Learn about the role of continuity in efficient and sustainable primary care and the impact on demand, staff retention and outcomes

Continuity of care is one of the strongest predictors of better health outcomes, improved patient satisfaction, reduced hospital admissions, and higher staff retention. Yet, across England, relational continuity in primary care has been in steady decline for over a decade - often as an unintended consequence of well-meaning policy changes.

This one-day interactive Exploration Day is designed for National Coaches and place-based leaders and stakeholders involved in the implementation of Neighbourhood Health. Together, we will explore the evidence base, understand how changes in service models can inadvertently erode continuity, and co-design practical ways to safeguard it in neighbourhood implementation.

You will come away with a clear understanding of what continuity of care means in modern integrated neighborhoods, why it matters, and concrete tools to protect and strengthen it in your local context.

What will you learn?

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Define the three key types of continuity - relational, management, and informational - and explain their relevance to neighbourhood health.
2. Summarise the evidence linking continuity to improved health outcomes, reduced demand, and staff retention.
3. Recognise national and local trends in continuity decline and understand the role of past policy choices.
4. Identify risks to continuity in new neighbourhood models and propose mitigations.
5. Apply a practical “Continuity Check Tool” in service design and coaching conversations.
6. Commit to specific actions that embed continuity protection in neighbourhood implementation

How the session will be delivered?

This will be an in-person, full-day facilitated workshop combining:

• Evidence presentations to set the scene and provide shared understanding.
• Interactive case study discussions using real examples from NHS England’s Neighbourhood Health case studies and local practice.
• Group exercises and discussion to map continuity risks and design “guardrails” for local systems.
• Coaching scenarios to practice applying the Continuity Check Tool in real conversations.
• Action planning so each participant leaves with a personal commitment to safeguard continuity in their area.

Who is the course for?

The focus for this exploration day is for people who play a role in the national Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme but also for anyone involved with establishing or improving health and care services and support in the community and for anyone interested in learning more about the importance of continuity of care and how they can influence this. 

Dates and venues to be confirmed