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Community Collaborative Projects
Innovation, Improvement & Community Impact
At Half Penny Steps Health Centre, we are committed to delivering high-quality, innovative, and patient-centred care that improves health outcomes, reduces inequalities, and strengthens our local community. Through collaboration, education, digital innovation, prevention programmes, and workforce development, we continue to lead and support initiatives that benefit our patients and the wider North West London population.
Community Liver Health Check (CLHC) Programme
Early Detection of Liver Disease in the Community
Half Penny Steps Health Centre partnered with Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and the West London Hepatitis C Operational Delivery Network (ODN) to deliver the Community Liver Health Check (CLHC) pilot.
Using FibroScan technology, a non-invasive liver assessment tool, the programme has enabled hundreds of patients at risk of liver disease to be screened and assessed within primary care. Patients identified with advanced liver disease are referred directly to specialist liver services at St Mary's Hospital.
Following the success of the pilot, more than 1,800 eligible patients across Inclusive Health PCN have been identified for assessment, targeting key risk groups including:
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Non-Diabetic Hyperglycaemia
- Harmful alcohol use
- Metabolic Syndrome
This initiative supports the NHS Long Term Plan by promoting earlier diagnosis and intervention, particularly within underserved communities.
WorkWell Fit Note Innovation Pilot
Supporting Healthier Returns to Work
Half Penny Steps Health Centre played a leading role in the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) funded WorkWell Primary Care Innovation Pilot.
The programme aimed to support patients whose health conditions affect their ability to work while reducing pressures on GP services through early intervention and specialist employment support.
Key achievements included:
- 670 fit notes contributed across Inclusive Health PCN
- 227 referrals made to the WorkWell service – the highest referral rate among participating PCNs
- Support provided for patients experiencing:
- Mental health difficulties
- Anxiety
- Chronic pain
- Work-related stress
This work reflects our commitment to addressing the wider determinants of health and supporting patients to achieve improved wellbeing and employment outcomes.
Suvera Virtual Hypertension Monitoring
Pioneering Digital Long-Term Condition Management
In 2021, Half Penny Steps became one of the first GP practices nationally to pilot Suvera's virtual hypertension monitoring platform.
The programme enabled patients to monitor their blood pressure from home and submit readings electronically, allowing clinicians to review results remotely and make informed treatment decisions without requiring surgery attendance.
Benefits included:
- More accurate home blood pressure monitoring
- Improved identification of poorly controlled hypertension
- Reduced demand for face-to-face appointments
- Enhanced Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) performance
- Improved patient convenience and engagement
This early adoption of digital healthcare demonstrated our commitment to innovative models of care delivery and remote patient monitoring.
One You Westminster Health Coaching Service
Bringing Prevention into Primary Care
Working in partnership with Thrive Tribe and One You Westminster, Half Penny Steps embedded a dedicated Health Coach within the practice.
Weekly clinics provide personalised support for patients wishing to improve their health and wellbeing, including:
- Weight management
- Physical activity
- Smoking cessation
- Healthy lifestyle changes
- Mental wellbeing support
Locating the service within the practice removes barriers to access and enables seamless referrals from GPs and other healthcare professionals.
NHS England Approved GP Training Practice
Developing the Healthcare Workforce of Tomorrow
Half Penny Steps Health Centre is proud to be an NHS England-approved GP Training Practice and Learning Environment for Inclusive Health PCN.
We provide training placements for:
- GP Registrars
- Medical Students
- Multi-professional learners
Our training partnerships include:
- St Mary's Hospital Vocational Training Scheme
- Imperial College School of Medicine
- King's College London
- University of Sheffield Medical School
The practice's educational programmes are supported by experienced trainers and supervisors committed to maintaining the highest standards of clinical education and professional development.
Community Vaccination & Immunisation Outreach
Improving Access to Vaccines
To reduce barriers to vaccination, Half Penny Steps participated in community-based vaccination clinics at the Beethoven Centre in North Kensington.
These outreach clinics offered:
- Childhood immunisations
- Seasonal flu vaccinations
- Vaccination advice and support
Alongside community clinics, the practice conducted targeted recall programmes to identify and contact children with incomplete vaccination records, helping improve immunisation uptake and protect vulnerable communities.
Green Impact for Health
Supporting a Sustainable NHS
Half Penny Steps Health Centre has joined the Royal College of General Practitioners' Green Impact for Health programme.
Through this nationally recognised framework, we are working to reduce our environmental impact by focusing on:
- Sustainable prescribing
- Energy efficiency
- Waste reduction and recycling
- Active travel initiatives
- Staff wellbeing
- Social prescribing
This supports the NHS commitment to achieving Net Zero and recognises the important link between environmental sustainability and public health.
National Recognition for Patient Satisfaction
One of England's Most Improved GP Practices
Half Penny Steps Health Centre has been recognised nationally as one of the most improved GP practices in England for patient satisfaction.
Over a six-year period:
- Patient satisfaction increased from 58% to 81%
- The practice ranked as the 4th most improved practice nationally among high-performing surgeries
- Google review ratings improved significantly, reflecting enhanced patient experience
This achievement reflects our focus on compassionate care, strong leadership, teamwork, and continuous service improvement.
Community Health Promotion with Westminster City Council
Taking Healthcare into the Community
In partnership with Westminster City Council, Half Penny Steps participated in community health promotion events at Maida Hill Market.
Practice clinicians provided:
- Blood pressure checks
- Healthy lifestyle advice
- Smoking cessation support
- Alcohol awareness guidance
- General wellbeing information
These events help us reach residents who may not regularly access healthcare services and support our commitment to prevention and health promotion.
Supporting Refugee Healthcare Professionals
Helping Skilled Doctors Return to Practice
As part of the NHS-funded Refugee Healthcare Professionals Programme, Half Penny Steps welcomed Dr Olha Nebaikina, a Ukrainian doctor with specialist experience in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
The placement provided valuable experience within UK primary care, helping support her journey towards GMC registration and future NHS employment.
This initiative demonstrates our commitment to:
- Equality and inclusion
- Workforce development
- Supporting refugee healthcare professionals
- Strengthening the future NHS workforce
- Our Commitment
These initiatives demonstrate Half Penny Steps Health Centre's ongoing commitment to:
- Delivering innovative, patient-centred care
- Reducing health inequalities
- Improving population health outcomes
- Supporting education and workforce development
- Embracing digital transformation
- Working in partnership with our local community
- Building a sustainable future for healthcare
We remain dedicated to continually improving the services we provide and ensuring our patients receive the highest standard of care close to home.