From rhetoric to reality: delivering an effective neighbourhood health service

Neighbourhood health is no longer an aspirational policy concept – it is at the heart of the shift to a new model of care that will define a modern health and care service. While the 10 Year Health Plan and Neighbourhood Health Framework have outlined a broad, flexible and non-prescriptive direction of travel, there remain questions as to how to turn ambition into reality.

This guide helps leaders move from aspiration to action, translating the vision of a neighbourhood health service into meaningful progress. Drawing on insights from leaders at the forefront of innovative models of neighbourhood working and approaches being developed across the country, it sets out:

• four strategic actions that enable teams to deliver neighbourhood health effectively
• insights from emerging practice
• practical steps that can be taken now.

This guide is for anyone looking to accelerate neighbourhood working and build on the momentum developing across the country. It is informed by insights from a joint NHS Alliance and Accurx community of practice established to develop leadership capabilities, share challenges and test practical improvements. The community of practice brought together leaders in cohorts working across place, community services and primary care to support the shift towards proactive, community-based care.

Produced in partnership with: