The coalition of NHS partners led by Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB, primary care settings, voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector organisations and community groups is targeting community wards with high A&E admissions.

Engagement has seen urgent and emergency care attendance in the Poulton ward and Ryelands estate in Skerton West fall by 11% and 5%, respectively. In Poulton, there was also a 7% reduction in associated costs compared to similar areas without this approach.

Claire Niebieski, head of population health for Lancashire North at the ICB, said: ‘Our data showed that emergency admissions were higher in several wards, and the challenge became clear to us; many residents didn't know how to access services, they didn't realise they needed them or were simply overwhelmed by life's pressures to properly engage.

‘Some used services in ways that didn't meet their needs, while others avoided them altogether. All of these things can eventually lead to someone being admitted into emergency care.

‘Our team didn't wait for people to come to them - instead, they went out into parks, schools, community groups and knocking on doors in Poulton and Skerton West, offering health checks, supporting those living in damp or overcrowded housing and referring people to foodbanks and other local services. They helped create communal spaces to foster health through play and connection.

‘The work has been a big success and we've seen a good reduction in the number of emergency admissions in those wards. For some of those people who have benefited from this approach, they would otherwise have been at high risk of repeated A&E visits, prolonged hospital stays, delayed discharges, and multiple long-term conditions - all leading to escalating costs and declining health.'