Wessex Health Partners (WHP) is a strategic alliance of organisations in Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. It aims to speed up better health and care through research, innovation and training.

The partnership includes universities, NHS organisations and Health Innovation Wessex.

University Hospital Southampton (UHS) is one of the founding members.

Official launch

The leaders of each of WHP’s founding partners have signed a collaboration agreement. It was finalised today, marking the official launch of the alliance.

The agreement sets out the commitment members have made to work together. Shared ambitions include:

Improving the region’s collective ability to tackle health and care challenges
Generating greater collaborative and interdisciplinary research
Speeding up the development and adoption of innovation at scale

Dr Karen Underwood, Director of Research & Development at UHS, said:

“We are delighted that UHS is one of the founding members of this exciting new partnership.

“Together, we are committed to bringing positive change to people in Wessex.

“We look forward to working with our regional partners to deliver on this shared goal.”

Thriving regional partnership

WHP holds established connections with the life sciences industry. It will use these to drive economic growth, create jobs and attract investment to the region.

Professor William Rosenberg is the Chair of WHP. He said:

“With today’s formal launch, our founding members make a commitment to work together as Wessex Health Partners. Together, we will tackle health and care challenges experienced locally, but also in the rest of the UK and much of the world.

“From work to create a greener and more sustainable health service, to utilising advances in genomic medicine to support improvements in diagnosis, treatments and prevention, WHP will focus on understanding health and care needs and identifying where research, innovation and training can provide a solution.

“We want to improve the health and wellbeing of our local population, helping people to live happy and healthy lives. Wessex has state-of-the-art research facilities, cutting-edge centres, world-leading researchers and expert innovators. It is an exciting place to deliver research and develop innovations which have global impact.”

Christine McGrath, Managing Director of WHP, added:

“The signing of the collaboration agreement by WHP’s founding partners marks the start of an exciting programme of work. It will see us shine a spotlight on Wessex as a centre of excellence in research, innovation and training.

“Through WHP, we’re creating a vibrant culture for research and innovation. We’re making it easier for individuals and organisations across our region to connect and collaborate. Sharing experience, expertise and resources will benefit the communities we serve.

“By harnessing our strengths and mobilising the region’s expertise, we’re helping to address local priorities, transform health and care services, and improve health outcomes for our population and wider society.”

Visit the WHP website to find out more. For regular updates, follow WHP on LinkedIn and X, or sign up to the mailing list.

New regional partnership to improve health and care outcomes