Community provider leaders are optimistic about the potential for greater integration across primary and community services, particularly though integrated neighbourhood teams. At a local level, many are already working closely with primary care colleagues to deliver more integrated care in the community, as per the Fuller stocktake recommendations. This is helping to reduce duplication, improve patient experiences and provide more opportunities for staff to work and train in different care settings.
Despite the sustained and severe pressures facing the whole health and care system, progress is being made on these ambitions for greater integration. For example, Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust has developed neighbourhood teams to act as a hub for service integration, while Central London Community Healthcare NHS Foundation trust has implemented a joint case management service between primary care and community services.
As part of our work in this area, we have spoken to a number of community providers to understand and share how they are working with primary care colleagues to deliver more joined up care for local communities.
