What data has been collected regarding primary care referrals to third sector organisations?
The Welsh Government does not routinely collect data regarding referrals from primary care to third sector organisations. However, data provided within the baseline study conducted by Public Health Wales, the University of South Wales/Wales School for Social Prescribing Research (WSSPR) and Data Cymru indicates there are a number of routes via which individuals are able access their social prescribing services, with referral from the general practitioner being the third most common response.
Whilst the primary care model of social prescribing, in which individuals are referred from general practice, is the dominant model in some systems, more community based, cross-sectoral models not limited to healthcare/primary care have emerged in Wales and are becoming commonplace.