Our partners come together, creating healthy communities

Published: 1 June 2023

people attending conference

Health and social care leaders and influencers from across Hertfordshire and west Essex came together recently at a conference dedicated to creating a healthier future for our communities.

The event in Harlow was the first conference of its kind to be organised by the Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) since its establishment in July 2022.  Hosted by the Right Honourable Paul Burstow, who chairs the ICB, delegates included senior members of county and local councils, NHS trusts, and the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector.

Together they learnt more about the experiences of communities, patients and staff, and considered how to accelerate the joined-up, collaborative approach to health, care and wellbeing which the public want to see.

The keynote speaker was the Right Honourable Patricia Hewitt, who authored a recent independent review of integrated care systems (ICS) which makes several significant recommendations about strengthening a local, partnership approach to improving health and care – with a focus on helping people to stay independent and well. 

One of the most impactful moments of the day was hearing about Alan, a Stevenage resident who has faced challenges in his home due to hoarding.  Mary-Ann Lindsay, lead for Herts Help Hospital and Community Navigator Service, showed a video about how link workers and social prescribers had supported Alan to declutter his home, making it a happier, healthier place to live: https://t.co/zm4uKEP8jq

Speaking after the event, ICB Chair Paul Burstow said: “I was thrilled to welcome so many partners to our first conference.  It brought senior leaders together with a collaborative focus and highlighted many real-life examples of the positive impact that working together brings for residents and communities.

“Being able to talk through some of the challenges and opportunities to continue to build a healthier future for our 1.6 million population was a fundamental outcome of the day. Coming together as system leaders helps us look at where we can make the biggest positive impact together.”