Funding boost for Black Country GPs to support patients back into work
Patients across all four Black Country boroughs are set to benefit from a major investment to help people stay in or return to work, thanks to new funding awarded through the Primary Care Innovation Fund.
The funding will support GP practices in Dudley, Walsall, Wolverhampton and Sandwell to scale up successful pilots already shown to reduce demand on GP appointments and provide patients with specialist support from Work and Health Coaches delivering the WorkWell programme. By integrating work and health services directly into primary care, the programme will ensure more patients receive timely support to remain in employment or return to work after illness.
Each borough will receive £25,000 to build additional capacity, deliver targeted communications, and expand referrals into the nationally recognised WorkWell programme.
Dr Mohit Mandiratta, GP Lead for Dudley, said: "This funding means we can build on the strong partnership we’ve developed over the years with Employment and Recovery services delivered by Black Country Healthcare such as WorkWell. It gives us the resources to reach more patients in need, particularly in our most deprived communities, and help them back into meaningful employment, which we know is so beneficial for health and wellbeing."
Dr Anand Rischie, GP Lead for Walsall, commented: "We see every day how important employment is to our patients’ mental and physical health. This initiative helps us offer real solutions, not just fit notes. By working closely with Work and Health Coaches and our Social Prescribing teams, we can support people back into work while also easing pressures on general practice."
Dr Kam Ahmed, GP Lead for Wolverhampton, added: "Wolverhampton has some of the highest levels of health inequality in the region. This investment allows us to target those most in need, making sure patients are not left behind and receive the wraparound support required to improve both their work and health outcomes."
Speaking as one of Sandwell’s two GP Leads, Dr Arun Saini said: "Sandwell is ready to step forward and use this funding to strengthen the connections between health and employment support. By embedding this approach in primary care, we can make a tangible difference to patients who might otherwise struggle to return to work."
The project is backed by NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (BCHFT).
Dale Stewart, WorkWell Learning and Change Manager at Black Country Healthcare said: "We are delighted to support this initiative, which puts patients at the centre and provides practical support where it’s most needed. This is a great example of collaboration across the Black Country to reduce inequalities and improve outcomes, connecting people with the right support to transform their lives."
Angela Poulton, Associate Director for Primary Care Strategy and Transformation at Black Country ICB, added: “The WorkWell pilot programme in the Black Country is transforming how primary care supports patients who are off work due to health conditions. This initiative is an excellent example of one of many innovative approaches being taken within primary care, working in partnership with other services, to tackle broader social factors affecting health. Proactively connecting patients to tailored work and health support, by supporting them to stay in or return to work we are not only improving individual wellbeing but also reducing pressure on GP services.”
The pilot will launch this winter, with patients starting to benefit immediately. Outcomes will be carefully evaluated to capture impact, share learning, and inform how the approach can be scaled up across the region.
Find out more about WorkWell by visiting blackcountryhealthcare.nhs.uk/workwell
