Neighbourhood Health Service scheme to roll out from September

The UK government has initiated the rollout of its Neighbourhood Health Service, aiming to bring NHS care closer to home and reduce health inequalities.

This initiative, part of the 10 year health plan, announced on 3 July 2025, aims to support individuals with complex conditions, promoting wellbeing and reduce hospital visits.

From September 2025, 42 of the most deprived communities in the country will roll out their neighbourhood health services.

Wes Streeting, health secretary, said: “Our 10 year health plan committed to building a Neighbourhood Health Service, and we’re hitting the ground running on delivering it.

“If we are to get patients cared for faster, on their doorstep and even in their own home, then we need to shift the focus of the NHS from hospitals to the community.

“Today, we are issuing an open invitation to local authorities and health services to become pioneer neighbourhood health services and lead the charge of healthcare reform.

“As part of our Plan for Change, we’re beginning the Neighbourhood Health Service in areas of greatest need first, to tackle the unfair health inequalities that blight our country.

Health chiefs and local authority chief executives are being encouraged to team up with local health and care providers and voluntary groups to help accelerate the implementation of neighbourhood healthcare schemes.”

According to a government press release issued on 9 July 2025, they have been requested to submit applications detailing initiatives that support “joined-up working and innovation in their areas”.

Successful applications will participate in an intensive national coaching programme over the summer. This will include workshops bringing together experts, GPs and their teams, patients, local authority and the voluntary sector.

Once the rollout starts in September 2025, the 42 sites will operate with clear guidance and support as well as have metrics they’ll be required to regularly report on.

A joint taskforce has been set up between the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England to drive progress, chaired by Sir John Oldham and made up of NHS leaders, local authority bosses, and other key figures from the voluntary sector and health and care organisations.

Communities with the greatest need will be targeted first, and services will be prioritised in working-class areas to help reduce health inequalities.

In addition to the neighbourhood health services rollout, the government is also working to create neighbourhood health centres.

The intention is for these to eventually operate 12 hours a day, six days a week, within local communities. They are designed to shift some historically hospital-based services into community settings and will also offer broader support such as debt advice and employment assistance.

The aim is to alleviate pressure on hospitals and provide personalised care within local communities.