Neighbourhood health
Kent and Medway's neighbourhood health approach is a transformative, integrated way to bring services closer to people's homes and communities.
Shifting care to community
Aligned with national NHS priorities and the Government's 10‑Year Plan, the model focuses on shifting care from hospital to community, strengthening primary and community services so people receive support closer to home.
A key priority is improving care for people with the most complex needs including frail and housebound residents, care home communities, and those at end‑of‑life.
Integrated multidisciplinary teams, urgent community response, virtual wards, and hospice services are central to providing timely, coordinated support that helps people stay well in their own homes.
Patient Needs Groups
To help clinicians tailor care for people, especially those with the greatest need, people in Kent and Medway have been segmented using the Johns Hopkins tool. This puts people into Patient Needs Groups (PNGs).
PNGs categorise patients into different groups based on the complexity and intensity of their healthcare needs rather than just their medical conditions. Instead of focusing solely on a diagnosis (like diabetes or heart failure ) it takes into account a broader range of health characteristics a patient may have (such as number of repeat prescriptions, A&E attendances, and number of long-term conditions) .
PNG segmentation will be introduced first to those patients with highest needs , PNG 10 or 11.
The PNG numbers will start to appear on users NHS App. Find out more about how the NHS App can help you manage your health.
How do PNGs work?
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Everyone is different. Some people are very healthy , some have one or two health problems, and some have many health problems.
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The PNG system puts people into 11 different groups based on how much care and support they are likely to need.
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Your group can change if your health changes.
What are the different Patient Need Groups?
Green: Low need (~76.9% of the population)
You are healthy or only need a little help. You might just need regular check-ups and advice on staying healthy.
1. Non user
2. Low need child
3. Low need adult
4. Multi morbidity low complex
Amber: Moderate need (~20.8% of the population)
You have some health needs. This group includes people with mental health issues or who are pregnant. You might need some help from your care team to manage your health.
5. Multi morbidity medium complex
6. Pregnant low complex
7. Pregnant high complex
8. Dominant psychiatric/behaviour condition
9. Dominant major chronic condition
High need (~2.2% of the population)
You have more complex health needs or issues with mobility. You may need more help and regular support from your care team.
10. Multi morbidity high complex
11. Frailty
Why is this important?
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This tool helps your care team give you the right care for your needs.
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It helps you and your care team work together to keep you as healthy as possible.
Remember
We understand that some people may be surprised by their PNG and find the information worrying. Please note, PNGs are allocated automatically based on information in your health record and have not been inputted individually by your doctor. PNGs are a tool that doctors and nurses use alongside their medical knowledge to make decisions about the best care for you.
This PNG number does not reflect any changes in your health status. It is a simple guide for practices to provide more proactive care and you need not worry or take any action.
If, however, you have questions please ask your doctor more about this at your next appointment.