The NHS is implementing a strategic initiative to alleviate the workload of GPs and A&E departments by deploying community health and wellbeing workers to deprived areas. These workers are tasked with door-to-door visits to detect illnesses early, thereby reducing the need for urgent care. Community health and wellbeing workers (CHWW) are already operating in 12 areas of England, with plans to expand to an additional 13 regions. Their role includes assisting with financial, isolation, and housing issues, in addition to promoting health.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting is considering incorporating this scheme into the upcoming 10-year health plan as part of efforts to “fix” the NHS. Advocates of this initiative believe CHWs can contribute to Streeting’s “three big shifts” in healthcare, specifically by moving care from hospitals to the community and by focusing on prevention over treatment. Evidence from implementation in the Westminister borough has shown positive outcomes, including increased attendance at cancer screenings, higher vaccination rates, and a greater likelihood of undergoing NHS health checks. Furthermore, the proactive approach has been shown to reduce demand for mental health care and community services, as well as lowering the frequency of urgent care team visits.
Community health and wellbeing workers are typically recruited from the communities they serve and receive training for the role. They are not clinically trained staff but are instrumental in bridging the gap between health services and those in need, supporting residents to access appropriate forms of care. Their impact includes a decrease in A&E visits and unplanned GP appointments, as they address minor ailments and chronic conditions through community-based services. This innovative method is seen as particularly effective for those requiring coordinated support from multiple services, addressing the root causes of health issues such as housing conditions, debt, and unemployment. Streeting asserts that this approach shows promising results, especially among communities identified as “frequent flyers” of the NHS.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/apr/08/health-workers-sent-door-to-door-in-deprived-areas-to-detect-illnesses
