Fenland practice staff member scoops up national award after having ‘massive impact’ on community

A Fenland GP practice staff member is a finalist in the national Our Health Heroes Awards.

Cat Carman is a social prescriber at the practice, which has bases in Doddington, Manea and Wimblington. She is responsible for connecting people with community activities and services that can help improve their health and well-being.

Since joining the practice in 2020, Cat has spearheaded several health promotion initiatives across Fenland, including the creation of a carers support group and helping parents of autistic children to access care.

The role of a social prescriber is broad, and Cat is said to have made a “massive impact” across the community of Fenland since being in post.

One notable example saw Cat help get an army veteran sleeping rough off the streets.

The man, who had served in Afghanistan and was diagnosed with PTSD, was sleeping rough for many years, unable to find accommodation as housing providers would not accept his pet cat.

Sarah Fox, managing partner of Fenland Group Practice, said: “Nothing is too much trouble for Cat and her care and compassion for the patients is a wonderful thing to see. She will always fight to make sure that the patients get what they are entitled to and what they need.

“Cat is one of the most amazing team members I have had the joy of working with, over the past year

She has been integral to improving the health offering of our patients.”