New funds allow Glasgow GP link worker service to continue

A service that gives one-to-one support to patients at GP surgeries in some of Glasgow's most deprived areas is to continue for the next three years.

There had been fears there would be no funding for the community link workers who help patients with social, financial and mental health issues.

However, the Scottish government has now allocated an extra £3.6m to keep the service running.

GPs had warned that lives could have been lost if the funding was not found.

The link workers offer support for issues such as debt, housing, domestic violence and loneliness, freeing up GPs to concentrate on medical conditions.

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Rona Sweeney, from the city's Health and Social Care Partnership said: "We have always been committed to the community links programme, which brings considerable benefits for patients and primary care services - particularly in some of the city's most deprived communities.

"However, the funding agreed today will be crucial in maintaining provision at current levels - not only next year, but beyond."

Pressure on resources had meant that, until Thursday's funding agreement, some surgeries would only have had access to the service on a part-time basis.

Councillor Chris Cunninghame, Glasgow's convener for health, care and caring for older people, said: "Community link workers play a very valuable role in building relationships with patients and supporting them - which can go some way to alleviating the impact of poverty on health, as well as easing pressure on GP services in the city.

"Officials and elected members have worked constructively with partners to secure the future of the service - and I'm grateful that the minister has responded so positively."