In April, more than 40 link workers from across the BBP came together at Hounslow House to share positive integration outcomes, and worked together to identify how they could improve collaboration between teams.
According to NHS England: Link workers give people time to focus on ‘what matters to them’, and take a holistic approach to people’s health and wellbeing. They connect people to community groups and statutory services for practical and emotional support.
The current link worker project supports the Hounslow BBP Mental Health programme, and the project aims to bring link workers together, to:
- Improve communities experience, and help Hounslow residents to live independent, healthy lives
- Reduce the need for multiple, hand-off points
- Connect to localised offers.
- Achieve better outcomes by empowering people
- Accessible for all – focus on targeted early help and intervention, tackling inequality.
West London Trust Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Services (CIDS) team, highlighted:
The DLW’s (dementia link workers) in Hounslow are passionate about providing the best care to their patients. We understand the challenges families face whilst supporting their loved ones and provide carers support through signposting to services. The feedback from patients described the DLW exemplary work which in turn makes positive outcomes to the patient and families lives.
Colleagues at event also shared how residents’ lives had been improved through increased link worker integration, with the following examples:
- Link workers are now on the same page, so client doesn’t feel like they must keep repeating themselves.
- They have been able to assist residents who may have previously fallen through any gaps in the system.
- There have been times when reduced hospitalisation of patients has been achieved, as care can be managed in the community.
- Teams are now able to send residents directly to drop-ins/hubs without lengthy referrals.
One colleague reflected,
‘By being able to collaborate with different Community Teams has been a huge help when thinking of the patients care, and how we can help them with improved care in the community.’
The next borough Link Worker workshop will be October, in the meantime, teams will meet monthly within their locality (East, Central and West).