The government’s new 10-year health plan for England aims to integrated debt advice with mental health and other community services within new neighbourhood health centres. These centres will provide a range of services, including those related to debt, employment, and stop smoking, all aimed at addressing the wider determinants of health. The plan also focuses on shifting care from hospitals to communities, promoting prevention, and utilising digital technology.
Key aspects of the integration:
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New Neighbourhood Health Centres:These centres will house teams offering integrated care, including debt advice, mental health support, and other community services.
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Shifting Care:The plan aims to move care from hospitals to community settings, with services like diagnostics, post-operative care, and rehab being offered closer to people’s homes.
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Focus on Prevention:There will be a greater emphasis on preventing ill health through initiatives like vaccination programs and digital health tools.
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Digital Transformation:The plan includes a shift towards digital healthcare, with potential improvements to the NHS App for accessing support and services.
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Whole-Family Approach:The plan builds on existing initiatives like the DLUHC Supporting Families program, which helps families with multiple complex challenges, including financial insecurity.
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Integration with Social Care:The plan emphasises the need for NHS and social care to work together to prevent unnecessary hospital or care home stays.
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Community Partnerships:There will be a focus on connecting people with wider public services and third-sector support, including social care and local government services.
Overall, the plan seeks to address the interconnectedness of health and social factors, recognising that issues like debt and mental health can significantly impact a person’s well-being and access to healthcare.