Thursday 11th December 2014 – 3:09pm
Housing group�s energy scheme reduces GP appointments
A housing group’s energy saving scheme has led to a reduction in GP and outpatient appointments.
Gentoo Group’s ‘Boiler on Prescription’ pilot scheme, where energy saving measures have been installed in the homes of NHS patients, have shown a 28% reduction in the number of GP appointments and a 33% reduction in outpatient appointments over the first six months of the project.
In comparison, a control group with similar health problems demonstrated an increase in GP attendances over the same six month period.
The first of its kind in the UK, the project also set out to monitor the environmental impacts of the energy saving measures. So far Gentoo has discovered that households have reduced their gas consumption by up to 36% and are saving up to £30 on their monthly energy bills.
Several energy saving measures were retrofitted to the properties, including replacing single glazed windows with double glazing, installing A-rated energy efficient boilers, loft and cavity insulation, internal and external wall insulation, and draught-proofing.
The pilot is part of a framework where GPs from North East clinical commissioning groups can prescribe a suite of energy efficiency improvements to patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a condition which is exacerbated by living in cold, damp homes.
The pilot consists of six Sunderland-based privately owned and privately rented households which were identified by their local GP as suffering from COPD. A specialised team from Gentoo worked with each patient to carry out an energy efficiency assessment of their home to establish what energy saving improvements could be fitted.
Paul Burns, green futures manager at Gentoo Group and who has led the pilot, said: “It is early in the analysis but what is really exciting is that we’ve made a big positive difference to the families lives. Working in partnership is not always easy but together we overcame barriers that at first seemed huge.”
“These results include those taken during the summer months, so we’re hoping the energy efficient measures made will make a significant difference to the health and wellbeing of those taking part in our pilot over the winter months ahead.”
“Improving the Art of Living is at the heart of everything we do at Gentoo and wellbeing is core to this. Not only have these improvements reduced GP appointments, but they are helping the patients generally feel better in themselves while also saving them money on their energy bill.”
Dave Gallagher, chief officer at Sunderland Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “This is an important pilot. Intuitively it makes sense that improving people’s living environment, especially targeting this to people who have pulmonary disease will improve their health and well-being and reduce their demand on health services. We are eagerly awaiting the detailed analysis from the pilot to substantiate this and to demonstrate the impact of this innovative scheme and where it might fit within funding priorities for the future.”