The challenge
North East and North Cumbria ICB (NENC) has the largest population of any ICB in NHS England with some of the most challenged deprivation areas in rural and urban settings.
NECS was commissioned by NENC ICB deliver an ICB funded network of GP practices across the North East that work in areas of blanket socio-economic deprivation within the Healthier and Fairer health inequalities programme, to meet ICB requirements whilst maintaining the member-led ethos of the network.
The Deep End project supports practices through delivery of workforce projects (including immunisation catch-up team, embedding clinical psychology, opioid deprescribing, Deep End link workers), educational support, advocacy and engagement and research in collaboration with Newcastle University.
Our response
NECS reformed the project governance, decision-making, assurance reporting and network engagement to place the network and project at the heart of the Health Inequalities workstream within the Healthier and Fairer programme.
Techniques and tools:
- Programme and project management.
- System-wide engagement with clinicians and academics.
- Project budget management.
- Project governance and assurance.
Outcomes
- The network has increased its profile within the system and is seen a key vehicle for delivery in tackling healthcare inequalities.
- The network has expanded from 37 to 52 practices.
- Projects are now accessible to all member networks from previously being run on a small-scale basis.
- The project plan for 2024/25 delivers the increased reach and impact on half of the previously allocated budget.