model of integrated services forms the basis of social prescribing and enables people to tackle both immediate and deep-rooted issues.

Birmingham Smartcare will aim to link in with individuals who have the potential to develop volunteer skills, to go on to support the wider community. In doing so this will enable those individuals to develop and learn new skills and improve their wellbeing.

Please if you think you are in need of this service please call the surgery and speak to the reception staff or book an appointment with the doctor