Peterborough MP hopes new neighbourhood health service is 'vote of confidence'
It's after the North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust were ranked 107th out of 134 in the acute trust league table last week
Peterborough's MP says the city piloting a new neighbourhood health services will widen access to healthcare and improving how services are delivered in the community.
Andrew Pakes is planning to meet with the North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust after it was ranked 107th out of 134 in the acute trust league table last week.
'Tackling health inequalities, improving access to GPs and community services'
“It is fantastic news that Peterborough will be leading the way as one of the first neighbourhood health pilots in the country," Mr Pakes said.
"It is a real vote of confidence by the government in our local NHS teams.
"The pilot will be a big boost to widening access to healthcare and improving how services are delivered in the community.
"The NHS neighbourhood pilot in Peterborough will focus on tackling health inequalities, improving access to GPs and community services, and ensuring that residents receive more proactive, preventative care."
The new services will target working class areas with lowest life expectancy and longest waits.
This new neighbourhood health service aims to deliver better outcomes and a system that puts local residents and communities at the heart of decision-making.
It aims to benefit patients by providing end-to-end care and tailored support, looking beyond the condition at wider causes of health issues, helping to avoid unnecessary trips to hospital, prevent complications and avoid the frustration of being passed around the system.
They will initially focus on supporting people with long-term conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, angina, high blood pressure, MS or epilepsy - in areas with the highest deprivation.
A boost to widening access to healthcare and improving how services are delivered in the community
“We’re absolutely delighted to be part of the first wave of this national programme," Dr Neil Modha, GP and co-chair of the North Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Care Partnership, said.
"It’s a real recognition of the fantastic work my colleagues are doing every day and the support we’ve had from patients and communities. This is an exciting chance to learn, share and make an even bigger difference for local people.”
The ‘Neighbourhood Health Teams’ will consist of NHS doctors and nurses, as well as social care workers, dentists and mental health support specialists.
"(This is) to provide patients with bespoke care plans that will ensure easier access to the right care, at the right time, closer to home," Dr Modha added.
"This approach will mean more personalised, community-based support, making it easier for people to get the right help, at the right time, close to home. I am incredibly proud that Peterborough will help lead the way for the rest of the country.”