As a nurse by background, I know that most people don’t think about which organisation is delivering their care. They simply want the right support, at the right time and as close to home as possible.
That’s exactly what neighbourhood health is about, and it’s something we’ve been developing across Harlow, Epping Forest and Uttlesford for several years. By bringing together NHS services, local authorities and voluntary organisations, we’re making it easier for people to receive joined-up care that focuses not just on treating illness, but on helping them stay healthy, independent and connected to their communities.
Our work has attracted national recognition, with west Essex becoming one of the first areas selected for the National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme. The programme supports areas across England to develop and test more proactive, coordinated models of care, so successful approaches can be shared more widely.
At the heart of this are our Integrated Neighbourhood Teams. GPs, community nurses, therapists, mental health professionals, social care colleagues and voluntary organisations work together to support people with complex needs. By focusing on what matters most to each individual, we can often identify problems earlier, reduce unnecessary hospital visits and help people remain independent for longer.
As NHS Essex develops neighbourhood health across the county, the first priority will be supporting people living with frailty. By identifying those at risk of losing their independence before they reach crisis point, we can provide earlier, coordinated support that helps people stay well at home and reduces avoidable hospital admissions.
The west Essex falls service is a good example of how we are working differently. As part of the urgent community response team the falls service response is staffed with senior nurses/paramedics and either a physiotherapist or occupational therapist, who visit people who have fallen at home with specialist lifting equipment. They assess their health, treat them for any injuries and check for potential risks of them falling again. The team can also leave equipment that a person might need to stay independent at home, rather than go to hospital. If they feel the person needs further hospital-level care and they are safe to remain at home, they refer them to the West Essex Hospital at Home service. If they feel they require hospital attendance, they will call for an ambulance.
All these services are processed through the Care Coordination Centre – a hub of professionals that assess what people need and coordinates the best care and service required for their needs.
We also recognise that good health depends on much more than medical care. Through social prescribing and close partnerships with community organisations, people can access falls-prevention programmes, exercise groups, practical support and activities that tackle loneliness, improve wellbeing and encourage healthier lifestyles. Initiatives such as Kelly and Kate’s Kitchen in Harlow are supporting families to cook healthy meals and show the important role local communities play in improving health.
Dr Minal Bakhai, previously the national lead for the National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme, visited the area earlier this year, she was particularly taken with Barbara’s story.
Barbara’s story
Barbara, 71, from Harlow, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2023. She was determined to keep her independence and knew keeping active would be the key. But over time she lost confidence in what her body could do and everyday movements felt difficult. Her fear of falling held her back.
She joined a falls-prevention programme called Land on Your Feet with Harlow Judo Club, and although she was hesitant at first, Barbara learned how she could get down to the floor, and back up again, with confidence.
Read Barbara’s storyProgrammes like these are only possible through close partnership working at a neighbourhood level.
West Essex has shown what can be achieved when organisations work together around the needs of local people. By building on what we’ve learned, we now have the opportunity to extend those benefits across Essex, creating more joined-up, personalised services that help people stay healthier for longer and receive more care closer to home.