Victoria Hospital to host Social Prescribing Day celebration

On Thursday, 10 March, Victoria Hospital will host a celebration event, organised by Deal and Sandwich Primary Care Network (PCN) for national Social Prescribing Day.

Social prescribing allows patients to be referred to non-clinical services which can help address concerns or issues that may be impacting their physical and mental health.

This may include housing, welfare benefits and debt advice, lifestyle changes, living with anxiety or depression and many more.

Katharine Manser, Senior Social Prescribing Link Worker at Deal and Sandwich PCN said: “Everyone is welcome to come along during 12 to 3pm to see what the Social Prescribing Team can offer. Join us for a cup of tea and a chat to find out how we can help you.”

This event comes as Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust begins to develop Victoria Hospital as a hub of community care following the transfer of ownership in 2021. It is hoped the Social Prescribing Team will set up a part-time base at the hospital in coming weeks.

Natalie Davies, Director of Corporate Services said: “Ownership of the site has helped us to develop our vision as Victoria Hospital being a hub of care at the heart of the community. We look forward to the Social Prescribing Team from Deal and Sandwich joining teams from Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership and East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, who already use the hospital to provide community services. We are also talking to other health support and voluntary organisations to make the best use of the site for the Deal community.”

Victoria Hospital has already seen more than £250k investment since the transfer of ownership, helping to create a sustainable future for the services based there. Solar panels, refurbishment, updated décor, LED lighting and electrical upgrades are included in the costs.

Deal and Sandwich Primary Care Network is made up of five practices in Deal and Sandwich in East Kent. Balmoral Surgery, The Cedars Surgery, Manor Road Surgery, Sandwich Medical Practice and St Richards Road Surgery with Golf Road Surgery.

For more information on Social Prescribing Day and how social prescribing can help, visit Social Prescribing Day 2022 | National Academy for Social Prescribing (socialprescribingacademy.org.uk)