On 31 March 2026, the Northern Ireland Health Minister Mike Nesbitt launched a new policy framework designed to introduce a Neighbourhood Model of Health and Wellbeing.
This policy marks a significant cultural shift towards a health service that places more focus on prevention and community-based care, with a commitment to move 2% of hospital spending into community services each year.
At the foundation of the policy is the creation of 17 new Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INT) made up of representatives from different parts of the health service. These groups will share information and aim to streamline local service provision to ensure that more people receive the care they need at home and in their community. The policy also sets out goals around enhancing how we use data to proactively manage population health, and around building strategic relationships with organisations outside the health service.
BDA CEO, Liz Stockley, said, “We welcome the vision of the Neighbourhood Model of Health and Wellbeing framework and its strong focus on prevention and community-based care, areas where dietitians are already making a significant impact. We will be working closely with our members as work begins on the delivery phase of the project to understand exactly what it means for them, and how we can position ourselves as leaders in this new space.”
BDA Northern Ireland Board Chair, Debbie McGugan, said, “Dietitians in Northern Ireland are already well equipped to design and deliver person-centred, community-based services for our patients, and we are very experienced in working in multi-disciplinary teams. This new framework represents a significant opportunity for this work to be expanded. The Board will be closely monitoring the development of the new Integrated Neighbourhood Teams, and ensuring that the voice of our members is heard within them.”
In year one of the programme the INTs will be focusing on meeting the needs of older people, in recognition that an ageing population is one of the biggest challenges for our health service.
Members' Briefing
The BDA has prepared a briefing note for members outlining key details of this framework, and what it means for dietetics.
