Neighbourhood Care in Action: What Dame Caroline Clarke’s Visit Means for Greenwich
Dame Caroline Clarke, Regional Director for NHS England London, recently visited the Greenwich Frailty Team at Memorial Hospital to learn how Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust is reshaping community care. The team showcased the results of their Value Improvement Project, which has reduced avoidable hospital admissions and cut the use of unnecessary medication by working closely with partners across the borough.
For residents, this approach matters. Frailty can make everyday life more challenging, and traditional care models often rely heavily on hospital-based treatment. The Greenwich Frailty Team instead focuses on proactive support—shared care planning, early intervention, and linking people into local community groups that help maintain independence and wellbeing. This is particularly relevant in a borough with an ageing population and significant health inequalities.
Dame Caroline also heard from the Bexley Integrated Complex Case Team, whose work with care homes has helped residents stay healthier for longer and reduced emergency hospital trips. Oxleas leaders emphasised that integrated neighbourhood care is not a pilot or a promise—it is already delivering measurable improvements for patients.
For people in Greenwich, this means more care delivered closer to home, faster support when your needs change, and a system that recognises the importance of community networks in keeping people well.
If you or someone you care for needs help with frailty, long‑term conditions, or community health support, Oxleas provides a range of services including Greenwich Time to Talk, community nursing, and crisis support. Residents can also contact Oxleas PALS for guidance or to raise concerns about care.
Residents can ask their GP, community nurses, hospital teams directly about being referred to the Frailty Team. Alternatively, you can contact Age UK Bromley & Greenwich, Live Well Greenwich or through the Royal Borough of Greenwich Adult Social Care team.
