Neighbourhood health: What the changes mean for people

Health and care services are changing — again. The NHS and councils are working more closely to provide joined-up support that starts in your community, not in a hospital.

We know services, staff and resources are under pressure. Long waits, short-staffed services, and people feeling bounced from one team to another has become a common experience.

That’s why the NHS and local councils in England are trying something new — the “Neighbourhood Health” model. It’s designed to bring services together at a local level so people can get support earlier, closer to home, and with fewer hurdles.

But what does that actually mean for you? And why is this happening now?

Why things need to change

Across England — and right here in North Yorkshire — the care system is stretched:

• Too many people are ending up in hospital when earlier community support might have helped.
• Information doesn’t flow between GPs, hospitals, social care and mental health — leaving people to repeat themselves again and again.
• Inequalities are growing, especially in rural and coastal communities where access is already limited.
• Staff are burnt out and leaving faster than they can be replaced.

These problems have been flagged in several national reviews:

• The Fuller Stocktake (2022) called for integrated neighbourhood teams to deliver more joined-up, personalised care.
• The Urgent and Emergency Care Recovery Plan (2023) highlighted the need for faster access to urgent care and more care delivered at home.
• Regular Care Quality Commission reports continue to flag gaps in joined-up care, especially for people with complex needs.

What neighbourhood health aims to deliver

Here’s what neighbourhood health is supposed to offer — if it’s done well and backed up by the right support:

• Faster, local help — via community nurses, mental health workers, and voluntary sector teams.
• More joined-up care — fewer gaps between GP, hospital, care and community support.
• Neighbourhood-level planning — tailored to the needs of specific towns, villages and coastal areas.
• Home-first support — using things like virtual wards and rapid response to avoid unnecessary hospital stays.

But this isn’t a magic fix — and it won’t solve staffing, tech or travel issues overnight.

What Healthwatch North Yorkshire says

Healthwatch North Yorkshire will be keeping a close eye on how these changes unfold — and making sure they reflect what people are really experiencing, not just what’s written in policy.

This neighbourhood model has potential — but only if it works in practice. We’ve heard from people across North Yorkshire who face long waits, confusing systems, and have to travel too far for care that should be closer to home.

We’ll continue to gather people’s views, challenge where things aren’t working, and shine a light on what needs to change. If neighbourhood health is going to improve care, it must be shaped by real experiences — and we’ll be making sure your voice is part of that process.

What people locally are saying

Here’s what people across North Yorkshire are telling us — honest, everyday experiences that show why getting neighbourhood health right really matters:

“It’s a good idea if it means I don’t have to explain myself five times. But services need to actually talk to each other — that’s what’s missing.”
— Parent carer, Harrogate

“We’re in a small village. I can’t just pop to a service in town, and digital only goes so far. If they forget people like us again, what’s the point?”
— Older resident, near Richmond

“It’s better when someone local knows your situation and can sort things quickly. I just want people to work together instead of passing the buck.”
— Mental health service user, Scarborough

Have your say — help shape local care

We want to hear your views, experiences, and concerns. Whether your care went well or left you frustrated — your voice helps shape services that work for everyone.

You can contact us in the way that suits you best:

• Phone: 01423 788 128
• Email: hello@hwny.uk
• Online: https://www.healthwatchnorthyorkshire.co.uk/have-your-say
• Freepost: Write to us at Freepost HEALTHWATCHNORTHYORKSHIRE — no stamp required

What it all comes down to

Neighbourhood health could finally make care more local, joined‑up and human — or it could just be another rebrand that doesn’t fix the real issues.

We’re here to make sure it’s the former — and to make sure your voice drives change.

Want to understand the bigger picture?

Here’s what’s driving the changes behind neighbourhood health — from national policy to local challenges:

• Neighbourhood Health Guidelines 2025/26 (NHS England)- NHS England’s latest plan for joined-up, local care
• Fuller Stocktake (May 2022) – A review of how primary care (services like GP practices, community pharmacies and dentists) can work better with community teams
• Urgent and Emergency Care Recovery Plan (January 2023) - Focused on reducing A&E waits and strengthening care at home
• State of Care – Care Quality Commission Annual Report - – What inspectors are seeing across the system, including ongoing gaps in joined-up care