NHS England visits South Peterborough Primary Care

 
nhs yaxley visit

Members of South Peterborough Primary Care Network, and other partners in the  Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme (NNHIP) welcomed Dr Minal Bakhai, MBE, on a fact-finding visit to Yaxley.

Dr Bakhai is Director for Primary Care and Community Transformation and the National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme (NNHIP) NHS England.

The NNHIP joins partners from primary care, community services, the voluntary sector, and wider neighbourhood resources to support patients more locally and holistically, particularly those living with long term conditions.

North Care Partnership runs three pilot neighbourhoods in the region. South Peterborough Primary Care Network, which works with Yaxley, New Queen Street, Wansford and Old Fletton surgeries, is one of the teams contributing to the South Peterborough Neighbourhood programme.

Representatives from the PCN, including Clinical Director Dr Peresh Gela, Digital and Transformation Manager, Hayley Leckie, plus Yaxley’s Practice Manager, Aija Selby, were on hand during Dr Bakhai’s visit to Yaxley practice on 22 January.

Hayley said: ‘It was an opportunity for us to demonstrate how we are already working in an integrated way locally. We showcased how collaboration across sectors can remove barriers, improve access, and ensure people receive the right support at the right time. By aligning our efforts around real neighbourhood needs, this approach can reduce duplication, improve patient outcomes, and create a more seamless experience for individuals and families.

‘The NNHIP aims to shift care from hospital‑based and reactive to focus on prevention, supporting people to stay well for longer, reducing avoidable admissions, and building confidence in the co‑management of long‑term conditions. The team really enjoyed meeting Dr Bakhai and showing how working together is yielding real results for our patient population.’

Dr Peresh Gela said: ‘We were delighted that Dr Bakhai chose to visit our project and hear firsthand about our initiatives. It shows that the work we are doing at grass roots level is recognised, appreciated and helping to shape the future of Neighbourhood Projects nationally.'

Published: Jan 30, 2026