Introduction to Financial Support in GP Practices
GP practices in south London are offering financial advice to help patients manage their debts and process benefits claims, and the results are impressive. They are running the Back on Track program in 34 practices in Lambeth and Southwark. The program saw one in three patients visit their GP less often after getting advice, and more than 1,100 people were able to receive benefits, pay off debts or see lower levels of stress.
The Impact of Financial Support on Patients
One of the people who have benefited from the project is a 62-year-old woman who suffers from chronic pain due to arthritis and was in energy debt after mobility issues forced her to quit her job while she waited for knee surgery. Her claim for disability benefits was rejected despite her limited ability to stand or move for long periods of time, and financial concerns left her very depressed. But when she learned about the program through her local family doctor’s office, a financial aid worker helped her successfully appeal the decision and secure disability benefits. She was also helped with her energy and water debts through an affordable payment plan.
Breaking the Cycle of Debt and Poor Health
The Financial Shield, run by a foundation, is behind the project, which aims to free up GPs’ time and show how tackling patients’ financial burdens can improve their health. According to the foundation, more than half of participants reported an improvement in their health after receiving tailored support, such as help in securing social benefits, obtaining debt relief or negotiating with creditors.
The Importance of Addressing Financial Burdens
A GP from south London who took part in the program said: "We saw a woman in her 40s several times for heart palpitations. She wasn’t sleeping, had lost confidence in physical activity and was struggling to find work. We ran several blood and heart tests to reassure her. Over time, it became clear that her symptoms were related to severe stress caused by rent worries and debt." The GP added that being able to identify this as a possible cause and offer immediate support changed the consultation.
The Cycle of Poor Health and Financial Difficulties
The head of the Financial Foundations Program said: "We see again and again that people’s health depends on their finances, and when they get into financial difficulties their health deteriorates. People with poor health are more likely to get into financial difficulties. It creates a cycle, and you have to find ways to break that cycle by helping people with their money." He added that most people who take advantage of the program say their health is better and they feel better mentally and physically.
The Future of Financial Support in Healthcare
The NHS said that decisions about this service would be made locally in each system and information about the expected impact would have been considered locally. The government’s 10-year health plan aims to integrate debt support into new neighborhood health services. The Financial Shield model builds on the aim to make social counseling available to all who need it.
