How can we redesign NHS buildings to support social prescribing and develop a patient estate?
Over the past few years, there's been increasing focus on adopting a more holistic approach to people's health and wellbeing that addresses the socio-economic factors that impact their mental health. This has been acknowledged and reflected in the NHS Long Term Plan which has pledged to refer at least 900,000 people to social prescribing by 2023/24 to help people stay healthier for longer in partnership with patient groups and the voluntary sector.
The appetite for these services is growing. We recently conducted a survey with over 2,000 people in England which showed that nearly one fifth of respondents want additional community services at their healthcare facility such as support groups, exercise classes, adult learning, employment support or nutrition programmes, and 38% of patients want access to mental health services, with this increasing to nearly half (49%) in those aged 24-35. You can take our latest survey to help us create spaces that meet the needs of the people you support.
Social prescribing networks are therefore expanding across England to support people with a wide range of social, emotional or practical needs. While this is an encouraging development for charities and community groups, COVID-19 has put pressure on funding and increased the need for community services.
We need to do more to ensure that the NHS estate is set up to best support social prescribing and community activity to support people’s wellbeing both now and in the future.
What needs to change?
Research report
The King's Fund, supported by NHSPS, explores the current challenges and opportunities that exist within the NHS estate to support social prescribingReport summary
Get a snapshot understanding of the key learnings and recommendations from The King's Fund report, including how the NHS works better with communitiesRoundtable blog
Read about the key discussion points from a recent roundtable attended by the 'dons' of social prescribing including NHSE's Director of Primary CareTell us what would make a difference
As the NHS develops more community spaces and social prescribing hubs, we want to make sure that your voice is heard and that the needs and wants of the people you support are met.
To do this, we've put together a short, anonymous survey to get that insight and understand your views which we will use to inform our conversations with the wider NHS.
Take the surveyHow are we supporting social prescribing?
As part of the NHS family, NHS Property Services is dedicated to supporting the delivery of the Long Term Plan to enable excellent patient care by being the best property and facilities provider for the NHS. Our role as owner and manager of 10% of the total NHS estate and 30% of its Primary Care estate, enables us to create a fit for purpose estate, for now and the future. This puts us in prime position to support the social prescribing agenda.
We strive to work as one joined-up team, collaborating with our colleagues from different parts of the NHS and creating strong local partnerships to transform vacant space into indoor and outdoor social prescribing spaces. We involve local communities and user groups in the design to ensure the spaces really do help address local health and social needs.
We currently have six sites, supporting a range of community groups and charities, and are developing many more up and down the country.
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