The Leeds HomeFirst Programme has significantly reshaped intermediate care across the city, resulting in over 1,000 avoided hospital admissions annually and shortening average hospital stays by around eight days.
This has enabled more residents to access reablement services and return home sooner with the support needed to live well and independently. Leeds is now recognised nationally and internationally as a leader in integrated care.
Despite this success, not all communities have benefited equally. The next phase – HomeFirst Phase 2 – aims to expand Active Recovery to more communities and to develop our Enhanced Care approach to support more people at home. It also shifts focus toward prevention and proactive neighbourhood care, targeting those most at risk (5–7% living with frailty or long-term conditions).
Key goals include:
- Implementing a proactive care model to improve health outcomes.
- Enhancing intermediate care to reduce time spent away from home.
- Conducting a Prevention Diagnostic to better target support and to promote independence.
These changes promise better experiences for people and staff, improved medication management, continuity of care, reduced unplanned care, and more efficient use of resources. Ultimately, the programme seeks to empower more people to live independently, supported within their communities.
For further information about the programme visit: www.healthandcareleeds.org/about/homefirst
