Implications for primary care

The NHS is charged with assisting Social Services Departments of Local Authorities in the planning and implementation of services.

• General practitioners will be involved in the exchange of information with Social Services Departments about the range and level of services available from all agencies.
  
  
• Social Services Departments may request information from GPs or a member of the PHCT concerning a patient referred to them from elsewhere(eg. by a neighbour, carer or voluntary agency.) With the consent of the patient GPs will be expected to contribute relevant health information to help the Social Services. In many cases the GP may only need to validate information supplied from another source eg. a carer. The information that is requested should be to assist in the care of the patient and the GP should be informed of: - the reason for the request - the identity of the original referrer.
  
  
• GP's or a member of the PHCT may make a referral on patient's behalf of a patient to Social Services including relevant health information.