Domestic Abuse is a challenging and sensitive subject to address, and we recognize the importance of patient choice in the referral process. By engaging in IRIS training and facilitating referrals, GP practices empower victims of Domestic Abuse to access specialized support from a trained and informed advocate at IRIS. The programme has gained real momentum in Herefordshire already.
To date, IRIS Herefordshire has received 50 referrals from five fully trained GP practices, alongside six partially trained practices. Additionally, two more surgeries are already scheduled for training in early 2025. Our team has also commenced clinical training sessions with trainee GPs at Herefordshire Hospital, which were met with enthusiastic attendance.
The holistic support offered by our IRIS Advocate Educator is tailored to the individual needs of each patient. They are provided with a safe environment—whether at the GP Practice, in the community, online, or over the phone—where they can receive guidance, empathetic listening, and the tools necessary to make informed decisions on their path to becoming survivors
Even if a patient initially declines a referral, the awareness raised about IRIS Herefordshire ensures that they know they have a safe, non-judgmental space at their GP practice to seek support in the future. Each referral not only brings new perspectives but also contributes to a collective pool of knowledge and research, enhancing our community’s response to Domestic Abuse.
We are tracking the number of referrals made by each Practice, and will be sharing progress – by each and all surgeries in Herefordshire – in our Newsletter.
See our first League Table here.
We are pleased to announce that the Practice with the highest number of referrals since the inception of IRIS Herefordshire in February 2024 is Much Birch Practice. Congratulations to Much Birch and to all the other GP practices in Herefordshire that have participated, booked training, made referrals, or reached out to inquire about IRIS Herefordshire. Your commitment to supporting victims of Domestic Abuse is commendable. Well done!
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Ranking
Practice
Referrals
1st
Much Birch Surgery
11
2nd
Fownhope Medical Centre
7
3rd
Alton Street Surgery
5
4th
Golden Valley Medical Practice
3
–
The Surgery Kingstone
3
–
Herefordshire Medical Group
3
5th
Cradley Surgery
2
–
Nunwell Surgery
2
–
Pendeen Surgery
2
Belmont Medical Centre
0
Cantilupe and Hampton Dene Surgeries
0
Wargrave House Surgery
0
Colwall Surgery
0
The Ledbury Health Partnership
0
Kington Medical Practice
0
The Mortimer Surgery
0
Ryeland Surgery
0
Tenbury Wells Surgery
0
Weobley and Staunton on Wye Surgeries
0
Total Referrals
38
Key
Fully Trained Practice
Partially Trained Practice
Training Booked
Untrained