Planning for a local neighbourhood health model in Haringey
On 3 July there was a workshop to help develop the plans for a local neighbourhoods health model. The workshop responded to plans for health services to shift to being more community-based and preventative, coming up with focus areas for Haringey’s three ‘neighbourhood’ areas - East, Central and West of the borough
We emphasised the importance of designing a model around the needs of the local community, and talked about how best to reach and support the most vulnerable and underserved. We want to see these groups at the centre of the new model, particularly those with English as a second language, for instance, Turkish and Kurdish communities in the borough; socially isolated or digitally excluded groups, including older people; and those impacted by social determinants of health, such as poor quality housing or cost of living concerns.
This may mean a radical rethink of how services work. We highlighted examples of the barriers they currently face - as well as of initiatives based in the community that are able to effectively reach and work with people.
The event was attended by representatives from the North Central London Integrated Care Board, Haringey Council, local NHS trusts, GP practices, voluntary and community sector, and residents, among others.
The stated ambition to focus more efforts of the health and care system in communities and on prevention is very welcome. It is critical that, as these plans develop, it is residents and communities that sit at their centre, and that health, social care and community services are built around them. Healthwatch will continue to highlight local community needs and experiences, and seek to help reduce the barriers people face to better health outcomes.
