Local Health Leaders Launch Transformational Approach to Improving Health and Care

Health leaders at NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin (NHS STW) are proud to announce the launch of a transformational approach to delivering health and care services across the county.

Population Health Management (PHM) is an approach which uses linked health data, including that from General Practice (GP), to help improve local health outcomes for residents, tackle health inequalities, and plan services more effectively and closer to people’s homes.

The approach uses data safely, securely and responsibly to better understand local needs and design services that make the greatest difference to communities, as outlined in the NHS 10 Year Plan and the national neighbourhood programme.

General Practice data, collected from local GP practices, and linked to data from hospitals, community and mental health providers and local authorities, will provide robust evidence to better understand the health and wellbeing needs of local populations, now and in the future. The data is non-identifiable, protecting the identity of the patient, and its use will be underpinned by strong safeguards.

Dr Lorna Clarson, Chief Officer for Strategy and Development at NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, said: “This strategic approach enables health and care leaders to make informed decisions that support better outcomes, fairer access to services and high-quality care, both now and for future generations.

“It is fundamental to strengthening community-based services and ensuring care is shaped by local need. I am excited to apply this proven approach to our work, as it will help us deliver more effective support for patients and residents across our communities.”

Aligned with the NHS Long Term Plan, Population Health Management is central to building stronger, more connected neighbourhood health services. Through close collaboration between NHS organisations, local authorities and wider partners, it enables targeted action to support people and communities most at risk.

Dr Clarson continues: “Effective use of NHS data enables earlier intervention, helping to prevent ill-health and reduce unfair differences in health between groups. By providing deeper insight into patterns of health and wellbeing, population data highlights gaps and shows us where targeted action can make the greatest impact.

“Importantly, the programme does not change individual patient care. It does not provide access to GP consultation notes, affect the care patients receive from their clinicians, or limit patient choice. Instead, it helps the NHS deliver more personalised, proactive, and equal care for all.”

For further information on the use of GP data for Population Health Management, please visit: www.england.nhs.uk/integratedcare/phm. You can also watch an information video on the NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin website.

You can opt-out of your data being shared at any time by visiting: www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters.