Our Work
Children’s Health and Wellbeing
In Chatham, we’ve found that children and young people in our community need more help with their mental health.
Our data shows they aren’t doing as well as children in other parts of England. Local deprivation is resulting in poorer health outcomes and poor mental health compared to the national average. So when we saw that more children aged 5 to 16 were also having mental health problems, we knew we needed to do something.
With help from our PCN’s Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS), we have employed a Children and Young Persons Mental Health Practitioner who our clinicians can refer into for low level mental health issue. This actively provides support for the patients and families and can offer signposting to other appropriate services.
Community Gardening
Our neighbours and friends at Christ Church Luton are doing great things for local people struggling with social isolation and loneliness.
From our very first meeting with the inspirational Rev. Andrea, we knew they’d make a fantastic health and wellbeing partner to collaborate with!
Our PCN health and wellbeing coaches and social prescribing link workers are now actively promoting their community garden to patients who would benefit from a spot of green-fingered gardening activity or making new friends in a safe, supportive environment.
And if the gardening isn’t enough, the cafe and coffee mornings are definitely worth a visit. New mums and people not getting out of their homes very much are warmly welcomed. The cakes and sausage rolls in particular are a real treat too(for a small donation).
A great local partnership we look forward to growing further!
Social Prescribing Link Workers
Our PCN Social Prescribing Link Workers work actively with practices in our PCN to provide support and services to all cohorts of patients from age 18 upwards. This could be anything from a befriending service to homelessness support, this valuable service is supported by Carers First who have a wealth of knowledge to support patients and families.
Healthcare Roles
Our surgery teams are now made up of a wider range of health professionals to help better meet the needs of our diverse communities, thanks to the PCN’s Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS).
Hypertension
The PCN is currently trialing a digital hypertension monitoring service from Stonecross and West Drive Surgery, King George Road Surgery and Reach Healthcare. Churchill Medical Group and Matrix Medical Centre will also join the trial shortly.
Patients monitor their daily blood pressure and update the practice using an easy-to-use app. This allows the practice team to track changes between appointments, and follow-up where necessary and before health worsens.