The 10 Year Health Plan committed to creating a neighbourhood health services that gave power to people. It builds on a range of pilot programmes that have been tested in different parts of the NHS, local government and wider system and aims to create the conditions through which local leaders can succeed in delivering the support needed to realise neighbourhood health ambitions.
On the new framework, Dr Rhidian Hughes, Chief Executive of the Voluntary Organisations Disability Group says:
‘We welcome the publication of the government’s Neighbourhood Health Framework and its clear focus on delivering more joined-up, community-based care.
'The emphasis on neighbourhoods, partnership working and collaboration across the NHS, local authorities, civil society and wider partners is a positive step. This approach recognises that improving health outcomes depends on services working together around people’s lives, with care delivered closer to home and rooted in local communities.
'The voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector including Deaf and disabled people led organisations (DDPOs) will be central to making this vision a reality. It brings deep expertise, trusted relationships and a vital understanding of the barriers disabled people. Their full involvement in planning and delivery must be a priority.
'For disabled people, families and carers, what results from this framework has the potential to be transformative. Done well, neighbourhood health can help tackle the persistent health inequalities disabled people face by improving access to more personalised, preventative and coordinated support.
'However, ambition must be matched by action. It is essential that disabled people can genuinely access the support they need, when and where they need it. This includes removing barriers to services, ensuring co-production with disabled people, and investing in community-based support that enables people to live independently.
'We look forward to working with our members and neighbourhood partners to help ensure this framework delivers meaningful change for disabled people and their communities.'