First of its kind Health, Wellbeing and Care Hub launches at Essex

Health and council leaders, partners and Colchester MP Will Quince came together to celebrate the launch of the pioneering Health, Wellbeing and Care Hub at the University of Essex.

They were joined by the High Sherriff of Essex Charles Bishop for the official opening of the first of its kind Hub which brings together service delivery, research and education.

The Hub and the Institute of Public Health and Wellbeing (IPHW) are now based on the ground floor of the £10.7m Clingoe House development at Parkside on the Knowledge Gateway research and technology park.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Anthony Forster cut the ribbon to mark the official launch with Emma Blowers, who takes on the role of Hub Manager in April, IPHW Director Professor Mariachiara Di Cesare,  Dean of Integrated Health and Care Partnerships at Essex Professor Victoria Joffe and Dean of Partnerships Professor David O'Mahony.

Professor Forster said: “This represents a major leap forward in how we work with our partners in the health and wellbeing sector, how we deliver services to the public, the way we approach research and the transformational learning experience we offer our students.

“This project is rooted in our partnerships and our shared commitment to ensuring Essex is a Civic University which drives forward social and economic improvements in our area alongside public wellbeing.

“This is an incredible building which matches our ambitions for the future.”

Those attending included Vice-Chairman at Essex County Council Cllr Ray Gooding, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care Cllr John Spence, Mayor of Colchester Cllr John Jowers and Mayor of Wivenhoe Cllr Tim Multon.

The Hub is set to become a centre of excellence in health and care-related research and workforce development. NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) is overseeing service provision on behalf of NHS England with services also being developed in partnership with NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board and service users. 

The work of the Hub will align with NHS priorities and health and care needs with services including falls prevention, a memory clinic, health promotion, health checks, and interdisciplinary support for children, young people and adults with multiple and complex health and wellbeing needs.

Student placements at the Hub will see services delivered by supervised students studying nursing, oral health science, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, social work, clinical psychology, law, sports science, computing and related subjects.

The Hub will also coordinate workforce development, training and research, both on the Campus and in the community.

Professor Victoria Joffe, Dean of Integrated Health and Care Partnerships at the University of Essex, said: “The Hub will support the development and future pipeline of the health and social care workforce, as well as upskilling existing staff, providing services in key areas of need in the region, including mental health promotion, dental care and support for people with chronic conditions like stroke and dementia. 

“Our innovative approach to partnership working and co-production of the services we offer, will ensure the delivery of high-quality impactful and evidence-based health and care interventions delivered by students and our future workforce and generating cutting edge clinical research. "

Clingoe House is the latest phase of Parkside on the Knowledge Gateway research and technology park and gives businesses the chance to connect with a thriving community of innovators, entrepreneurs and like-minded businesses. Suites are available from 1,873 sq ft to 32,432 sq ft.

For further information about the latest phase of Parkside please contact Ewan Dodds at Whybrow on 01206 577667/07957 862773 and on email at: ewan.dodds@whybrow.net or Ben Le Coq at Carter Jonas on 02075 183 335/07776 181 799 and on email at: ben.lecoq@carterjonas.co.uk