The brand-new Primary Care Wirral team of Health Coaches have devised a detailed Q&A video to explain more about their new PCN role.
As part of PCW’s work in recruiting, training and managing Network Contract DES additional positions for PCNs, we are also producing communication materials to help practices increase awareness of these roles among patients.
In the video, Health and Wellbeing Operations Manager, Lucy Holmes, Health Coach Coordinator, Scott Morgans and Health Coach, Georgia Lilley, cover a list of patient FAQs about what their role involves and how patients can benefit from speaking to them.
The team also explain how they can have longer and more thorough conversations with patients and offer detailed solutions to queries on nutrition, physical activity and lifestyle changes.
Stay Active, Eat Better, Feel Happy
Health Coaches are non-clinical healthcare professionals who help patients improve their mental and physical health by focusing on lifestyle factors which are often difficult to discuss in a regular GP consultation.
Patients who speak to their Health Coach will receive assistance in increasing physical activity levels, guidance on healthy eating and weight loss, and support in making lasting lifestyle changes to facilitate the prevention and management of medical conditions.
As opposed to more standardised exercise and weight loss programmes, Health Coaches devise personalised plans based on detailed conversations with patients on existing health conditions, current lifestyle and individual needs and preferences.
Reducing pressure on clinical staff
In the middle of the second wave of coronavirus, Health Coaches are playing a vital role in the supporting the health and wellbeing of Wirral’s residents.
Covid-19 has proven that prevention and management of underlying health conditions is key in building healthier and more resilient communities.
Health Coaches fulfil a dual function by supporting patients in abandoning sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy habits, and helping reduce the need to see a GP.
Non-clinical interventions by Health Coaches complement clinical care and address patient issues at an early stage, acting as a preventive measure that reduces unnecessary clinical appointments and contributes to the de-medicalisation of Primary Care.
PCN roles awareness campaigns
The new Health Coach Q&A video is part of ‘Stay Active, Eat Better, Feel Happy’, a larger awareness campaign which includes printed materials and digital assists to support patient communications.
Practices can download and share all campaign assets, including the Q&A video, which can also be accessed via PCW’s YouTube channel.
The campaign is akin to the ‘Let’s Talk!’ Wellbeing Practitioner Awareness Campaign, whose assets can also be found on the resources section of our website.
If you have any further communications enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact Ana Alvarez, PCW Marketing & Communications Officer.