Praise for Partnership following ICB Board Away Day

Recently, the University of Hertfordshire hosted the Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board Away Day, which saw some 400 ICB members of staff descend on the University to celebrate the ICB’s second anniversary; to share learning and hear new ideas; and to see the organisation’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Jane Halpin together with the University’s Vice Chancellor, Quintin McKellar, present various awards including those to ICB members of staff who had served the NHS for 20, 30 and 40 years.

The day was interspersed with opportunities for attendees to try out a range of physical activities - ranging from adapted cycling for those with a disability or long-term condition, to using Judo techniques to minimise falls-damage in the elderly; from Tai Chi to badminton, all provided and co-ordinated by the Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership (HSP)- the Active Partnership for Hertfordshire - based at the University.

HSP is also the co-ordinator of the county-wide Live Longer Better in Hertfordshire, which aims to enable people to live longer better, reducing the need for health and social care and reversing the adverse effects of lockdown.  The programme aims to change the culture surrounding ageing- by replacing the concept of care with the concept of enablement - and Live Longer Better in Hertfordshire co-ordinator, Charlotte Bird said:

 “No matter how old someone is and how many conditions they have, the expectation should be that they can be enabled to regain lost ability, improve their physical and mental wellbeing and make an even greater contribution to society.  Live Longer Better means moving to a culture of coaching, rather than care. It is about equipping and encouraging people to be the best that they can be, regaining lost ability no matter how old they are and how many conditions they have.  Enablement is the key.”

In thanking HSP for its support of the event, Dr Jane Halpin said:

” Attendance at the event exceeded our expectations, with colleagues travelling significant distances to take part.  The venue and the activities laid on and supported by the Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership’s employees really encouraged people to get involved, and it was particularly good to see colleagues with disabilities able to take part in all the day’s agenda - thanks to the inclusive approach of the HSP team and the University’s excellent facilities.  Staff feedback has been very positive.  This is event is going to be a very hard act to follow!”

Responding on behalf of the Partnership, HSP Strategic Lead for Health, Will Slemmings said:

 “With a growing system emphasis on prevention- supporting people of all ages and abilities to live more active lifestyles- the Live Longer Better in Hertfordshire initiative is more important than ever.  We were delighted to support Dr Halpin and her team at the ICB in the organisation of the event, and to be able to heighten awareness around the importance of keeping active, to the quality of life for our older residents.

It was fantastic to meet so many ICB staff members- representing a cross-section of the workforce- and I hope that this will be the first of many initiatives that HSP and the ICB can collaborate on, to ensure that the residents of Hertfordshire and West Essex can lead active lives, leading to longer and more fulfilling lives which in turn can positively impact on the pressures of our NHS.”