Abstract

The first 29 vanguard sites were chosen in March of that year. There were three vanguard types: integrated primary and acute care systems; enhanced health in care homes; and multi-specialty community provider vanguards.

Eight urgent and emergency vanguards were added in July, before a further 13 vanguards were announced in September. Known as acute care collaborations, this most recent wave aims to link local hospitals together to improve their clinical and financial viability. In total, 50 vanguards were selected following a rigorous process, involving workshops and engagement of key partners and patient representative groups. Each vanguard site will take a lead on the development of new care models, which will act as the blueprints for the NHS to redesign and restructure itself, as well as provide inspiration to the rest of the health and care system.

The vanguards are already improving the care received by millions of people across England. Through the programme, complete redesign of whole health and care systems is under consideration. This could mean fewer trips to hospital, with cancer and dementia specialists holding clinics in local surgeries, creating one point of call for family doctors, community nurses, and social and mental health services, or improving access to blood tests, dialysis or even chemotherapy closer to home.

It will also join up the often confusing array of A&E, GP out-of-hours, minor injuries clinics, ambulance services, and 111, so that patients know where they can get urgent help easily and effectively, seven days a week.

Sam provides an update on the programme and highlights some of the key lessons to date.