Doncaster has been selected to be part of the National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme

Doncaster has been selected to be part of the National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme (NNHIP) – a new national initiative designed to transform how care is delivered in local communities.

The NNHIP supports local areas to develop neighbourhood health systems that focus on people with multiple long-term conditions and rising health risks. The programme will concentrate on shifting care closer to home, reducing pressure on hospitals and improving outcomes for people and communities, providing more joined-up and co-ordinated, preventative and person-centred care at neighbourhood level.

Current examples of integrated working in Doncaster’s neighbourhoods include:

• Citizens Advice Doncaster advisors co-located in eight GP practices - over one year, 600 residents have been supported. This model demonstrates the value of embedding non-clinical support within health settings to address wider determinants of health.
• Doncaster Health Van outreach is a collaborative initiative designed to reach communities with primary prevention and healthcare advice. In its first year, the bus visited 38 locations, delivered 2,172 GP appointments, 109 cervical screenings, 112 liver checks, 464 COVID-19 vaccinations, and 50 stop smoking referrals.
• The volunteer Community Warden service provides the ‘eyes and ears’ of the community, connecting residents through peer support with what they need to live good, healthy and independent lives. Care coordinators also play a key relational role, connecting residents to pharmacy first, dietitians, mental health teams, physiotherapists and Well Doncaster’s “Be Well” health coaches.
• Doncaster’s Home First approach brings together acute, community, mental health, primary care, ambulance, social care and VCSE partners to support residents to remain in their own home, including care homes.

The National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme (NNHIP) will build on the excellent work that is underway in Doncaster, strengthening partnerships, enabling greater pace and providing more flexibility with funding.

Ros Jones, Mayor of Doncaster, said: “We welcome the opportunity to be part of the National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme pilot which will build on the work already taking place locally. This is very much in line with Doncaster’s direction to build services around the needs of our residents and communities and to work ever more collaboratively with local people. This will build on our existing proposals such as Health on the High Street, which supports our plans to integrate community and health services into the city centre. In Doncaster we are committed to working with our health partners to bring services closer to those who need them, relieving pressure on hospital services and bringing added benefits to local neighbourhoods.”

Anthony Fitzgerald, Doncaster Executive Place Director, said: “This is a significant moment for our communities in Doncaster to have been selected. Coming in the same week as the announcement that Doncaster Airport will reopen feels like a significant boost to the City. We want to ensure that our communities are empowered to make decisions about their health and their neighbourhoods, and this announcement will ensure that this takes place. There is a lot of hard work ahead of us but it’s important that we recognise the achievement in being selected.”

Local residents, representatives from the Voluntary Community and Faith sector  and  a number  of partner organisations were  all  part of the scoping and engagement  of the  application to be part of the programme including: Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust, South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, City of Doncaster Council , Primary Care Doncaster , Health Watch Doncaster , Citizens Advice Doncaster and St Leger Homes.