Agenda item

The committee is requested to consider the Chichester Social Prescribing report for year 1 and to note the progress and success of year 1 of the service, and outcomes of the service and next steps in the evaluation report

Mrs Bushby outlined the evaluation report and provided details of progress and successes during year 1 of the Chichester Social Prescribing service.  It was aimed at giving the right support at the right time to those in need of the service.  It was hoped that members agreed that the evaluation reflected the success of the project so far, with the caveat that the service was new and there was a lot more work to be done.  She clarified that social prescribing was not concept.  It was an approach that looked at the demand on medical services for non-medical services.  Neither was the project a response to welfare reform, although it was noted that almost a third of the referrals were as a result of welfare and benefits.

Mrs Bushby responded to members’ questions and comments.  She undertook to find out if any research had been undertaken in respect of links of mild to moderate special needs, such as dyslexia or autism spectrum disorders to depression and mental health issues.  There was not necessarily a direct link that having such a condition would affect their mental health, but if someone had a condition that limited their ability to access services that may have a negative impact on their mental health.  The initial assessments carried out by the social prescribers of clients specific needs would include signposting to other services they may require. 

Mr Sutton advised that, as the Council’s representative on the Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust Council of Governors, and as a member of the Community Trust and a member of a patient participation group at a GP surgery where a Social Prescriber was active, he had practical experience of the Social Prescribing service.  He considered that there was a strong referral system to help signpost people to the services they required. The project at Petworth had led to a reduction in social isolation in the elderly and could be used in innovative ways.  He cited Duncton Parish Council as an example of engaging with the community to reduce social isolation, for their elderly residents.

Mrs Bushby explained the professional background and experience of the social prescriber, which included social work and homeless services backgrounds.  The recruitment process had specifically looked for clear indications that the prescribers could deal with individuals with complex issues.  Initially the project had not seen large reductions in the demand on GPs.  However, what had been seen was a reduction in the number of social economic reasons for seeing a GP and as a result these patients now made appointments for more relevant issues. She had advised that other social prescribing projects had seen similar results.  With regard to making the service more secure, in particular ensuring there was funding going forward, Mrs Bushby referred members to paragraph 5.2 of the report. She explained that there were risks with the funding sustainability it was in the NHS England’s long term plan, who had committed five years funding for the project.  Funding would be sought at the November Cabinet meeting for future funding.

Members were very supportive of the project the outcomes achieved in the first year.  They asked for their thanks to be passed on to officers for such a good report.              

 RESOLVED

That the Committee has considered the Chichester Social Prescribing report for year 1 and notes the following;

1)    The progress and success of year 1 of the service; and

2)    Outcomes of the service and agrees the next steps in the evaluation report.