Our Story
Twelve GP practices established Durham Dales Health Federation (DDHF) in 2014 to deliver more local, flexible, and patient-centred care across the Teesdale, Bishop
Auckland and Wear Valley.
Built on strong collaboration and local leadership, DDHF has grown into a multidisciplinary organisation focused on improving patient outcomes, reducing hospital admissions, and addressing the population health needs of rural and urban communities.
Today, DDHF delivers innovative services such as Same Day Urgent Care, Frailty at Home, and community-based wellness programmes, helping patients access the right care quickly while offering excellent value for the NHS. With a proven track record of reducing admissions and developing new roles like Health Care Coordinators, the federation continues to evolve services around patient needs.
Our integrated model allows staff to work across services, ensuring continuity of care, workforce stability, and high-quality patient experiences in every setting. Supported by strong partnerships with Primary Care Networks, acute hospitals, and community organisations, DDHF plays a key role in delivering neighbourhood healthcare.
Driven by data, innovation, and collaboration, we continuously identify new opportunities to improve services and tackle health inequalities across County Durham. Our diverse leadership team brings expertise from across healthcare, business, and the voluntary sector to shape forward-thinking, sustainable solutions.
Our History
2014
DDHF established by the Durham Dales practices with the key role of supporting the practices with meeting the challenges of primary care over the long term.
2014
Introduction of VAWAS (Vulnerable Adults Wrap Around Service) to provide services for older people in their own home and care homes.
2016
DDHF becomes the local lead on a diabetes alliance between primary and secondary care.
2016
We partnered with Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust to deliver primary care mental health services.
2014
DDHF established by the Durham Dales practices with the key role of supporting the practices with meeting the challenges of primary care over the long term.
2014
DDHF established by the Durham Dales practices with the key role of supporting the practices with meeting the challenges of primary care over the long term.
2014
DDHF established by the Durham Dales practices with the key role of supporting the practices with meeting the challenges of primary care over the long term.
2014
DDHF established by the Durham Dales practices with the key role of supporting the practices with meeting the challenges of primary care over the long term.