Origins and Evolution
Nimbuscare was formed in 2015, at a time when general practice was under increasing pressure and new approaches to collaboration were being explored. Those early years were important for experimentation and learning. While our ambition was right, some of the mechanisms used to achieve it were not – but as a learning organisation we are both comfortable with that and the progress that has followed. We made mistakes, but each misstep provided valuable lessons about what works, what doesn’t, and the importance of humility and listening.
A significant turning point came in 2019, when all York practices came together within Nimbuscare, united by a commitment to equity, strong values, and mutual trust. Since then, trust and relationships across practices have grown stronger, and our shared purpose has become clearer. Effectiveness has been demonstrated through delivery, giving Nimbuscare both credibility and legitimacy within the system. We are clear that this is a process of constant evolution and improvement and will never be finished.
Our Philosophy and Values
Our philosophy is rooted in the belief that strong, supported general practice is essential to a sustainable NHS. We see our role as an enabler: helping practices and neighbourhoods deliver care in ways that reflect their communities, while working with partners to improve health outcomes system-wide.
Our values emphasise:
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Patient focus: Placing patients at the centre of all we do.
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Equity: Tackling health inequalities so all populations and demographics receive the care they need.
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Collaboration and relationships: Recognising that dialogue and trust are the currency of meaningful change.People and culture: Supporting staff wellbeing, leadership and development, building a culture of respect and belonging.
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System development: Working with partners across the NHS and beyond to strengthen integration, resilience and collective impact.
Progress to Date
Since 2015, Nimbuscare has steadily grown in capability and maturity. To thrive and achieve legitimacy as a provider, we needed to demonstrate that we could deliver services effectively and at scale. This has been achieved and Nimbuscare is in a stable position.
Key developments include:
- 2019 consolidation: All York practices united under Nimbuscare, embedding equity and shared values at the heart of our model.
- Mass vaccination: We delivered one of the largest programmes in the country, proving we could mobilise quickly at scale.
- Out-of-hours services: We provide resilience for urgent and unscheduled care.
- Community services and diagnostics: We bring services closer to home in line with the “left shift” agenda.
- Support for general practice: We help practices and Primary Care Networks (PCNs) innovate and collaborate while retaining their independence.
- System partnerships: We build strong, trusted relationships with hospitals, community services, and local voluntary organisations to make sure patients receive the best possible care. Our organisation manages around 40 different service agreements, most of which are delivered in partnership with other healthcare providers. This means we work closely with others - sometimes as the main provider and sometimes supporting them - to ensure services are joined up and meeting patients needs.
Through these developments, Nimbuscare has shown that it can both support general practice and act as a legitimate, reliable partner to the wider health and care system.
Ambition and the Next Ten Years
Nimbuscare aspires to be awarded Multi-Neighbourhood Provider (MNP) status in the wake of the 10-year plan, reflecting our progress and readiness to support neighbourhood development at scale.
Our ambition for the next decade includes:
- Working Together Locally: Building strong neighbourhood partnerships to improve health and wellbeing for everyone, based on plans we’ve developed together with local communities.
- Joining Up Services: Working closely with hospitals and health teams across York, Scarborough, Humber and North Yorkshire (and beyond) to share ideas and make care more consistent wherever you live.
- Tackling Health Inequalities: Looking at local health data to identify where people may not be getting the same level of care and taking steps to make access and outcomes fair for all.
- Care Closer to Home: Working with hospitals, community services and voluntary groups to provide more care in local areas, reducing the need for hospital visits where possible.
- Investing in People and Culture: Building strong, sustainable teams and leadership, because a positive culture and skilled staff are essential for delivering great care.
