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The NHS in England has committed itself to rolling out 42 ‘neighbourhood health services’ from September as part of Labour's 10 year plan for reforming the health service.

Concentrated in working class areas “where healthy life expectancy is lowest,” the services will focus on patients with multiple comorbidities and “complex” health problems said the Government. 

Local authorities and ICB chiefs have been urged to team up with healthcare providers in their area to apply to join the programme by sharing “examples of joined-up working and innovation in their areas”.

Health secretary Wes Streeting said: “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.”

The Government is also working to open a number of neighbourhood health centres including some where multidisciplinary teams will be “based entirely under one roof”.

These teams will include nurses, doctors, social workers, pharmacists, palliative care staff and other health workers, with local volunteers and community health workers also expected to play “a pivotal role”. 

The centres are expected to open for 12 hours a day, six days a week, bringing “historically hospital-based services” like diagnostics and post-operative care into the community. 

They will also tackle issues like financial debt and unemployment, as well as smoking and weight management, said the Department of Health and Social Care.

Speaking to P3pharmacy, Pharmacists' Defence Association director Paul Day said it is "unclear" how the centres will recruit pharmacists: "Will they come from hospital, community or general practice?" 

CPE chief executive Janet Morrison told P3pharmacy: “These neighbourhood health services should be harnessing the valuable skills and expertise of community pharmacy professionals, as well as making the most of our sector’s network of accessible locations.

“We are keen to work closely with the Department to ensure that community pharmacies are enabled and have the capacity to fully contribute to neighbourhood health services as they develop. 

“Pharmacies adapt well to change – just look at their efforts during the pandemic and in getting Pharmacy First up and running – and many are already taking innovative approaches to healthcare provision.

“We are supporting LPCs to work with the NHS and local authorities, making sure they are aware of the value of pharmacy teams whilst also being mindful of the need for investment. 

“With the right support, pharmacies can develop new ways of working across primary care and provide an even wider range of clinical services that benefit patients, communities and the NHS.”