A latest report has said that faith groups have a major role to play in easing the pressures on the NHS on the local level.
According to the British Medical Association, GP services in England are experiencing “significant and growing strain” because of high demand despite falling GP numbers attributable to difficulties in recruiting and retaining medical staff.
A latest report jointly published by the ChurchWorks Commission and the think tank Theos says that one in five GP appointments are literally made for non-medical reasons and that “social prescribing” would help reduce this burden from the health service.
Those affected by issues reminiscent of loneliness, minor mental health concerns or financial problems can receive the support they need from faith and community groups, reasonably than going to the GP, the report says.
As well as providing support, faith groups are also in a position to play a job in preventative healthcare, by caring for individuals who are of their community or by ensuring those in need get the fitting help before their problems get out of hand.
Dame Sarah Mullally, Bishop of London and former Chief Nursing Officer, wrote the foreword to the report.
She said: “Seventy-five years on from the birth of the NHS, the subsequent few years are among the most pivotal to its survival.
“In the face of persistent and growing inequalities in health outcomes, and inequitable access to care, this report sets out the prescription for the health inequalities which are pervading so many communities.
“Indeed, it’s an answer that already exists. Social prescribing utilising existing community structures will be transformative in offering reasonably priced, effective care to tens of millions of individuals.
“Faith groups specifically have a vital role to play here, and indeed many are already doing just that. I pray that further work will be undertaken exploring the chance here, and that it brings us closer to more interconnected, resilient, and healthy communities.”
The report highlighted real life examples like Elenor, a 70-year-old woman from Lancaster who lives together with her disabled daughter. Elenor lost her husband of fifty years through the pandemic and apart from her daughter had no other family. Struggling with loneliness, Elenor was referred by a GP to volunteers at an area church.
This, in response to the report, “was a lifeline in a time when she was feeling the loneliest – having someone on the phone to discuss with weekly was what she needed”.
Despite the great that faith groups can do, the report highlighted the issue of a disconnect between the health service and the churches. Both groups struggle to know who to discuss with on the opposite side and, even once they do make contact, communication continues to be a difficulty.
As the report notes, “There are communication challenges because faith and health communities use different language to discuss very similar things.”
Greater integration and communication between health professionals and faith leaders is due to this fact one in every of the important thing recommendations of the report.
The report has been backed by the Conservative Shadow Minister for Health and Social Care, Lord Kamall, who described it as “a welcome addition to the discussion on linking faith groups into other parts of the system of health and care, to enhance the wellbeing of people and native communities”.
Health Minister Wes Streeting has not commented on the report but has previously called for a “revolution of prevention” and a “Neighbourhood Health Service”.
Dr Marianne Rozario, senior researcher and projects lead at Theos, said: “There can often be a disconnect between health and faith.
“Yet, as we now have set out on this report, linking faith groups into healthcare through social prescribing can improve the wellbeing of people.
“Therefore, relationship-building between faith and health at the extent of ‘neighbourhoods’, ‘places’ and ‘systems’ is crucial.”
