First pilot sites named for Northamptonshire’s New Models of Care Programme
The initiative aims to help people stay well for longer.
Patients in Wellingborough and Rural East and South are set to benefit from a major shake-up in health services, as Northamptonshire launches its first pilot neighbourhoods for the New Models of Care programme.
The initiative aims to help people stay well for longer by strengthening local health and care support, making it easier for GPs and other professionals to focus on preventing illness rather than just treating it.
The selected areas will host new Neighbourhood Access Services and Complex Care and Long-Term Condition Services, due to open in April 2026.
These services will see teams of GPs, nurses, social care, mental health specialists and community groups working closely together to offer more joined-up support tailored to the needs of each neighbourhood.
Patients with urgent health needs will benefit from same-day appointments at local practices, while those with serious or ongoing conditions will receive more accessible and continuous care.
Toby Sanders, Chief Executive of NHS Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board said:
"These areas have been chosen as our first neighbourhood sites based on a number of factors including population need and readiness to trial a different approach to providing support and care in the community.
"The services are being funded locally, so will initially run as pilots but if successful there are plans to roll-out to all nine identified neighbourhoods in the county which would provide additional general practice appointments and capacity.
"Over the next few months, we are keen to work with local communities, providers and organisations to develop these services together to ensure they are the best fit for our local populations."
NHS leaders say they are keen to work with communities and health providers over the coming months to make sure the new services best fit local needs.
The full list of participating practices in Rural East and South includes Springfield Surgery, Towcester Medical Centre and branches in Brackley, Grange Park and Roade, among others.
In Wellingborough, practices like Abbey Medical Centre, Albany House Medical Centre and Summerlee Medical Centre will be involved.
You can find the full list here.
The hope is that the new models will free up time in general practice and make life easier for patients, especially those with complex or long-term health problems.
If successful the scheme could be rolled out further.