In 2025/26, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) have been directed to prioritize adults, children, and young people with complex health and social care needs who require support from multiple services and organizations. This guidance encourages ICBs to focus on children and young people in 2025/26 while also preparing for the expansion of the neighbourhood approach in future years.
Neighbourhood Health Guidelines 2025/26 were published on January 29, 2025: Read here
A more specific Guidance on Neighbourhood Multidisciplinary Teams (MDTs) for Children and Young People was published on February 19, 2025: Read here
The guidance emphasizes the importance of co-developing neighbourhood MDTs for children and young people, stating:
“Co-development of neighbourhood MDTs for children and young people is vital to their success. Building meaningful and ongoing engagement with children and young people from the start, as well as with family and carer champions, will help to deliver a patient-centred service.”
PCFs may want to explore local opportunities to support the development of this initiative.