Last week, a group of children from the local Graham James Primary Academy visited the Corringham Integrated Medical Centre (IMC) site to make their mark on the new building. The mark in question was a series of hand paintings across the dividing screens in the reception area. These screens separate reception from bathroom facilities and the mothers and babies feeding area, so the kids were helpful in lending a ‘hand’ to provide an extra level of privacy for people who will use the facilities.

Engaging the local school to help put the finishing touches on the new building is just one of the ways things are being done differently at Corringham. The activity and children’s involvement are a key part of the focus on building community health and wellbeing at Corringham. Coproduction is an important theme of the IMC’s programme and is representative of the goal to provide health and wellbeing initiatives in collaboration with the local community.

It reflects the overarching Better Care Together Thurrock’s (BCTT)  strategy to develop holistic approaches to the delivery of primary care, community healthcare and social care. This unified collaboration means better outcomes for people closer to home and a strengthening of services which can offer a comprehensive range of health and wellbeing support and initiatives for the public.

Mrs Karen Lane, Assistant Head Early Years, from Graham James Primary Academy shared their experience of the event:

“We’ve been watching and waiting as the building has grown over the last few years, so it’s been great to have the opportunity for our kids to be involved and leave a memorable feature on the new facility and something they can be proud to say they have participated in.”

Carmel Michaels, CRT Manager from the Corringham IMC programme also outlined the importance of collaboration as Corringham IMC mobilises towards opening:

“At the heart of our approach working within our locality is to encourage support to come from within the local area whenever possible to help people to stay happier, healthier and independent for longer through preventing ill health, and when people do need extra help, ensuring that the community outreach is there."

In June, there will be more opportunities for people to get involved in the IMC’s programme and more information about the progress of the new facility as it moves towards completion later this year.

If you have any questions or would like to know more about the IMC’s programme, contact communications@nelft.nhs.uk or visit the BCTT website .