Neighbourhood care model improves lives in Kent and Medway
A new neighbourhood care model in Kent and Medway is helping almost 2 million patients get the right care at the right time, closer to home.
Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board are changing the way care is delivered by grouping patients based on their health needs. Around 56,500 patients with the most complex needs make up 3% of the population but account for nearly 25% of emergency admissions. The model aims to reach these patients earlier and reduce pressure on hospitals.
A 6-pillar neighbourhood collaborative brings together local health and care partners. It uses shared data to identify people at risk and target support before a crisis happens. Multidisciplinary teams work together to provide planned care for people with rising or high needs.
For people who do need urgent help, rapid response and intermediate care services focus on recovery and getting people home sooner.
Early learning from Folkestone and Hythe shows that strong local leadership and shared data improve both patient experience and hospital flow.
A new neighbourhood academy is being developed to build consistent leadership skills and support the model to grow across the area.