New approach to patient care and research unveiled as Anglia Ruskin University and others win HIEC status to benefit London and Essex communities

Anglia Ruskin University has been uniquely successful in being a partner in two successful bids to be designated one of the NHS's Health Innovation and Education Clusters (HIEC).

Through its Postgraduate Medical Institute Anglia Ruskin University will be working in partnership with University College London and Queen Mary University of London in an Essex / North London partnership, and with University of Cambridge in an East of England HIEC and these groups will come together to research and pioneer new treatments for common diseases, provide a focus for illness prevention and support better choice and care across the Health Service.

The partnership with UCL and QMUL accounts for approximately 10 percent of the NHS budget in England and the population served includes some of the most vulnerable and diverse communities in the country. Key areas identified for the HIEC's immediate attention are the prevention of major illnesses such as stroke and heart disease; new treatments for chronic lung disease; and better choice and care in Maternity services across the region.

Breaking new ground in its' approach, researchers and clinicians from all professions will be drawn together within the HIEC specifically to improve the quality of patient care. This model will be led by patient need, and transformed by the ability to collaborate across primary care trusts, local Government and research organisations.

In the East of England the Cambridge University Health Partnership HIEC will initially focus upon improving the management of long-term conditions including diabetes and obesity; stroke; respiratory conditions, mental health and cancer, together with improving care at the end of life.