As part of the UK government’s ten-year NHS reform plan, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Health Secretary Wes Streeting have announced the launch of a new Neighbourhood Health Service, a bold move to bring healthcare closer to home and into the heart of communities.

What Is the Neighbourhood Health Service?

The Neighbourhood Health Service aims to build healthier communities by helping people of all ages live for as long as possible. It’s designed to improve the experience of health and social care, while giving individuals more control over their wellbeing.

At the centre of this model are local hubs that bring together essential services – GPs, nurses, mental health support, diagnostics, social care, pharmacists, allied professionals, paramedics, and volunteers, all under one roof.

The initiative is built around three major shifts:

• From hospital to community – Delivering care close to or in people’s homes, preserving independence and reducing unnecessary hospital use
• From treatment to prevention – Promoting early intervention and health education to prevent illness or worsening conditions
• From analogue to digital – Using digital tools to improve access, coordination, and patient experience

What Are the Benefits of the Neighbourhood Health Service?

1. Better Access & Convenience

• Centres open evenings and weekends, easing pressure on A&E and reducing travel time
• Community outreach (e.g., door‑to‑door health checks) catches illness early and avoids late-stage interventions

2. Integrated, Person-Centred Care

• Multidisciplinary teams (GPs, pharmacists, social workers, etc.) offer joined-up support tailored to everyone
• People with long-term or complex needs benefit from coordinated care and clear personal care plans

3. Health Equity & Prevention

• Targeted efforts in underserved areas help close gaps in life expectancy and access
• Prevention-led models reduce hospital admissions and support healthier habits

4. Efficiency & Workforce Wellbeing

• Digital systems (e.g., online bookings, automated clinical admin) reduce burdens on frontline staff
• Moving non-urgent care away from hospitals allows focus on complex or emergency cases
• Collaboration across GP networks, social care, and voluntary services avoids duplication and strengthens local delivery

Deborah McCain – Chief Executive of Hallam Medical said:

“We have been supporting numerous organisations across the UK in delivering community services for many years. We collaborate with outstanding partners in the NHS, charities, social enterprises, and the private sector to ensure patients receive excellent care closer to home and to prevent unnecessary hospital admissions.

We welcome the focus to further expand on these fantastic services and ensure early intervention and health education, help to reduce the significant pressure on secondary care.

We must ensure that the services who will be depended on to not only continue to deliver excellent care but also expand their services are fully supported moving forward.”

At Hallam Medical, we recognise the vital role of community and district nursing teams, and it is essential that this area of expertise is not overlooked as we introduce the Neighbourhood Health Services.

As healthcare recruitment specialists, providing temporary clinicians to support NHS and private healthcare services across the UK, we are well-positioned to continue supporting these services with our flexible workforce.

By utilising Hallam Medical clinicians, can enhance sustainability and productivity, while also offering healthcare professionals greater autonomy and improved work-life balance. A mixed model that incorporates temporary support helps reduce burnout, prevents service disruption, and enables faster delivery of care within the community.

The temporary workforce will be critical in bridging gaps, building capacity, and helping communities thrive.