Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has today published the Department of Health's new Neighbourhood Model of Health and Wellbeing Framework.

A core component of the Department's 'Reset Plan', the model signals a major transformation in how care is delivered, prioritising prevention and proactive support closer to patients' homes.

The framework aims to reduce the burden on hospitals by establishing Integrated Neighbourhood Teams. These teams will bring together health and social care providers, local councils, and the voluntary and community sector to tackle health inequalities and manage rising demand more effectively.

The first phase of the roll-out will focus on older residents, where the Department identifies the greatest need. The priority will be providing earlier intervention, smoother hospital discharges, and enhanced access to services that allow older people to live independently at home.

Minister Mike Nesbitt said: "It is well-known that demand for HSC services is rising, workforce pressures are intensifying, and our current ways of working don't have the capacity to cope. What has become clear is that doing more of what we've always done won't get us where we need to go. We need to do things differently. "The first phase of implementation focuses on making early progress across the four pillars: establishing the Integrated Neighbourhood Teams, moving care closer to home, a neighbourhood innovation programme, and neighbourhood relationships and connections."

The shift will be supported by a mixed funding approach, which includes redirecting HSC Trust resources from hospital settings into the community. Notably, Macmillan's Neighbourhood Transformation Fund has committed to investing up to £10 million over the next three to five years to support the transition.

Gemma Peters, CEO of Macmillan, said: "By working in partnership, we are moving away from inconsistent service gaps towards a new standard of excellence. Our investment is not just about increasing capacity, it is about ensuring that seamless, equitable care becomes a reality for every person in need of expert support when it matters most."

Ruth Sutherland, CBE, Chair of the Patient and Client Council, welcomed the move toward a "doing with" rather than "doing to" approach. She emphasised that local communities and councils possess a wealth of knowledge that is vital for shaping effective local services.

The Minister concluded: "By making this shift together, we will be building a neighbourhood-focused system that delivers better health and wellbeing outcomes for absolutely everyone across Northern Ireland — today and for generations to come."