Simon Constable, Chief Executive of WHH, told invited guests at the opening event: “It’s fantastic to see so many organisations represented here today from across Warrington. The Living Well Hub has been a real team effort since its conception four years ago, and is proof that by working together we can achieve great things together, for the benefit of the town.
“Some of the services on offer here at the Hub would previously only have been delivered in a hospital setting, however it’s really important that we’re now able to deliver them in the town centre, providing better access for those who need the most support.
“By doing so we can tackle health inequalities, improve patient outcomes, and reduce the pressure on acute hospital services, while also helping to create jobs and support the regeneration of the town centre.”
Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, Cabinet Member for Public Health, said: “I am confident that the Living Well Hub is going to be a gamechanger for Warrington. Whoever you are, if there are any aspects of your health and wellbeing you want advice about, I encourage you to drop in and start a conversation with one of the hub’s experts.
“By working together in partnership with other providers, a range of help and support is available to you and your family, and I encourage you to take a look at the Hub for yourself when it opens to the public.”
Cllr Paul Warburton, Cabinet Member for Statutory Health and Adult Social Care, said: “Thanks to many years of hard work and collaboration by NHS organisations, the council and our third sector partners, the Living Well Hub is a facility that Warrington can be truly proud of.
“The Hub's pioneering model is intended to support people to live well in Warrington - helping all residents to live as happily, healthily and independently as possible. The Hub will also help to deliver the vision of our new Health and Wellbeing Strategy where Warrington is a place where we work together to create stronger neighbourhoods, healthier people, and greater equality across our communities.
"The space looks fantastic, it’s so welcoming, and I look forward to it becoming a well-used facility for our residents.”
The ground floor of the Hub is an inviting community-led space with a café area where Warrington residents can drop in to discuss any issues that may be affecting their health and wellbeing. NHS and non-clinical services will be delivered on the first floor, with several consultation and clinical rooms for use, while the second floor will predominantly be for staff use.
There will be a particular emphasis on providing women’s health services and services for children, families and older people. Maternity (pre and post natal), dementia, mental health, weight management, cardiac rehab and health visitor clinics are among the services being provided, with support from third party partners including Macmillan, Warrington Disability Partnership, LiveWire, Home Start, and other voluntary organisations offering a mix of booked appointments and drop-in support during the week.
Elaine Darbyshire, Chief Communication, Engagement and Estates Officer at Mersey Care, one of the NHS partners involved in the project, said: “Mersey Care is pleased to be a founding partner of the Living Well Hub which places individuals, organisations and residents at the heart of their community care. The new facility will improve the way people can access support to help them live and age well, and be involved and active in their health, wellbeing, and mental health.
“The Hub will also provide opportunities for a range of Mersey Care mental health services to be embedded and connected to the local communities to deliver high quality, accessible care closer to home and without the need for a hospital visit.”
Prof Colin Scales, CEO of Bridgewater Community Healthcare, one of the NHS partners involved in the project, said: “As a community health care provider, we see the impact of health inequalities, and the wider determinants of health, across our local communities.
“Bringing key partners and services together under one roof; the opening of the Living Well Hub will enable the residents of Warrington to take greater control of their own health, wellbeing and resilience.”
The Living Well Hub is specifically aimed at addressing health inequalities in Warrington, where there is a 10-year difference in life expectancy between the most and least deprived members of the community.
It is part of the borough-wide Living Well programme, which aims to connect people, communities and services to enable residents to live healthy, fulfilling lives and take greater control over their own health, wellbeing and resilience.
The Hub will be open to members of the public from Wednesday, with initial opening hours of 9am to 5pm weekdays, and until 8pm on Mondays and Wednesdays.
