Greenwich completes south east London’s integrator network enabling the delivery of neighbourhood health services
The South East London Integrated Care Board (SEL ICB) has approved the appointment of Greenwich’s neighbourhood integrator.
With Greenwich now confirmed, all six of SEL ICB’s boroughs have now appointed their integrators, completing the borough-level infrastructure needed to support neighbourhood working in south east London. This marks a significant step in south east London’s delivery of a neighbourhood health service, as set out in the Government’s 10 Year Health Plan and London’s Target Operating Model and Case for Change.
In Greenwich, the Healthier Greenwich Partnership, which brings together a wide range of partners in the borough including the council, local Trusts and Community Hospice, will be supported by Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust in the Integrator role, also referred to locally as the Health Host.
Integrators are organisations within each borough that will provide the core infrastructure to support effective integrated neighbourhood team working as it develops, ensuring services are tailored to meet local community needs and operate smoothly across organisational boundaries. Their role is critical in creating cohesive, proactive, targeted, and sustainable services that place individuals and communities at the centre.
This neighbourhood development work will enable health and care partners in Greenwich to further strengthen existing work in important areas like support for people who are frail. Partners in Greenwich have developed a more joined-up network of care that helps residents stay well at home and avoid unnecessary hospital visits.
Key services include the Greenwich Frailty Team, the neighbourhood-based Home Care Service, and the Digital Health and Care Technology Service. Together these are delivering tailored care and support in people’s homes. For example recent (2024) data shows the impact of the Frailty Team:
- Patients were less likely to call 999
- They attended A&E less often
- They took fewer medications
- And were significantly less likely to be admitted to hospital
Andrew Bland, Chief Executive Officer for NHS South East London, said:
“I am proud to say that all six of our boroughs have now confirmed their integrators, completing the borough-level infrastructure needed to support neighbourhood working in south east London. This is a major step towards providing more targeted care locally which puts our communities first.”
Gabi Darby, Director of the Greenwich Place-Based Partnership, said:
“Our vision for neighbourhoods in Greenwich is for thriving communities where people feel heard, supported, and empowered to live as independently as possible.
“The identification of our Integrator marks an exciting step forward in delivery of that commitment. Initiatives like those supporting people who are frail demonstrate the real-world impact of this approach—ensuring that residents receive the right care and support, in the right place, at the right time. By continuing to put people at the heart of our services, we’re building a more connected, responsive, and compassionate local health and care system.”
Dr Ify Okocha, Chief Executive Officer, Oxleas NHS said:
“At Oxleas, we’re excited about neighbourhood health services. We are a long-standing member of the Healthier Greenwich Partnership and see this as a great opportunity to take forward our partnership’s ambitions to make lasting improvements to the health of Greenwich residents.”