Focused Care Patient Stories, Hope in the Deep End Podcast
Hope in the Deep End is a podcast from the Shared Health Foundation in Greater Manchester. In this podcast series we are exploring all the different complexities of working in areas of deprivation, poverty and entrenched health inequalities. From clinicians to youth workers, we want to inspire, challenge and give inspiration to all those that work in the deep end.
In the following episodes, Dr Laura Neilson speaks to some wonderful patients who have been working with Ruth Chorley from Focused Care.
Case studies in Greater Manchester
Case 1
Jonathan* was referred by a GP to a Focused Care Practitioner a year ago. He was homeless, addicted to drugs, and very angry. His relationship with his Mum had broken down, due to her own alcoholism, and he was estranged from his Dad.
The Focused Care Practitioner began by trying to manage his homelessness, registering him as homeless, and contacting appropriate services with him. Whilst this was still ongoing with no solution, she worked with him on his benefits, in addition to ensuring
he had things like food parcels until some money became available. He came to the surgery for showers. Eventually he was found a hostel place, which took 2-3 weeks to arrange.
He has now been awarded permanent accommodation of his own in a flat. He has stopped using legal highs. He has engaged with a Men’s Group and IT classes, which he even mentored in. He is still hit and miss with his engagement, but things are improving. He has got a job, following on from support from the Focused Care Practitioner with applications and interview help – he even had interview clothes provided by the team!
Case 2
Alice* is a 49 year old lady, with complex medical and mental health needs, and significant social vulnerability. She was referred jointly to Focused Care by the Police and her own GP – both due to inappropriate and frequent contacts.
Living alone in a flat, she was regularly contacting the police concerned about her neighbours, whether or not there was an actual problem found.
Since engaging with the Focused Care Practitioner, she has found a safe point of contact and support, which has meant that she is now in touch with the Police less. She is supported to her medical appointments with the Focused Care Practitioner, and is more appropriately contacting health services. This is an ongoing case, for which there is no easy solution, but the help provided by a Focused Care Practitioner has enabled positive changes to be made.
*Real names have been substituted
The Guardian covered more case studies in Greater Manchester.
