Adult health and social care in spotlight at Canterbury conference

The University brought together agencies and individuals with an interest in the provision of adult health and social care at a conference at its Canterbury campus on 27 June.

Organised by the University's KentHealth agency, the event considered how those responsible for planning and delivering adult health and social care in Kent and Medway can collaborate better and share best practice. It was co-sponsored by Kent County Council, NHS Kent and Medway and the Kent and Medway Care Alliance.

Over 40 invited participants heard about innovative practice both within Kent and further afield. Among those taking part were Samantha Sheppard, of Kent County Council, who spoke on 'The Kent Transformation Programme', and Jenny Thomas, of NHS Kent and Medway, who spoke about innovative plans for supporting people with long-term conditions.

Professor Peter Jeffries, Director of KentHealth, said: 'The integration of adult health and social care is something everyone acknowledges needs to be improved, so bringing together so many of those with an interest in providing services in Kent and Medway was extremely productive.

'The meeting really demonstrated that the key stakeholders in the county are ahead of the game and have an enthusiasm to work together. The afternoon session provided the forum for a lively discussion and debate which confirmed the region's ambition to provide one of the leading services in the country. We look forward to facilitating further collaborative activities.'

KentHealth was launched at the University in 2011 to help co-ordinate all health-related activities. It also organises regular events aimed at increasing collaboration between various agencies working in health and social care.

Contact: pressoffice@kent.ac.uk

Story published at 5:21pm 2 July 2012