Following a meeting of GP practices across Norwich in late 2015, a leadership board was formed with the intention of creating an evidence based plan. This would transform general practice in Norwich into a sustainable and clinically excellent body, fit for the demands of the 21st century.

OneNorwich is an alliance of 21 out of 22 GP practices across Norwich. This is the first alliance of its kind in Norfolk. The aim of OneNorwich is to create a stronger GP service at a time of budgetary constraints, workforce depletion and increasing demand for our services. OneNorwich practices wish to improve care for the 220,000 patients in the city they look after.

The member practices are independent organisations, but they will be forging closer links and working more closely together to ensure services remain sustainable. OneNorwich has been created to be a sustainable model for the future, that is in the best interests of Norwich patients and harnesses all that is good about the healthcare system in Norwich today.

Norwich general practice already has a very dedicated, enthusiastic and skilful workforce but historically practices have not worked together as closely as they will in the future. The vision is to create a more joined up health service for people in Norwich, centred on our GP practices.

The OneNorwich vision draws upon much of what has been learned from pilot schemes elsewhere in the country:

• The principle that “no decision about me should be made without me”
• To redesign primary care services in Norwich so all of the current care providers work much closer than ever before
• To create a Norwich primary care that enables patients to live their lives by living well, whatever their stage of life.

The OneNorwich Alliance fits with national plans to transform care.