Dr Claire Fuller meets with local health and care leaders to discuss the next chapter of neighbourhood health

Leaders from across health, care and community services came together on Thursday (23 July) to welcome Dr Claire Fuller, Primary Care Medical Director at NHS England and author of the Fuller Stocktake, as part of a national programme of visits focused on the future of neighbourhood health.

Dr Fuller was joined by colleagues including Dr Vijay Rawal, Regional Primary Care Medical Director, Rachna Vyas, NHS England/Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) National Policy Advisor, and Matt Hague, Clinical Fellow, for a wide-ranging discussion with partners from across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.

The visit marked an important opportunity to bring together leaders from across the area to discuss how neighbourhood health can transform care closer to home. It also formed part of a series of engagements being undertaken by Claire and her team to connect with emerging Integrated Care Board clusters and explore progress towards delivering neighbourhood health - a key ambition set out in the Government's 10 Year Health Plan.

Building on Dr Fuller's previous visits to the area last year, the session provided a valuable opportunity for local leaders to showcase the progress already made and share their ambitions, achievements and challenges in developing neighbourhood-based models of care. With a packed agenda and a room full of representatives from across the health and care sector, discussions were shaped by constructive challenge, collaboration and a shared commitment to improve outcomes for patients and residents.

Representatives in attendance included colleagues from the four local authorities, the voluntary and community sector, general practice, pharmacy, acute, community, mental health and orthopaedic trusts, alongside leaders from the clustered Integrated Care Boards.

A key theme throughout the discussion was the importance of balancing national priorities with local needs, and the importance of delivery this year. Conversations focused on how services can increasingly be delivered closer to home, particularly through initiatives such as integrated neighbourhood teams, and strengthening the interface between primary and secondary care.

Leaders explored opportunities to improve community-based services in areas including diabetes care, cardiovascular, renal and metabolic health, frailty and weight management. The unique challenges associated with rurality and tackling health inequalities also featured throughout the session.

Deliberations highlighted several innovative approaches already being delivered across the system, as well as the significant opportunities available by working differently and across organisational boundaries. Partners discussed how they can embrace innovation and be bold in redesigning services around the needs of local people.

Throughout the day, Dr Fuller encouraged open and honest discussion, drawing on insights and learning from other health systems across the country. Her constructive challenge prompted lively debate around priorities, delivery and the cultural changes required to make neighbourhood health a reality.

The session concluded with a decisive message that delivering neighbourhood health will require collaboration, courage and a willingness to challenge traditional ways of working – equally matched by the ambition and enthusiasm of colleagues to turn aspiration into action. There was recognition of the progress made to date and a positive message about the commitment to go even further to improve care for local people.