A Fenland GP practice staff member described as ‘making a massive impact across the community’ is a finalist in the national Our Health Heroes Awards. Cat Carman is a social prescriber at the practice, which means she connects people with local community activities and services that can help improve their health and wellbeing.
Practice bosses say that since joining in 2020, Cat has spearheaded a number of health promotion initiatives across Fenland, including the creation of a carers support group and helping parents of autistic children to access care.
“The role of a social prescriber is broad, and Cat has made a massive impact across the community of Fenland since being in post,” said Sarah Fox, managing partner of Fenland Group Practice.
One notable example saw Cat help get an army veteran who was sleeping rough off the streets.
The man, who had served in Afghanistan and diagnosed with PTSD, was sleeping rough for many years, unable to find accommodation as housing providers would not accept his pet cat.
Sarah said: “Nothing is too much trouble for Cat and her care and compassion for the patients is a wonderful thing to see. She will always fight to make sure that the patients get what they are entitled to and what they need.
“Cat is one of the most amazing team members I have had the joy of working with, over the past year she has been integral to improving the health offering of our patients.”
The Skills for Health Our Health Heroes Awards is sponsored by NHS England, NHS Employers, NHS Shared Business Services and more. Gold, silver, and bronze Operational Support Worker of the Year award winners will be announced at a special ceremony held in London on 16th April.
You can show your support for Cat by casting your vote here: https://www.skillsforhealth.org.uk/awards/vote-operational/
