Doctors are replacing the roles that used to be done by priests and barmaids, says the NHS's head of social prescribing

Doctors are replacing the roles that used to be done by priests and barmaids, says the NHS's head of social prescribing Time was, we used to turn to the local priest - or barmaid - when we wanted to pour out our woes. But these days, those seeking solace are more likely to turn to their local doctor, the former head of Britain’s GPs has warned.

Prof Helen Stokes-Lampard said people were becoming increasingly isolated, amid the breakdown of local communities. The Daily Telegraph