We are welcoming the Government’s newly published 10 Year Health Plan, which sets out an ambitious vision for a more preventative, people-centred NHS that puts neighbourhoods and digital at its heart.
The Plan outlines a major shift in how services will be designed and delivered, moving towards more integrated, personalised support that recognises the impact of social, economic and environmental factors on people’s health.
NCL ICB Chief Strategy and Population Health Officer, Sarah Mansuralli, said: “We’re pleased to see a plan that places people and communities at the centre of NHS services. It’s a direction we strongly support and have already been putting into action across Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey and Islington, working through local partnerships to join up primary care, secondary care, social care, voluntary and community services at a neighbourhood level.
“These teams know their communities best and are well placed to prevent ill health, intervene earlier, and respond to what really matters to residents.”
Partners working in North Central London were recognised several times in the Plan and associated announcements.
East Camden Integrated Neighbourhood Team
The East Camden Integrated Neighbourhood Team named as an example of best practice in the Secretary of State’s speech and in the Plan’s afterword.
The neighbourhood team, based in Kentish Town, brings together GPs, community health teams, mental health, social care and the voluntary sector in one place, providing more coordinated and proactive care for local people.
Sarah McDonnell-Davies, Executive Director of Place at the North Central London Integrated Care Board said: “We are excited by the work in Camden, and the East Camden Neighbourhood team is already demonstrating the benefits for staff and local residents.
“It’s driven by genuine partnership between the NHS, Camden Council and the voluntary sector and is a truly different way of working focused on proactive outreach, person centred support and a holistic focus on what individuals and families need to be well and stay well.
Brondesbury Medical Centre
Elsewhere in the Plan, Brondesbury Medical Centre in North Central London was highlighted as an example of how digital transformation is improving access. The practice introduced a total triage system to replace the “8am scramble” for GP appointments, helping reduce waits and improve patient satisfaction.
Community Dental Services at Whittington
The Plan also features NCL’s community dental services, with Whittington Health’s team praised for helping children access timely specialist care.
Great Ormond Street AI benefits
Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) was also cited for its pioneering use of ambient AI to reduce paperwork and free up clinician time for patient care.
Sarah added: “We’re proud to see the work of our local partners recognised on the national stage. This is the next chapter in a decade of partnership between the NHS, local government, and the voluntary and community sector.
“Local authorities and voluntary sector organisations in NCL have long been leading the way in localised, resident-focused support, and we are determined to build on that to improve outcomes and reduce the health inequalities that persist across our population.”
“We will be taking stock of what the 10 year plan means for North Central London over the coming days and weeks, and it’s pleasing that many of the views, opinions and sentiments which we heard from our local engagement with our communities, have helped shape it.”