Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (ICB) has worked with the three GP practices in Leighton Buzzard to invest in new services to support primary care.
Along with the ICB securing additional accommodation for the practices, they have worked together as a primary care network and used national funding to recruit a range of new staff including care co-ordinators, health and wellbeing coaches, clinical pharmacists, paramedics and physiotherapists.
The new recruits, called the Leighton Linslade Health Connections PCN staff, will be working from the newly acquired premises which have been improved with electrical and data services installed. The new services will run from the building alongside the midwifery and community health services already in operation. Their work is set to support the three GP practices along with supporting the local community through new initiatives.
“These new staff will play an important role in supporting the wider health and wellbeing of people living in and around Leighton-Linslade, as well as relieving pressure on the core services delivered by the three GP practices in the town,” commented Nicky Poulain, Chief Primary Care Officer at the ICB.
Paul Quinton from Leighton Linslade Health Connections said: “The new facilities have provided a real focus now for the PCN services to develop further. We have the space to see patients in a non-clinical environment which can feel more comfortable for patients to discuss and explore the help they seek.”
He added: “Following our first group event for patients with type 2 diabetes with a guest speaker to support managing their diabetes, we plan to hold regular educational and support groups, such as a smoking cessation training and support group.
“Additionally, our clinical rooms can support our practices in providing additional services such as Learning Disability Health Checks and preventative services such as Cardiovascular Disease Checks, Medication Reviews and face to face coaching to support patients’ wider needs that impact their health, for example helping with access to housing.”
