A social prescribing service for people with long-term conditions
Purpose
Ways to Wellness is a community and primary care-based social prescribing service in West Tyneside for people with long term conditions that seeks to improve their perceived quality of life, reduce avoidable hospital admissions and reduce health inequalities.
Approach and Learning
Set up in 2015, what makes Ways to Wellness exceptional is the use of Social Impact Bond (SIB) funding and outcomes payment contracting to part fund delivery in the first seven years in partnership with local NHS commissioners; the scale of the service’s reach within the eligible population; the comprehensive and long-term service offer; and its integration with general practices.
A report in 2021 set out the approach, findings and learning from the first six years of the service. This included:
- 7,700 referrals received and 5,800 engagements with the service
- 86% of clients improved their wellbeing
- 27% lower secondary care cost per patient.
Key to success was a relentless focus on outcomes, often driven by the commercial funders, and the willingness to learn and adapt the service to ensure the affordable delivery of results for patients and the local health system.
Outcome targets were met, delivering success for all parties.