18/03/2026
DHSC sets first targets for neighbourhood health – what it means for our communities
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/neighbourhood-health-framework/neighbourhood-health-framework
The government has now published its long-awaited neighbourhood health framework, setting out the first national targets and expectations for how care will be delivered closer to home.
This marks a significant shift in how services are organised – with a strong focus on prevention, integration, and reducing pressure on hospitals.
Key highlights include:
Reducing outpatient demand through new “single points of access”
Faster access to urgent GP appointments
Fewer hospital admissions for people with frailty and long-term conditions
Improved outcomes for conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mental health
A greater focus on end-of-life care and support in the community
Alongside national targets, local areas will be expected to define their own priorities and develop neighbourhood-level plans during 2026–27. Importantly, this transformation is expected to be delivered largely through rebalancing existing resources, rather than new funding.
There are also important questions about how services will be organised, including:
The future of primary care networks
The role of integrated health organisations
New partnership models between NHS organisations and providers
The increasing role of digital access via the NHS App
From a Healthwatch perspective, this is a pivotal moment.
Neighbourhood health has the potential to improve people’s experiences by making care more joined up, accessible, and centred around local communities. But achieving this will depend on how well local systems listen to, involve, and respond to the people who use services.
At Healthwatch North Northamptonshire we will be:
Continuing to gather feedback from patients, carers and communities
Highlighting what matters most to local people
Working with partners to ensure that changes reflect real experiences and needs
As plans develop locally, the voice of the public must be central to shaping what neighbourhood health looks like in practice.
We’ll be following this closely and sharing opportunities for people to get involved.
What would better, more joined-up care in your community look like to you?
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