WoW has repeatedly experienced the power of having an on-site social worker in our GP clinic. 

Access to a social worker has meant that doctors, nurses, health workers and other health professionals can directly refer clients for social work support.  This lightens their workload and allows them to focus more on their scope of practice. 

It also means clients get access to support faster, and sometimes immediately! The wait time for GP appointments or clients who fail to attend is reduced significantly by having on-site access to the social worker. Further, the social worker can encourage and refer clients back to the GP clinic where appropriate issues are identified. 

One of our clients, through their engagement with our social worker, went from homelessness to eventually being able to secure accommodation.  Since becoming housed, their health has stabilised and improved and their attendance at hospital and at the GP clinic has reduced, because they are no longer sleeping rough and can safely store and take the medications they need.