Here at SWGP we have lots of room for progression. We decided to ask our staff about their career journeys. Our spotlight today is on Tracey Bugg, the Lead Social Prescriber at Arden PCN.
Can you give us an overview of what your role entails, and your responsibilities?
“I work in Arden PCN as the lead social prescriber – there are two other social prescribers in the team alongside myself.
There are 7 surgeries within Arden PCN, and our team work together to offer non-clinical support to patients, following the NHS Social Prescribing Framework. The support includes signposting or linking to relevant services, dependent on the patient’s needs. Referrals are sent to us by members of the practice teams.
In 2023, I was involved in helping to develop a “central hub” way of working for the social prescribing team, which means that we receive referrals from all 7 practices, and allocate patients depending on workload and capacity. This means that there is always access to the social prescribing service when team members are on annual leave.
My role as lead involves guiding the team and encouraging them to be proactive and to gain confidence in their roles as social prescribers. We have a weekly meeting, and monthly 1:1’s, to discuss any issues that may arise, and to “touch base” with each other. We will also speak at other times if anything needs to be discussed.
Another part of my role is to keep the lines of communication open, between the social prescribers and the practice teams. I also feel that it is good practice to try and bridge the gap between clinical and non clinical support for patients, and to remind practices about what we do, and where we are!!
There have been a lot of staff changes within Arden PCN, since I started in my role, and I feel that it is important to keep promoting what I feel is an amazing service! The social prescribing team that we have now works very well together, and has a very clear understanding of patients’ needs”.
What was your first role in the NHS, when did you start and how have you progressed?
“I have worked in Arden PCN as a social prescriber since July 2021 and have been in the lead role since November 2023. This has been my only role within the Federation.
Before starting this role in 2021, I worked in North Warwickshire as a social prescriber, during lockdown. It was a relatively new role within the NHS at that time.
My background before this was in care for 15 years. I started off as a domiciliary carer, and after doing this for a few years, decided to get an education later in life! I completed my Health and Social Care Levels 1 & 2, GCSE Maths and English, and Level 4 in Management.
I then became a care team leader in a supported living development, and later, a care coordinator in a residential home for young adults with physical disabilities”.
When should staff come to you as a ‘Lead’?
- “If they had any questions around patient referrals -i.e. if they were appropriate for the SP service.
- if their workload was overwhelming and had to be shared between the team.
- if they had been asked to do a task from one of the practices and were unsure if it was within the SP remit.
- if they had any personal issues that they wanted to discuss.
- if they were unsure which person to contact with regards to any questions that they may have around their role, i.e. expense claims, holiday, sickness, hours”
“We generally have a weekly meeting, if we are all available, and I try to do 1:1’s each month – again depending on workload and schedules”.
What’s a motto you live by, when it comes to your growth/development?
“Keep the brain active, carry on learning, you’re never too old to progress – I learn something new every day from patients and colleagues. No two days are the same – you never know what’s coming!!”.
What would you suggest to anyone else in a similar role, who is looking to progress at SWGP?
- “Communication is the key – ask questions around training and opportunities”.
- “Never be afraid to “speak up”.
Where do you see yourself professionally in the next five years?
“Hopefully, near retirement!! – I love my role as a social prescriber, and I get a lot of satisfaction from supporting patients and going on the journey with them. At some point in the future, I would like to be less patient facing, and more “back seat”, maybe in operations or in some logistical role – I’ll have to see what comes up!”