In Lambeth – and across south east London – the NHS is focusing on delivering a neighbourhood health service. Our aim is to:
- deliver more care at home, or closer to home
- improve access to health and care services
- improve experiences and outcomes for all.
The purpose of a neighbourhood health service is to create healthier communities. We want to help people of all ages live healthy, active and independent lives for as long as possible. We are aiming to improve everyone’s experience of health and social care, and give people more say in their own care.
[add a borough vision for neighbourhood development – if there is one]
Neighbourhood healthcare is not a new idea, we have been working in Southwark to join up services to better support residents for many years. For example:
- Example 1 – [Integrated team that is making a difference already – include outcomes]
- Example 2 – [Example of a community hub – such as a health and wellbeing hub or community initiative]
[MAP PLUG-IN CODE GOES HERE]
[POSTCODE SEARCH PLUG-IN GOES HERE]
What will change?
Over the next few years, we will be introducing Integrated Neighbourhood Teams – INTs for short – in each of our neighbourhoods. These teams bring together healthcare professionals including GPs, nurses, mental health professionals, social care, community health services and voluntary organisations. Hospital and other specialists can be brought in when needed.
INTs will work closely together to deliver joined-up and personalised care.
The teams will be shaped by the needs of the neighbourhood they are in.
Initial focus for the neighbourhood health service
Our neighbourhood working will start with prioritising three key groups where there is the greatest opportunity for improvement:
- People with three or more long-term conditions: helping people manage their conditions to avoid longer term impacts from their condition and reduce the need for hospital care.
- Frailty and end-of-life care: supporting older adults to live independently and get care in their community.
- Children with complex needs: providing early and ongoing support for children and families.
What the neighbourhood health service will mean for you
- Joined-up care: different health and care services work together to support all your needs.
- Easier access: services will be available closer to home, reducing travel and waiting times.
- Better ongoing support: you see the healthcare professionals from the same team more often, leading to better follow-up care
- More focus on preventing ill health: support for healthy lifestyles, mental wellbeing, and long-term conditions before problems get worse.
- Easier to work out what services you need: with teams working together, it’s easier to find the right help when you need it.
- More personalised care: services are tailored to meet your needs
Where are we now?
We are in the early stages of developing a neighbourhood health service in Southwark. Over the coming months, we’ll be sharing updates, gathering feedback, and working with residents to refine our plans.
Your input is important and we will publicise opportunities for you to be involved.
How can I find out more?
- Boroughs to post or link to Let’s Talk for opportunities to get involved
- Sign up for social media
- Other local ways being developed to keep partners, residents etc up to date.