Across England, the quality of care delivered by NHS services can be variable. Over time, patients’ needs have changed and pressure on the NHS has increased. In 2014, NHS England published the ‘Five Year Forward View’, which called for the integration of primary and acute care; physical and mental health services; and health and social care. Taking this approach will enable patients to gain greater control of their own care and break down the traditional barriers to how care is provided.
In response to the ‘Five Year Forward View’ many local areas are seeking to develop a community based health and care offer for their populations. To enable this change, local leaders need to co-create new care models with their communities and draw upon local assets that support integrated service delivery around their local populations needs.