New partnership to improve health
Improving the health of the Wessex region and transferring medical research from the laboratory bench to the patient’s bedside are the aims of a new network of clinical academics, health care teams and innovators.
The Wessex Academic Health Science Network (AHSN) brings together Universities, NHS Trusts and Clinical Commissioning Groups to link excellent research, high quality education and training, business and commercial investment and best clinical practice to improve people’s health.
The group, which covers a population of more than three million people, has been approved today.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southampton Professor Don Nutbeam is the interim Chairman of the Wessex AHSN. He comments: “Institutions across the Wessex region already have a good track record of working together to improve the health of the local population. This is an exciting and important opportunity that will enable us to continue that good work to drive our health services forward and to ensure that people can expect the same, high quality of care regardless of location or provider.”
The Wessex AHSN’s focus will be on tackling key local health issues such as respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, alcohol and liver disease and the aging population.
Wessex already has clinical and research expertise in these areas. By focusing on this and developing strong partnerships with a thriving health innovation sector, patient access to services will be improved and better treatments can be provided for their condition.
Professor Nutbeam continues: “We will put the needs of our community at the centre of all we do and are committed to collaborating with all partners to improve local health issues.”
Martin Stephens, Martin Stephens, Wessex AHSN Interim Managing Director and Associate Medical Director for Clinical Effectiveness at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, adds: “We are determined to translate the Wessex AHSN vision for better health into a reality for our patients. At the heart of this will be our absolute commitment to improve patient services and population health across the region.
“Our partnership will engage industry, the third sector and local government to help tackle the greatest health needs and create an environment where invention, adoption and spread of the very best practice every day.”
Wessex already has clinical and research expertise in these areas. By focusing on this and developing strong partnerships with a thriving health innovation sector, patient access to services will be improved and better treatments can be provided for their condition.
Professor Nutbeam continues: “We will put the needs of our community at the centre of all we do and are committed to collaborating with all partners to improve local health issues.”
Martin Stephens, Martin Stephens, Wessex AHSN Interim Managing Director and Associate Medical Director for Clinical Effectiveness at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, adds: “We are determined to translate the Wessex AHSN vision for better health into a reality for our patients. At the heart of this will be our absolute commitment to improve patient services and population health across the region.
“Our partnership will engage industry, the third sector and local government to help tackle the greatest health needs and create an environment where invention, adoption and spread of the very best practice every day.”
Notes for editors
The Wessex AHSN comprises:
NHS Trusts: Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust, Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Isle of Wight NHS Trust, Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust, Solent NHS Trust, South Central Ambulance Services NHS Foundation Trust, Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust
Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCG): Dorset CCG, Fareham and Gosport CCG, Isle of Wight CCG, North Hampshire CCG, North East Hampshire and Farnham CCG, Portsmouth CCG, South East Hampshire CCG, Southampton CCG, West Hampshire CCG, Wiltshire CCG, Wessex Commissioning Board Area Team
Universities: Bournemouth University, Southampton Solent University, University of Portsmouth, University of Southampton, University of Winchester
Wider network membership: Industry, LETB, Local authorities, Third sector organisations
Department of Health guidance on AHSNs can be found at:
DH, Academic Health Science Networks, June 2012 found at https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/126785/Academic-Health-Science-Networks-21062012-gw-17626-PDF-229K.pdf.pdf (accessed 17th April 2013).