Duo join health team to support Valley GPs
TWO social prescribing link workers have been appointed to work in the Rossendale Primary Care Networks (PCNs) and support the Valley’s GP practices.
PCNs are groups of practices that work together with community, mental health, social care, pharmacy, hospital and voluntary services in their local areas to ensure more integrated health and social care.
Rossendale East covers the Whitworth, Bacup and Waterfoot GP practices, and Rossendale West covers the Rawtenstall and Haslingden GP practices.
Social prescribing (sometimes called Community Referral) is a method of teaming people with mild to moderate health problems up with non-medical sources of support available within their community.
These support services, often provided by the voluntary and community sector, can include everything from debt counselling, support groups and walking clubs, to community cooking classes and one-to-one peer mentoring.
Shahan Lais and Deborah Dewhurst have been appointed by Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Council for Voluntary Service (BPR CVS).
Deborah is based within Rossendale East PCN and covers Irwell Medical Practice, Whitworth Medical Practice, Waterfoot Medical Practice and Fairmore Medical Practice.
She said: “During my 12 years of working within Community Mental Health, I specialised in working with Dual Diagnosis patients in the alcohol and drug use field, individuals on the Autistic Spectrum, learning difficulty and additional needs.
“I am excited about putting all these skills into practice for the community of Rossendale.”
Shahan Lais is based with Rossendale West PCN working with Dr Mackenzie & Partners,
Ilex View Medical Practice, Rossendale Valley Medical Practice, St James Medical Centre and The Surgery in Haslingden.
He said: “As evidenced, the social prescribing agenda can make a difference in the lives of vulnerable people and communities and, alongside my colleague Debbie, I am excited to be part of this journey.”