National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme (NNHIP)
It’s hard not to feel a sense of overwhelm at the speed of change proposed following the announcements of the NHSE draft model ICB blueprint and the 10-year Health Plan.
For most frontline staff in Primary Care, it’s hard enough keeping up with the day job, let alone getting to grips with what all these changes may mean at a personal and Practice level. The latest hot topic that you may be hearing about is the National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme (NNHIP). It was launched by NHSE this month with tight timescales for sign up by 8th August. Colleagues have understandably reported uncertainty about what they should be doing at a Practice and PCN level, with some areas keen to sign up to the first wave of this programme.
The NNHIP is a “large-scale change programme” from NHSE that is proposed will “accelerate the roll-out of neighbourhood health services” across communities. It is part of the NHS England 10-year plan. Applications must come from a collaborative of different provider organisations – from general practices to local government and the voluntary / charity sector. Its objective is to shift care from hospitals to community settings, emphasising prevention, continuity, and proactive management for people with complex needs such as multiple long-term conditions or social vulnerabilities.
There isn’t a simple yes or no answer to the question “should our practice/PCN be signing up to this”. There are opportunities and threats that are likely to be perceived differently by practices and their PCNs depending on local circumstances. We believe that to totally disengage with these reforms is not an option. To do so would risk being left behind with any vacuum likely to be filled by other providers. Instead, ensure that you have the knowledge to make informed decisions and move at a pace that suits you and your local communities.
We would echo the BMA advice that “Should local general practices not intend to submit an application, we encourage the local profession of a need to be aware of the potential impact of the programme for themselves and their local area, considering the short, medium, and longer term. We would recommend seeking alignment between practices, PCN CDs, the LMC and any local GP Federation. Map out the pros and cons and consider how practices may negotiate and ‘lock-in’ external agreements to safeguard the future sustainability of individual general practices within any new or emerging landscape.”
BMA GPCE has produced a brief ‘focus on’ document outlining the national neighbourhood health implementation programme, the threats and opportunities involved and a checklist of key questions and issues for practices and those thinking of signing up. GPCE has also produced guidance setting core principles on out how GP practices and GP federations should engage with ‘neighbourhood health’ schemes and operate in an ethical, constructive and supportive manner.
Whatever your opinion and plans to engage in the NNHIP, Wessex LMCs will ensure that the voice of general practice is represented in these local programmes.