Social Prescribing Service
Many things can affect your health and wellbeing. GPs often see people visiting for issues like isolation, loneliness, or stress related to work, money, or housing.
Social prescribing helps you take control. It starts with a simple question: “What matters to me?” From there, we can connect you with community activities, groups, and services that support your practical, social, and emotional needs.
How it works:
A social prescribing link worker will spend time with you to understand your priorities and help you set goals. Together, you’ll create a personalised plan that fits your life.
With the right support, you can feel more in control of your wellbeing and access support in areas such as:
- Finance, benefits and housing advice
- Social groups and activities
- Employment, education and volunteering opportunities
- Social isolation and loneliness
- Emotional wellbeing/bereavement support groups
- Healthy lifestyle changes
How to access the service:
You can request a referral to social prescribing:
- Through your GP, nurse, or other clinicians during an appointment
- By asking at reception
You can also self-refer by emailing the team directly at
Appointments can take place:
- In person at Buckhurst Way Clinic
- In the community or via telephone/video call
- At home, for those who are housebound or find it difficult to travel
‘A great service for people needing support beyond the GP for situations that do have an impact on mental health and wellbeing. Thank you’
Carers Support
Carers UK
They’re here to make sure that no matter how complicated your query or your experience, you don’t have to care alone.
Telephone: 020 7378 4999
www.carersuk.org
Support for Carers
Information, support and guidance for people who look after someone
https://www.essex.gov.uk/adult-social-care-and-health/support-carers
Action for Family Carers
Provides Adult Carer support, support for Young Carers, Young Carer Club Nights & Trips, Whole Family Support, Counselling, Day Care and Activity Groups.
https://affc.org.uk/
Essex well being service
Complete a wellbeing assessment to help you understand more about your health needs
https://essexwellbeingservice.co.uk/support/carers/
Benefits for Carers
https://www.nhs.uk/social-care-and-support/support-and-benefits-for-carers/
Register a Carer
Fill The Form →Useful Documents
Policies
Statements
We are committed to providing high-quality care and services to all our patients. If you have a concern or are unhappy with the service you’ve received from any of our staff, including doctors, nurses, or administrative personnel, please let us know. We operate a formal complaints procedure in line with NHS national standards
How to Make a Complaint
We encourage you to raise any concerns as soon as possible, ideally at the time the issue occurs. Many problems can be resolved quickly and informally by speaking directly with the person involved or a member of our team.
If you would prefer to make a formal complaint, please do so:
- As soon as possible, ideally within a few days
- No later than 6 months after the incident
- Or within 12 months of becoming aware of the issue
How to Submit Your Complaint
All formal complaints should be made in writing to the Practice Manager. Please include specific details to help us investigate thoroughly.
You can send your complaint by:
Email:
Post: The Loughton Surgery, 25 Traps Hill, Loughton, IG10 1SZ
What You Can Expect from Us
Once we receive your complaint:
- We will acknowledge it within 3 working days
- We aim to complete our investigation within 28 working days
- If we expect any delay, we will let you know and provide an updated timeframe During our investigation, we will:
- Review the circumstances thoroughly
- Provide an explanation of what happened
- Offer an apology if appropriate
- Take steps to prevent similar issues in the future
Complaints on Behalf of Someone Else
We are bound by strict rules of medical confidentiality. If you are making a complaint on behalf of a patient, we will require their written consent before we can discuss any personal information.
If the patient is unable to provide consent (due to illness or incapacity), please let us know. We can provide a Third Party Consent Form to be completed and returned.
Need Support
If you would like support or advice about your complaint, you can contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS):
Email:
Phone: 01992 566122
Still Not Satisfied
If you remain unhappy after we have responded to your complaint, you can escalate your concerns to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman:
Phone: 0345 015 4033
Website: www.ombudsman.org.uk
Join Our Patient Participation Group (PPG)
We always strive to consult and plan with patients whenever possible on the facilities and provision of services at the practice. Our patients can have a direct forum to allow suggestions, both positive and constructive to be made about the practice and their own healthcare.
Join Our PPG Now
Comments & Suggestions
Please use this form only for comments or suggestions to help us improve our service.
For medical queries or formal complaints, please contact reception directly.
Friends and Family Test
Tell us how likely you are to recommend our practice to others. Your feedback helps us improve the care we provide.
Friends & Family TestComplaints Procedure
Making a Complaint
If you're unhappy with any part of our service, please let us know