Innovative NHS wellbeing service cuts GP and hospital demand by more than 50%

An innovative NHS service is transforming care for people living with multiple long-term conditions and medically unexplained physical symptoms, helping patients improve their quality of life while reducing GP and hospital use by more than 50%.

Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust’s Primary Care Wellbeing Service (PCWBS) supports people whose symptoms are real, distressing and disabling but cannot be fully explained by a medical diagnosis.

Many patients referred to the service have spent years moving between GP appointments, hospital clinics, tests and treatments without a joined-up understanding of what is driving their symptoms. PCWBS takes a different approach, bringing together psychologists, GPs, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and dietitians to support the whole person rather than focusing solely on diagnosis.

By exploring the links between physical health, stress, life experiences and neurodiversity, the team helps patients better understand their symptoms, build confidence and develop practical strategies to improve their wellbeing.

The service has achieved:

• More than 50% fewer GP and hospital visits
• Better coordination between services
• Fewer unnecessary tests and procedures
• Improved outcomes for patients with complex needs

Dr Suzanne Heywood-Everett, Clinical Lead for the Primary Care Wellbeing Service, said: “Too many people with persistent symptoms find themselves caught in a cycle of appointments, investigations and referrals without getting the answers or support they need. Our service takes a different approach, bringing together expertise from across disciplines to help people understand the connection between their physical symptoms, life experiences and wellbeing. The results show that when care is joined up and personalised, people can regain control of their health while reducing their need for healthcare services.”

One local urological surgeon said: “Nothing slows my hand more than contact from you guys: I’ve never operated on someone you’ve expressed concerns about, and I’ve never regretted it.”

One patient referred to the service was unable to travel by car or public transport because of severe dizziness, pain, tics and seizures. They struggled to walk their children to school and were using all their energy simply to stay in work. Following support from the multidisciplinary team, including physiotherapy, psychological support and self-management techniques, they were able to travel independently, enjoy family days out and holidays, and start a new job with renewed confidence. They also developed the skills to manage setbacks independently.

Reflecting on their experience, the patient said: “Without the help from the Primary Care Wellbeing Service, I still wouldn’t understand what’s going on with myself and my body and what I can do to try and achieve a better quality of life.”

Another patient said: “The difference the service has made to my life is phenomenal. It is so refreshing to have a holistic approach that focuses on all aspects of wellbeing rather than just the illness the person has or the body part that is painful.”

Alongside direct patient care, the service also supports healthcare professionals through training and reflective practice. The team has recently been invited to share its approach at a conference in Denmark, helping to raise awareness of how long-term stress and life experiences can affect physical health and contribute to complex symptoms.

For information on all mental health and wellbeing support services in Bradford and Craven and self-help resources and apps, visit www.healthyminds.services.