Social prescribing offers a way out of isolation in east Cork

Programme recognises that health is heavily determined by social factors such as poverty, isolation, and loneliness

Nora Conway:'You sit down with that person, listen to them, tease out the issues, and co-produce a care plan for them.' Picture: Howard Crowdy

Cork woman Mary O’Reilly was hospitalised for three months over the pandemic with sepsis. Her husband died on Christmas Eve — she had not been able to see him for many months before his death.

After being discharged from hospital, Ms O'Reilly's mobility was badly reduced and her family in the UK could rarely visit due to Covid restrictions.