Wellingborough & District to join Phase 2 of the New Models of Care Programme, while second pilot proceeds as scheduled
The NHS Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) and the 3Sixty Care Partnership have confirmed that Wellingborough & District will move into the Phase 2 cohort of the county’s New Models of Care programme after a joint assessment of readiness.
Wellingborough & District had originally been selected as one of two Phase 1 areas to begin testing new approaches to neighbourhood‑based care. These neighbourhood models aim to strengthen and stabilise primary and community care, help patients stay well for longer, shift more funding and activity into community settings, and create more joined‑up, preventative and person‑centred services. They bring together GPs, nurses, social care, mental health teams, voluntary organisations and others to deliver care that is proactive, integrated and tailored to local population needs.
Following detailed discussions last week, the ICB formally acknowledged the commitment and engagement shown by local practices. However, programme leads, the Single Neighbourhood Organisation (3Sixty Partnership) responsible for leading and co-ordinating the scheme and the ICB jointly concluded that the neighbourhood is not yet ready to deliver at the pace required for Phase 1. Moving into Phase 2 will give teams the time and support needed to resolve outstanding operational issues without placing unnecessary pressure on practices or compromising programme quality.
The ICB has also confirmed that the second pilot—announced in November 2025—remains on schedule, with Rural South/East (West Northamptonshire) progressing as the county’s first pilot neighbourhood. This will introduce the Neighbourhood Access Service and the Complex Care and Long‑Term Conditions Service, from in April 2026. The ICB are actively working with the phase 2 neighbourhood for North Northants ensure that both areas of the county have representation for the new models of care programme.
These services are designed to:
- provide same‑day access for urgent, one‑off health needs,
- offer more continuous, holistic care for people with serious or long‑term conditions,
- reduce pressure on general practice by redesigning demand flow, and
- ensure patients receive faster, more convenient, joined‑up support across neighbourhood teams.
Eileen Doyle, Chief Delivery Officer, said: “We want to acknowledge the dedication shown by Wellingborough & District in preparing for the New Models of Care programme. While it is clear the neighbourhood is not yet in a position to meet the Phase 1 timescales, this shift into Phase 2 ensures teams have the time and support they need to be set up for success. Importantly, the second pilot remains firmly on track, bringing real benefits for patients from April 2026. We remain committed to working closely with the Wellingborough community to ensure that, when they move into delivery, the model is robust, sustainable and tailored to local needs.”