Yesterday our team visited the new Health, Wellbeing and Care Hub at the University of Essex to see how this space can improve the health and wellbeing of Essex residents.
The hub was created as part of the Long Term Workforce Plan. It is designed to develop the allied health professional’s student workforce, as well as providing services and the opportunity to do clinical research linked to Integrated Care Board priorities. The plan is for the services to be student-led, so the team are thinking creatively about how they can ensure sustainability for the services outside of term times.
Described perfectly by the hub staff as ‘NHS standard with a community feel’, the hub is very welcoming. Huge windows let in lots of light and bring in the outside green space. The rooms are multifunctional and flexible spaces, with wipeable floors and movable furniture. Equipped with screens in most rooms, they can offer online consultations or hybrid classes.
The team are exploring how they can offer different or additional services to those already provided by the NHS. There is a big focus on technology enabled care, as research has found that technology can be motivating for those engaging in rehab. They demonstrated some of the technology they have in the hub already for us, including tools to improve weak arm muscles. Some of this technology has been around for many years, but they have the capacity to offer it in this space.
Already there are lots of groups using this space, for activities such as baby groups and Parkinson’s classes. We are keen to see how this space is further developed and used to improve the health and wellbeing of those in the local area.
You can read more about the hub here.
One of the multifunctional rooms with big windows.
The gym is equipped with lots of rehab equipment and a screen to offer hybrid classes.
One room is a designated space for children, with lots of toys. They also have a dedicated sensory room.