A landmark simulation conducted in London has revealed the transformative potential of a neighbourhood health service model, underpinned by integrated digital infrastructure. The two-day event, led by PPL in collaboration with the London Health & Care Partnership and five integrated care systems (ICSs), brought together over 100 participants from across health, local government, and the voluntary sector to explore how care could be delivered differently at a local level.
PPL has released a report summarising the key learnings and recommendations for implementing this neighbourhood health model across London and the rest of England. You can read the full report here.
The simulation, set in two fictional boroughs – Brookhill and Thistledown – modelled 12 months of neighbourhood health activity. It tested how professionals, residents, and system leaders could work together to deliver more proactive, person-centred care. The findings were clear: neighbourhood health is not just a structural shift, but a cultural one, requiring new ways of working, shared data, and digital tools to enable collaboration.
At the heart of the simulation was Bleepa, Feedback Medical’s secure asynchronous collaboration platform, which enabled real-time referrals, case updates, and coordination across multidisciplinary teams. Participants used Bleepa to track resident journeys, share insights, and escalate concerns—demonstrating how digital infrastructure can bridge gaps between services and improve outcomes.
Dr Tom Oakley, CEO of Feedback Medical, commented:
“This simulation has shown that digital platforms like Bleepa are not just helpful—they are essential. When professionals have access to shared records and secure communication tools, they can act faster, collaborate better, and deliver care that truly centres the individual. The future of the NHS depends on enabling these connections at scale.”
Key insights from the report include:
- Shared care records and interoperable systems were critical to delivering seamless, person-centred care. Without them, professionals were forced to rely on verbal updates and repeated history-taking, increasing risk and inefficiency.
- Digital collaboration tools enabled professionals to move from reactive to proactive care, reducing unnecessary hospital admissions and improving resident experience.
- Neighbourhood-level data was vital for planning and decision-making. The simulation highlighted the need for granular, real-time insights to support resource allocation and population health management.
- Cost avoidance was significant. The modelled impact of improved neighbourhood care suggested potential annual savings of over £49 million per place partnership, driven by reduced A&E attendances and unplanned admissions.
The simulation also underscored the importance of psychological safety, co-location, and structured communication in enabling professionals to work differently. While digital tools were a key enabler, the cultural shift required to embed neighbourhood health must be supported by leadership, investment, and trust.
As the NHS moves towards implementing the 10 Year Health Plan for England, the findings from this simulation offer a blueprint for success. They demonstrate that with the right digital infrastructure, neighbourhood health can deliver better outcomes, greater efficiency, and a more human experience of care.
Feedback Medical is proud to have supported this pioneering initiative and remains committed to enabling the future of integrated care through secure, scalable digital solutions.