A new report from The King's Fund has lauded the 'Wigan Deal' as a pioneering example of a citizen-led approach to health and social care, suggesting its principles could offer valuable lessons for the entire United Kingdom. The report, titled 'A Citizen-Led Approach To Health And Care: Lessons From The Wigan Deal', details how the Greater Manchester borough has transformed its public services by empowering residents and fostering a collaborative environment.
The 'Wigan Deal', initiated over a decade ago, moved away from traditional top-down service delivery to one where citizens are seen as assets rather than passive recipients of care. This involves active engagement with communities to understand their needs, co-design services, and encourage self-reliance and mutual support. The initiative spans various public services, including health, social care, housing, and leisure, aiming to address the broader social determinants of health.
Key to the Wigan approach is an emphasis on preventative measures and early intervention. By working with residents to build stronger communities and provide support closer to home, the 'Wigan Deal' has reportedly led to better public health outcomes and a reduction in demand on more expensive, acute services. This includes initiatives focused on mental wellbeing, physical activity, and tackling social isolation, all contributing to a healthier population.
The King's Fund report highlights that while the 'Wigan Deal' is unique to its local context, many of its core tenets are transferable. It suggests that other local authorities and Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) across the UK could benefit from adopting a similar citizen-centred philosophy. This involves shifting organisational culture, investing in community capacity building, and fostering trust between public services and residents.
However, the report also acknowledges the challenges in replicating such a comprehensive model. These include the need for sustained political will, significant cultural change within public sector organisations, and securing long-term funding streams in a constrained financial environment. The implications for national health policy are considerable, particularly as the Government seeks to strengthen community health and social care provision to alleviate pressure on the NHS.
Opposition parties have frequently called for greater investment in preventative care and community services. The Labour Party, for instance, has often stressed the importance of local solutions and empowering communities in its health policy proposals, suggesting that models like the 'Wigan Deal' align with their vision for a more integrated and community-focused health system.
Source: The King's Fund