A fresh perspective: Meet the new Clinical Lead for Neighbourhoods in City and Hackney

The NHS 10 Year Health Plan has set out a new future for the NHS across England, where “more care will be available on people’s doorsteps and in their homes”.

As our health and care system continues to evolve, neighbourhood-based care is emerging as a powerful model for delivering more joined-up, proactive support to local communities.

With this in mind, we spoke to Dr Tehseen Khan, the recently appointed Clinical Lead for Neighbourhoods in City and Hackney, a borough with a diverse health and care system, a population with complex health needs and a growing patient list size of nearly 353,000. Tehseen will be guiding the development of City and Hackney’s eight neighbourhoods and shaping one of most ambitious neighbourhood programmes in London.

What are some of the priorities you will be focusing on to improve health outcomes for local people in City and Hackney?

My key priority is for health and care services to work more collaboratively with communities and residents to address what matters to them.

A lot of good work is happening in this area, and I would be keen to build on it. This includes shifting from reactive healthcare to a proactive, prevention-focused approach, in keeping with national priorities. By using population health data to identify people at risk earlier, we can intervene before complex conditions require urgent care, reducing pressures on hospitals and emergency services. This includes investing in community health services, supporting self-management, and working closely with multidisciplinary teams to deliver care as close to home as possible.

What do you think are the most effective ways to break down barriers to people accessing care?

The most effective strategies involve building trust, investing in workforce development, and fostering meaningful community engagement. We need to listen actively to local voices and co-design services that reflect people’s concerns and cultural values.

By developing a more representative and empowered workforce who understand the unique challenges faced by our communities, and ensuring frontline staff feel confident and equipped to deliver person-centred care, we remove obstacles and build positive relationships with patients. Collaborative partnerships with VCFSE (Voluntary and Community, Faith and Social Enterprise) organisations deepen our impact, ensuring everyone knows how to access the support they need.

What innovative approaches are you most excited about in the neighbourhood programme?

 I am particularly excited about innovation that prioritises prevention and community-based care. Integrated neighbourhood teams incorporating primary care, the acute and community sector, social care and VCFSE can deliver more coordinated, tailored support for patients.

Digital tools and shared care records enhance early identification and intervention, while community hubs provide accessible spaces for health and wellbeing activities. I’m excited about the range of data tools we now have available across NEL, including Optum Pathfinder, a population health management platform that allows care systems to view clinical data in a more visual, impactful way. This helps us define our priorities and track our progress in improving population health and equity for all residents.

What motivates you personally in your new role as Clinical Lead for Neighbourhoods?

My motivation comes from a deep commitment to improving population health, ensuring everyone benefits from high-quality, accessible, compassionate care. This role builds on my experience as a PCN Clinical Director and my work leading community immunisation programmes, where I’ve seen the transformative power of collaboration.

I am inspired by leaders across City and Hackney and NEL more widely, whose vision and energy push us to innovate. Together, we can foster an environment where professionals and communities thrive, and every person has the opportunity to live a healthier life.

Want to find out more about neighbourhood-based care? Visit: https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/neighbourhood-health-guidelines-2025-26/

Dr Tehseen Khan,  Clinical Lead for Neighbourhoods in City and Hackney, NHS North East London