Envisaged with the aim to make specialist out-patient hospital care available outside the hospital setting, Neighbourhood health is a central pillar of the government’s plan to transform the NHS. As part of this endeavour, neighbourhood health centres are planned in every community.

Amongst the measures outlined in the recently released reports, consisting of ten recommendations directed towards the UK government, NHS England and Health systems the following have been listed as right enablers for neighbourhood working –

a. Interoperable digital systems

b. Strategic commission based upon policy need

c. Well defined clinical accountability and escalation pathways.

The following skills have been listed as essential to neighbourhood specialist practice – MDT working, remote oversight and managing clinical risk outside hospital settings.

References

Royal College of Physicians. (2026, April). RCP view on neighbourhood health: Planned specialist care. Royal College of Physicians.