Integrated neighbourhood teams
As a not-for profit membership organisation, NAPC has a long history of being at the forefront of thinking about the future of out of hospital care and integration.
As a not-for profit membership organisation, NAPC has a long history of being at the forefront of thinking about the future of out of hospital care and integration.
Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INTs) are collaborative groups formed to address the comprehensive health and wellbeing needs of local populations.
All people have different health and social needs, and co-morbidity is the norm, so neighbourhood teams need to be able to flex and form around individuals in ways unique to each one – in effect there will be a different team supporting each person, and this team will transform over time as people’s needs change. By focusing on the specific requirements of their communities, INTs aim to deliver sustainable and efficient services that empower residents and enhance overall community wellbeing.
This will require significant change from the current ways of working which are largely designed separately by each organisation.
These teams comprise professionals from various sectors, including healthcare, social care, and community services, working together to provide proactive and personalised support. Neighbourhood teams are not new, separate teams, but include all staff from all statutory bodies and the voluntary sector working to support and provide health and care for the people who live in that neighbourhood.
The composition of an INT is tailored to the unique needs of its neighbourhood. Typically, these teams include community nurses, social prescribers, dietitians, physiotherapists, social workers, and mental health professionals. By integrating diverse skill sets, INTs ensure a holistic approach to care, addressing not only medical concerns but also social and environmental factors that influence health. This collaborative model fosters innovation and creativity, leading to the development of new ways to improve neighbourhood health.
Implementing INTs offers numerous benefits to both individuals and communities.
For residents, it means receiving the right care at the right time, closer to home, without the need to navigate multiple services. This approach reduces the burden on acute healthcare services by promoting preventive care and early intervention.
For professionals, working within an INT enhances collaboration, reduces administrative tasks, and provides access to a broader network of support, ultimately leading to more efficient and effective service delivery
