Reducing the distance: mental health social work in general practice

Abstract

Major changes in the organisation of health and social care provision in the UK are challenging traditional professional allegiances. This article reports on the development, infrastructure and distinctive features of a specialist social work service which was formerly based in secondary care, but which has relocated to general practice settings. The service has addressed a new clientele characterised by a high level of psychosocial adversity, without a significant increase in demand on secondary care. This has required flexibility and ingenuity on the part of the practitioners. The process of establishing the service is described and its implications discussed. An integrationist strategy aimed at professional complementarity and inter-agency collaboration is recommended to ensure that the needs of an otherwise under-serviced clientele can be addressed.

Key Words:

• General practice
• mental health social work
• severe mental illness
• needs-based assessment