Finding our Feet – Community Links Workers

New Community Links Practitioner Callum Sinclair reflects on his first few weeks at the ALLIANCE and in his GP practice

Following our induction, it was finally time for the eight newly-recruited CLPs to fly the nest, getting out to our respective practices and local communities.

I’d been nervous about this part of the process. It was already clear that my fellow Linksters and colleagues at the ALLIANCE are hugely supportive as well as great fun, but this was a step into the unknown. I knew it was important to make a good first impression on the staff at the Cairns Practice in Shettleston where I’m based, because I’ll be working closely with them on a daily basis. Established members of the Links team had talked about how their own individual experiences were quite different from each other, informed by the dynamics and ways of working in each practice. I had never worked in primary care before, so the thought of launching myself into a busy GP practice was a bit intimidating, no matter how prepared I was.

My initial meeting with Elaine, the practice manager, put me at ease. Elaine spent time answering my questions, learning more about me and showing me around so I could get a feel for the place. I got to say hello to some of the GPs, receptionists, nurses, healthcare assistants, health visitors, secretaries and administrators – lots of faces to remember, and thankfully all friendly ones. I knew that I would be working in a positive, supportive environment despite the pressures and challenges. I felt welcome and encouraged.

On my first day in practice, I was able to introduce myself to the team in more depth at a staff meeting. I had a bit of time to talk about my background and the context of the Links Worker Programme as well as an overview of my role. I emphasised that I was flexible and responsive to the needs of the practice, taking suggestions on how we could best work together. Later, I was able to shadow GP consultations and spend some time at the reception desk – a really useful learning experience which also gave me time to get to know my new colleagues.

By the end of the first week, with all my systems set up, we’d worked out a pattern that allows me to balance the different aspects of the job. I have one-to-one appointment diary set up on Wednesday mornings and Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, so all staff can make referrals during those times. I give myself a bit of time after each of these sessions to update records, follow up referrals, On Monday mornings, I’m at the Alliance office to meet with the Links team. Other than those “blocked off” times, I’m able to meet with organisations and services, attend community events and groups, research, work with colleagues at the practice, accompany people to other appointments or activities… the list goes on and on. I love the variety of the job, and I find having a structure to work around really useful for planning and staying organised. We’ll review it after a little while, but for the time being it seems to work well for myself, the practice team and the individuals I’m supporting.

This is going to be a challenging role, and I still have a lot to learn, but the people around me at the ALLIANCE as well as in the practice have really bolstered my confidence through kindness and willingness to share. Thank you.

Callum Sinclair
Community Links Practitioner

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