What does integrated care look like, and how can it transform lives in rural communities? That’s exactly what Dr Deborah Gompertz, a Complex Care GP and Clinical Lead for Complex Care in South Somerset, explored in a recent webinar with Dr Mohit Venkataram, Deputy CEO at NELFT.

The session explored how cross-organisational, multi-professional teams, spanning GPs, district nurses, therapists, mental health professionals, and voluntary sector partners, can work together to provide holistic, person-centred care. Rather than relying on traditional referral pathways, Dr Gompertz’s team fosters real-time conversations with access to shared digital records, enabling more responsive and coordinated support.

Dr Gompertz described the importance of building relationships across organisations and creating shared spaces where professionals feel empowered to collaborate: 

“Success is when I hear people around me say ‘how can I help?’ rather than ‘’that person doesn’t fit the criteria for me to see”

she noted, illustrating the culture of openness that underpins their approach.

One standout example was the “Show Me Your Meds” initiative, which uncovered surprising levels of medication waste and sparked fresh conversations about prescribing and patient engagement. It’s just one way the team is using data and dialogue to make care more responsive and meaningful.

Dr Venkataram reflected on the wider impact of this approach, noting how timely, community-based support can ease pressure on hospitals and improve life for carers too:

“You made a difference to their carers who would have to run to hospitals which disrupts everything else in their home life,”

he said, emphasising the ripple effect of well-coordinated care.

The webinar illuminated a bold vision for integrated care, one where collaboration replaces silos and communities are empowered to shape a healthier, more connected future.

You can watch the full webinar on YouTube here

Register now for the next Future of Primary Care webinar with Dr Reehan Ansari and Dr Mohit Venkataram, where they’ll share reflections on implementing a new contract model in primary care.