The Holistic Health Assessments (HHAs) have seen more than 95,000 patient checks delivered by GPs in the region over 2025/26, according to Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB's latest data, resulting in a 11.7% reduction in urgent or unplanned admissions.

Dr John Miles, clinical and care professional lead at the ICB, said: ‘Holistic Health Assessments were initiated as part of the newly-developed and commissioned Primary Care Long-Term Condition service.

‘The success we've seen demonstrates the value of looking beyond a patient's immediate clinical condition and taking a truly whole-person approach to care. By identifying unmet health, wellbeing and social needs at an earlier stage, we have been able to connect people with the right support, help them manage their conditions more effectively and reduce the likelihood of them needing emergency hospital care.'

An HHA covers areas such as social care, primary care (including dental, pharmacy and optometry) and community health support. Once an unmet need is identified, steps are taken to successfully manage that need with a referral, signposting the patient to available services, or an appointment to follow up at a later date.

Individuals at greatest risk have their assessment discussed at a structured local multidisciplinary meeting to agree on the best course of action.

Around 5% of patients last year were referred to social prescribing services - non-clinical healthcare that includes local community or voluntary resources and services that address their needs and help to improve their health and wellbeing.

Following their successful introduction, HHAs are continuing for 2026/27 and their scope could expand for the following year.