Dorset one of the first to roll out Neighbourhood Health Services

Great news for Dorset residents! The county has been chosen to join the Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme (NNHIP).

The national programme aims to bring care closer to home, giving people easier access to the right care and support to help them to stay well. It will also reduce trips to hospital that aren't needed, freeing up appointments and beds for those that need them most.

Patricia Miller, OBE, Chief Executive of NHS Dorset ICB, said:

"We are delighted that Dorset has been chosen. This reflects the incredible collaborative work already happening on the ground. Our neighbourhood teams are already changing the way we work, putting people at the heart and connecting with local communities to make sure support goes where it's needed most, particularly to those who face barriers in accessing traditional services.

We want to move forward in a way that shares learning and supports progress in both place areas, with Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole local authority place areas to follow soon. "

Local people will start to see their NHS, councils and community partners, working more closely together to bring the right care and support to their doorstep. This includes services such as diagnostics, mental health, post-op, rehab, digital health, nursing and social care.

The successful application was led by NHS Dorset ICB's Patricia Miller and Dorset Council's Catherine Howe. This is a big step forward for health and wellbeing in the county, and community and voluntary groups will play an important role in making it happen.

Cllr Nick Ireland, Leader of Dorset Council, added:

"Neighbourhood working aligns perfectly with our 'Communities for All' strategy. We're already seeing the benefits of working together and preventative support, and this programme will help us go further, especially in supporting our most vulnerable residents and in reducing health inequalities.

Community and voluntary organisations will be right at the heart of this. They know local people well, have trusted relationships, and often reach those who don't usually connect with public services."

Ken Heap, Chair, Dorset Voluntary and Community Sector Assembly, said:

"The VCSE has a vital role in making this vision real. By really listening to what matters to local people most and bridging the gap to bring services together, it means we're not just improving health, we're building stronger, more connected communities."

Local GPs will also play a big role in bringing care to people's homes, through neighbourhood teams of nurses, doctors, social care, pharmacists, dentists, opticians, paramedics, social prescribers, councils, and community groups.

Dr Forbes Watson, Chair, Dorset GP Alliance, said:

"As GPs, we see the impact of fragmented care every day. The move towards neighbourhood working is enabling us to work more closely with community services, mental health teams, and the voluntary sector. It means we can spend less time navigating the system and more time supporting patients to live well. This programme will help us build on that progress."

For more on the national plans, see the national release.