This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
'Boilers on prescription' scheme sees 60 per cent drop in GP appointments
A scheme that allowed GPs to ‘prescribe’ new boilers to patients living in cold and damp homes has reportedly led to a 60 per cent drop in GP appointments.
The trial was carried out in Sunderland, and focused on patients suffering from respiratory conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which were deemed to be exacerbated by cold or damp homes.
Improvements such as new boilers, double glazing, draft-proofing and insulation were provided on the scheme, which cost around £5,000 per property.
In addition to the large drop in GP appointments, accident and emergency attendances also dropped by 30 per cent.
A spokesperson for housing firm Gentoo, which has been running the project alongside NHS Sunderland CCG, said: “It would appear that the patients’ ability to self-manage their conditions has increased, which has reduced the number of appointments they have needed at their local GP practice.”
The scheme was launched in 2013 and was the first of its kind. £3 million of funding for similar schemes was announced by the coalition government in March 2015, although it is unclear how many other areas are considering adopting the idea.
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