Secure foundations for a neighbourhood health service

Ahead of the publication of the 10-year health plan later this week, a new report from NHS Providers shows how trusts are reshaping neighbourhood services to transform the way people receive and experience care.  
 
Through a series of case studies, the report demonstrates ways in which trusts are already delivering the government’s plans to shift care from hospitals to the community, and from sickness to prevention, by innovating and adapting neighbourhood services to help keep patients healthy and out of hospital, while working to address health inequalities.
 
Delivering on ambitions for a ‘neighbourhood health service’ describes how trusts are working with partners, patients and communities to develop and improve neighbourhood care services.
 
In doing this they are also laying the foundations for the “neighbourhood health service” first outlined by the Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting, at NHS Providers’ Annual Conference and Exhibition. 
 
The examples provide a snapshot of wider work by trusts across the country to change the way the way people receive care, providing a better experience and improved outcomes while reducing pressures on other parts of the system: 
 
1.    Surrey Downs  Health and Care – an evolving partnership between Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, Surrey County Council and three GP federations, using integrated teams of staff from health, social care and the voluntary sector, and providing a voice for people and communities to shape services through neighbourhood boards.

2.    North Central London Health Alliance – bringing together acute, mental health and community trusts with specialist services and GPs, providing integrated neighbourhood teams based alongside other public and voluntary sector partners, designed with input from staff and local people.

3.    Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland – providing mental health support in local communities through close collaboration with the voluntary sector, and targeting under-served populations.
 
The report says that while innovation and progress can and will be driven at a local level, it is vital that national policymakers draw on the lessons from this work in the forthcoming 10-year health plan. 
 
In particular it says the current financial system, and the focus on short-term NHS performance, tend to reinforce the status quo. Between 2006 and 2022 the proportion of the NHS budget spent on hospitals increased from 47% to 58%. The 10-year health plan can remedy this by building a financial system that shifts the dial towards delivering more care in the community. 
 
The chief executive of NHS Providers, Daniel Elkeles, said: 
 
“Just days before the 10 Year Health Plan is unveiled, this report shows how NHS trusts are already working with partners to develop and improve the way care is delivered at a neighbourhood level. 

“It’s really exciting to see the difference this can make for patients while relieving pressures on other services, including reduced hospital and nursing home admissions, shorter hospital stays and lower social care costs.

“It can also make a real impact on staff recruitment as people are drawn to new ways of working. 

“There are vital lessons here for the 10-year health plan.
“National policymakers must ensure there’s flexibility for local leaders to lead, and a financial system in place that encourages rather than hinders more care in the community.

“The foundations of a neighbourhood health service are already being developed across the country. There’s now a great opportunity to build on this for the benefit of patients, and trust leaders stand ready to play their part.”