SCA Focus: Social Determinants of Health

🗞️ Headline:

"UK Child Poverty Taskforce Set to Recommend Return of Sure Start Scheme"

(The Guardian, May 2025)

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RCGP says:

“General practice plays a crucial role in mitigating the effects of poverty and inequality on health.”

Spotting SDoH is essential in the SCA – not just for safeguarding, but to show holistic care and appropriate teamworking. 💡

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🧠 What to Watch For (especially in under-5s):

• Missed appointments
• Frequent minor illness
• Delays in development
• Stressed or isolated carers

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🗣️ Suggested Questions:

“Have there been any recent changes at home – housing, work, childcare?”

“Is anything making it harder to look after [child’s name]’s health?”

“Are you managing okay with things like heating, food or getting around?”

“Would you find it helpful to speak to our social prescriber or health visitor?”

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🤝 Who to Involve:

• Health Visitor 👶
• Social Prescriber 🤝
• Safeguarding lead 🚨 (if needed)

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📝 Document:

• Social concerns raised
• Who you’ve involved
• Follow-up or safety-netting

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⭐ The SCA rewards GPs who see the bigger picture.

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