The NHS is focussing on frailty, cancer and end-of-life care as it launches six pilot programmes to help people remain independent for longer and reduce hospital admissions. 

Pilot schemes are being launched to test new approaches to neighbourhood health, as the government seeks to shift care towards prevention and earlier intervention.

The six projects, backed by £1.5 million from the Office for the Impact Economy, will bring together NHS services, councils and community organisations to develop local models of care.

Diana Johnson, minister of state for public health and patient safety, said the programme was a key part of the government’s 10 Year Health Plan, which aims to move treatment away from hospitals and into the community, and focus on prevention. The six “trailblazer” sites will focus on areas including frailty, cancer, long-term conditions and end-of-life care.

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust will develop a “1,000 days neighbourhood model” using population health data and community networks to support people with frailty and multiple conditions outside hospital.

In North East Lincolnshire, a new service will link primary care, community services, mental health and social care to support people with complex needs before they reach crisis point.

Other pilots will focus on cancer rehabilitation across 19 London boroughs, proactive care for people with severe frailty and multiple conditions in North Nottinghamshire and extending a neighbourhood frailty model into rural and coastal areas including Scarborough and Bridlington. Lewisham and Greenwich will develop an integrated model covering long-term conditions, cancer and end-of-life care.

The government said the pilots would test whether neighbourhood models can support earlier intervention, reduce avoidable hospital admissions and help people remain independent for longer.

Johnson added the schemes would “lead the way” in demonstrating how locally led services can work together in the areas of greatest need. 

The schemes are being delivered with Macmillan Cancer Support and Social Finance, a not-for-profit organisation and investment adviser, which works with the government and voluntary sector. Macmillan has committed £250 million to neighbourhood health across the UK over the next five years and intends to invest in the six pilot sites.