Jacqui Sutton, strategic lead and the Skelmersdale Social Prescribing Team, West Lancashire CCG.
Nominator Kieran Potts, community specialist paramedic, North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust says that the team initially began in August 2018 as a small scale pilot for the Skelmersdale area. They worked hard to establish meaningful relationships with community providers and residents, providing excellent support throughout the year. The team presented their work at the Lancashire and South Cumbria ‘EPIC’ event early in 2019, which was wholly well received.
The team’s true strength has been proven during COVID-19. They have continued to establish strong support for the most vulnerable people in West Lancashire. This has seen the team focusing on delivering support to those who are shielding or are considered ‘extremely clinically vulnerable’ during lockdown. Even though face to face contact has proven a challenge, the team have risen to this and continue to take referrals from numerous providers, alongside their support of those who are shielding.
Technology has been hugely important, with the team using the Elemental platform to receive and manage referrals. The team adopt an innovative and ambitious approach, ensuring they collaborate where possible. It is for this reason that the team are now a regular feature pan West Lancashire, building on their Skelmersdale roots. Numerous case studies are available to showcase the capability of this team, but I think it is important to recognise their capabilities via this submission. Thank you to all you are doing for our West Lancashire population, I for one am proud to work with you all.
