Nottingham City is set to establish a model for digital-enabled neighbourhood health across England, according to Alexis Farrow, programme director at Digital Notts. The city is among 43 regions in England participating in the rollout of the Neighbourhood Health Service starting in September 2025, as part of the NHS 10-year health plan aimed at transitioning care from hospitals to community settings.

Key Features of the Neighbourhood Health Service

• Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INTs): These teams will consist of specialists from various fields, including primary and secondary care, mental health, and chronic disease management.
• Digital Transformation: Farrow emphasized that digital transformation will enhance the efficiency and equity of care delivery in Nottingham City.
• Notts Care Record: Launched in summer 2025, this shared care record will integrate data from multiple sources, facilitating better decision-making and care coordination.
• Patient Engagement Portal: Nottingham’s local patient engagement portal, integrated within the NHS App, allows residents to access their health records and manage appointments.

Focus on Digital Inclusion

As the NHS transitions to digital services, Farrow acknowledged the challenges faced by some communities in accessing these resources. The city has successfully implemented a Digital Inclusion programme that has:

1. Supported over 6,000 residents.
2. Facilitated more than 1,500 digital health skills sessions.

This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide and ensure that all community members can access necessary health services.

Future Developments

Nottingham is also exploring the use of robotic process automation to streamline administrative tasks and enhance the understanding of how artificial intelligence can be utilized in healthcare. Farrow stated:

“We will ensure that our IT infrastructure is adequate, providing colleagues with the necessary hardware, software, and training to support these initiatives.”

This comprehensive approach aims to create a more integrated, proactive, and person-centered healthcare system for all residents of Nottingham.