The debt advice service helping to reduce GP visits

GPs in south London are providing financial advice to help patients manage debt and process benefit claims – and the results are amazing.

In 34 practices conducted Get back on track The program in Lambeth and Southwark saw one in three patients visit their GP less frequently after receiving advice, and more than 1,100 people received benefits, paid off debt or saw reduced stress levels.

One of the people benefiting from the project is Ife, 62, from Stockwell.

She has chronic pain from arthritis and has developed energy debt after having to give up work due to mobility issues while awaiting knee replacement surgery.

Her application for Work Capability Allowance was rejected, despite her limited ability to stand or move for long periods of time, and her financial problems were weighing her down greatly.

But when Ife heard about the program through her local GP, a financial support worker helped her successfully appeal the UC decision and receive disability benefits. Ife was also helped pay off their electricity and water debts through an affordable payment plan.

She said: “When the doctors in surgery told me about Back on Track it was such a relief. PIP complex (Personal independence fee) and UC claims forms were very stressful – I really couldn't have managed the finances without the support of my liaison.

“I’m so happy now that I’ve referred a couple of friends to similar situations. I still see my GP from time to time, but not much compared to before.”

The organization behind the project is Financial Shield, led by the Cities Health Impact Foundation, which aims to free up GPs' time and demonstrate how managing patients' financial stress can improve their health.

The Impact on Urban Health study found that more than half of participants reported improvements in their health after receiving personalized support, such as help with benefits, debt relief or negotiating with creditors.

Vikesh Sharma, a GP from south London who was involved in the scheme, said: “Over a six-month period, a woman in her 40s came to us several times with a rapid heartbeat. She didn't sleep, lost confidence in physical activity and struggled to find work.

“We carried out several blood and heart tests while she sought reassurance. Over time, it became clear that her symptoms were related to severe stress caused by worries about rent and debt. Being able to name this as a possible cause and immediately offer support made a difference to the consultation.

“Without this offer [of specialist help]how could I focus financial health on her concern or expect her to accept it as a major problem with no solution?

“Six months later she returned one day, reflecting on how stress had affected her health and [how she was] take steps to improve it.”

Michael Parsons, head of the financial foundations program at Impact for Healthy Cities, told BBC London: “We see time and time again that people's health is determined by their finances, and when they have financial problems it makes their health worse.

“People in poor health are more likely to get into financial problems. It becomes a vicious cycle and you need to find ways to break this vicious cycle by helping people with their money.

“We see that the majority of people who have completed this scheme say their health is better, they feel better about their mental and physical health.

“We are also seeing a reduction in the number of people visiting their GP, which shows that the financial situation is interconnected.

“The financial shield is designed to enable GPs to focus on core conditions. By building financial support into operations, people can address the root causes of stress while doctors focus on treatment. It’s good for GPs, cost-effective and preventive.”

An NHS statement said: “Decisions on this service will be made locally in each system and information about the expected impact will be considered locally in Lambeth and Southwark. Regarding wider rollout, this service will be provided by each Integrated Care Commission.”

Government 10 Year Health Insurance Plan seeks to integrate debt support into new district health services.

The Financial Shield model is based on the London Health Council's aim to make welfare advice available to all Londoners who need it, says Impact on Urban Health.