Primary Care Networks have been given funding to provide additional roles to create bespoke multi-disciplinary teams within their individual network.
PCN’s assess the needs of their local population and, working with local community services, make support available to people where it is most needed.
Find out more on each of the ARRS roles in the video.
(Please note that South Havering PCN do not currently employ staff in every role described in the video).
Please use the tabs below to find out more about each of our extended healthcare teams.
What is Social Prescribing?
Patients visit their GP for a number of reasons, however some of the issues that patients face are caused or made worse by non-medical issues. These may be financial & employment issues, housing issues, social isolation, transportation and mobility issues, depression, anxiety, stress.
Our Social Prescribers work alongside the GP surgeries to help address these underlying issues and support their patients to overcome them. We also aim to support individuals to take greater control of their own health.
What issues can social prescribing help with?
We work with individuals to overcome a variety of issues, we work Holistically and will adopt a “What matters to you” approach, we will ask questions relating to your specific circumstances and may create a personalised support plan with you to support you to overcome these issues.
These things we may be able to help with include:
- Signposting or referring for support and help for information on housing, benefits and financial advice
- Healthy lifestyle advice and physical activity referrals
- Joining and attending social activities and clubs
- Signposting or referring for support Befriending, counselling, bereavement and peer support
- Finding employment, training and volunteering opportunities
- Completing Blue Badge/Taxicard/Dial-a-Ride applications
- Emotional / Low level mental health support
- Accessing statutory services such as adult social care
- Connecting with carers support
- Supporting to access aids and adaptations where applicable
- Accessing specific long term disability support organisations such as Dementia/Parkinson’s
How to Get Support?
If you or someone you know is struggling with any of the issues mentioned above, and are registered at one of our Surgeries, and you would like a referral to the social prescribing service, please either use the Self-referral form or ask for a referral to the service through your GP.
Carer Support
What is a Carer?
Carers make up about 10% of the population in the UK. A carer is a person of any age who provides support to a partner, relative, friend or neighbour who could not cope without their help.
This could be due to a variety of physical or mental health conditions. Parents or guardians of children who have a disability or a serious health condition are also considered to be carers.
Common Misconceptions:
People sometimes call Care professionals “carers”. However, there is a difference between a carer and care professionals who are employed to provide care. Whilst some carers do receive payments, such as Carer’s Allowance, or direct payment for their caring role, they are still considered to be carers.
Some carers may not identify themselves as a carer. Sometimes this is because it is misunderstood what it means to be a carer, or because they feel they are just doing their part for the people they care for.
What challenges do carers commonly face?
Carers can face many challenges in their caring role, these may include: Feeling unsupported in their role as a carer, social isolation, financial difficulty, depression, anxiety, feeling unable to attend appointments for their own health due to their caring role. Carers may face many difficult issues that may or may not be due to their role as a carer.
What support can social prescribing provide to our carers?
We work to provide a holistic and personalised plan for the carer’s wellbeing. We may refer you or signpost you to community-based groups and organisations, statutory agencies and health services for your care. We can create a plan that supports carers to take care of their own health and needs.
We want all our carers to feel seen, heard and understood. If you would like a referral to the social prescribing service, please either use the Self-referral form or ask for a referral to the service through your GP.
Cancer Support
Our social prescribers help connect patients that have had a recent diagnosis of cancer to local services, resources and programmes.
If you would like to arrange a call to discuss possible resources and support getting referred to these programs, please use the Self-Referral Form.
On this page you will find support resources for patients with a cancer diagnosis in the South Havering community:
Living with and beyond cancer at Queens Hospital
The Living with and Beyond Cancer newsletter contains details of support services available across the borough. They have a dedicated welfare benefits advisor as part of their team who is able to support patients with any benefit-related enquiries.
This service is only for patients of Queens or King Georges Hospitals.
For those receiving treatment elsewhere, your social prescriber can discuss cancer support services available at other hospitals.
YMCA Romford Cancer Rehab Referral Programme
This is a free exercise programme for people who have been diagnosed with, or are receiving treatment for, cancer. These programmes offer personal trainers who are qualified to Level 4 and it is only those who are Level 4 qualified who are able to be a Physical Training Instructor for those diagnosed with a cancer.
Queens Hospital Complementary Therapies
This leaflet has been produced by the Complimentary Therapies department at Queens Hospital. Providing you are under the care of a Haematologist or Oncologist at Queens or King George hospitals, you are able to access this service.
Macmillan Cancer Support
Macmillan has a support telephone line, manned by cancer specialists, which is open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm. The number is: 0808 808 00 00 and all calls are free from mobile phones, across all networks and from all landlines.
Through Bupa, Macmillan are offering up to six counselling sessions, free for people struggling emotionally with any aspects of their cancer journey.
Contact them free on 0808 239 3025 and ask about the Bupa service.
They’re open, 7 days a week, 8am-8pm.
What is Health and Wellbeing Coaching?
Health and Wellbeing Coaching can support with…
Appointment Structure
How can I Access This Service?
If you would like one of our Health & Wellbeing coaches to support you with your needs and are registered at one of our PCN GP Practices please email using the self-referral link below.
Privacy and Confidentiality : Protecting Your Privacy and Trust
Patient Testimonials
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between therapy, counselling, and health and wellbeing coaching?
What can I expect from the coaching process?
How often are coaching sessions, and how long do they last?
How are coaching sessions conducted?
What are the fees for the Health and Wellbeing coaching service?
How do I schedule a coaching session?
Is the information shared during coaching sessions confidential?
What is a Care Coordinator?
A care coordinator will take an overall look at your healthcare needs – particularly if you are frail or have multiple long-term conditions. They will work with other health and social care professionals on your behalf in order to bring together all your identified care and support needs.
Care coordinators can help patients navigate the health and care system to access the services you need. They can support you with booking appointments, preparing for appointments and with follow up appointments and referrals.
Care coordinators work closely with their Social Prescribing and Health & Wellbeing colleagues, as well as secondary care (hospitals), health, social care and voluntary organisations to make referrals or signpost to information or services to meet your needs.
Meet our Care Coordinators
Sabina Akthar
Sabina is aligned to Wood Lane Medical Centre, Upminster Bridge Surgery, Billet Lane Medical Practice, Upminster Medical Centre and Rainham Health Centre.
Caroline Panchal
Caroline is aligned to The Rosewood Medical Centre, Harlow Road Surgery, Berwick Surgery, South Hornchurch Medical Practice, Suttons Avenue Surgery and The Surgery, Glanville Drive.
What is a First Contact Physiotherapist?
First Contact Physiotherapists are experts in muscular and joint conditions who will carefully assess your symptoms, diagnose your condition, and consider any existing medical issues. They will then recommend the right type and level of exercise or refer you for further investigation and services, so you can get moving again.
How to book an appointment?
- Contact your GP practice and ask for a referral to be made for you to the First Contact Physiotherapist.
- Your GP may refer you to one if they feel it is appropriate.
- Any other clinician may also refer you if they feel it is appropriate.
You may be eligible for an appointment with our FCP for the following problems,
- All soft tissue injuries, sprains, strains, or sports injuries
- Arthritis – any joint
- Possible problems with muscles, ligaments, tendons, or bone, e.g., tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, ankle sprains
- Spinal pain including lower back pain, mid-back pain and neck pain.
- Spinal-related pain in arms or legs, including nerve symptoms, e.g., pins and needles or numbness.
- Changes to walking
- Post-orthopaedic surgery
What is a Dietitian?
Registered Dietitians (RDs) are the only qualified health professionals that assess, diagnose, and treat dietary and nutritional problems. Unlike nutritionists, RDs have the expertise to work in clinical settings and are governed by legal and ethical codes to ensure they work to the highest standards. RDs use the most up-to-date evidence alongside personalised guidance and support to help patients manage their own conditions and improve their quality of life through food and lifestyle choices. As well as clinical settings, RDs may also work in education, research, sport, media, government and non-government organisations (1)
What is a Dietitian? (BDA 2020)
You may see a First Contact Dietitian (FCD) for support with the following:
Diabetes
- Prevent the development of diabetes,
- improve diabetes control and reduce long-term health complications
- Support with weight loss where appropriate and improve quality of life
Weight management
- Support to build the knowledge, confidence and skills to achieve health and weight management goals without stigma or fad diets (which lack robust evidence to support their claims)
Non-urgent advice: Please Note:
Tier 3 specialist obesity services are not currently available in Barking Havering and Redbridge. In the meantime, FCDs are here to support patients.
Gastrointestinal Problems
- Coeliac disease diagnosis or annual review,
- Functional gastrointestinal issues such as irritable bowel syndrome and constipation
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
- Provide advice in improving gut health and thus enhance long-term health outcomes
Frailty
- Early intervention to support age-related disease conditions
- Provide nutrition support for the maintenance of weight and muscle mass
Other issues
- High cholesterol
- Hypertension
- PCOS
FAQs
What does a consultation with a Dietitian involve?
The dietitian will ask about your health, diet and lifestyle and work with you to optimise your nutritional intake and contribute to improved health outcomes
How do I get an appointment with a Dietitian?
Please book an appointment via your GP surgery
How long are the appointments?
An initial dietetic appointment takes 30 – 45 minutes. Subsequent reviews, if needed, are often shorter
How are appointments delivered?
Via telephone or face-to-face, depending on your GP surgery
Do you see paediatric patients (under 16 years)?
Patients under the age of 16 are referred to Community Paediatric Dietitians. In some cases, your cluster dietitians can support the patients whilst they are waiting to be seen. Please contact them for further information
For more information about the services offered by dietitians, please see the British Dietetic Association’s website: https://www.bda.uk.com/
References
Who is a Clinical Pharmacist in General practice?
Clinical Pharmacists are increasingly working as part of general practice teams. They are highly qualified experts in medicines and can help people in a range of ways. This includes carrying out structured medication reviews for patients with ongoing health problems and improving patient safety, outcomes, and value through a person-centred approach.
About Clinical Pharmacists
Clinical pharmacists work as part of the general practice team to improve value and outcomes from medicines and consult with and treat patients directly. This includes providing extra help to manage long-term conditions, advice for those on multiple medicines and better access to health checks. The role is pivotal to improving the quality of care and ensuring patient safety.
Having clinical pharmacists in GP practices means that GPs can focus their skills where they are most needed, for example on diagnosing and treating patients with more complex conditions. This helps GPs to manage the demands on their time.