The scheme aims to bring health and care services closer to home, focusing on neighbourhood-level care that integrates health, social care, and community services.
It is designed to deliver more personalised support, particularly for people with long-term conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, and high blood pressure.
Zina Etheridge, chief executive of NHS North East London (NHS NEL), said: “We’re proud that we have been one of the first areas selected for this national programme, which recognises the innovative community-led approach we’ve co-developed in Barking and Dagenham.
“This programme will help us bring health, social care and community services together at neighbourhood level, ensuring people get joined-up, proactive care closer to home.”
Barking and Dagenham was selected for the programme by NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care because of existing good work it already does in this area, NHS NEL said.
Over the past six years, partnerships involving NHS NEL, GPs, hospitals, community organisations, and Barking and Dagenham Council have helped to identify more than 1,000 residents at risk of frailty.
Early intervention has helped many stay well and independent, according to NHS NEL.
Matthew Trainer, chief executive of Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “For those living with long-term health conditions, it will be transformational in helping them to manage their health better and avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.”
Amelie Tan, development lead at BD Collective, described the announcement as “great news for Barking & Dagenham”.
“We’ve been on a journey to explore better ways to create good health and wellbeing with residents for the past five years.
“Cross-sector collaboration and innovation partnerships have been a key part of our learning journey together.”
