Building healthier communities: the role of the NHS as an anchor institution

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The size, scale and reach of the NHS means that it has a significant influence on the health and wellbeing of local populations. But how it chooses to function and leverage its resources will determine the extent of that impact. Supporting NHS organisations to embrace their anchor mission is key to harnessing the NHS’s powerful influence on community health. The report proposes key actions for national and regional policymakers, local system leaders, and NHS providers and networks to help the NHS advance its role as an anchor institution. It gives examples of what anchor practices look like in a health care context and how anchor institutions can maximise their influence.