One of the University of Essex’s key health partners, North Essex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, is celebrating being awarded University status.

The University fully supported the Trust’s application to incorporate university into its title in recognition of the long-standing partnership between the two organisations. Areas of close co-operation include the development of innovative working, research and new education and training opportunities.

Professor Jo Jackson, Dean of Health and Head of the University’s School of Health and Human Sciences, said: “The University views North Essex Partnership as one of its key NHS partners and this is exemplified by the volume of collaborative activities that take place. This partnership working has been instrumental in the success of the School.”

Collaborative events have included a successful conference on Living well with dementia: Research into Practice, and the University is currently working with the Trust on a research project aimed at enhancing the care of people with dementia.

Two of the Trust’s consultant nurses work within the School and the Trust is the host employing organisation for the School’s Doctorate in Clinical Psychology programme. It also offers placements for many other students of the University, including those studying mental health nursing and occupational therapy.

On Monday 10 June, the Trust will hold an inaugural public lecture by its Medical Director, Dr Malte Flechtner, to mark its University status, and a number of senior University of Essex representatives are attending. The lecture takes place at firstsite in Colchester at 2.15pm and is free and open to the public. Dr Flechtner will speak about From Madness and Lunacy to Psychiatric Illness - A Historical Perspective on Psychiatry and Mental Health, covering the latest thinking around mental illness and treatment.

University Day will become an annual public event for the Trust in recognition of the importance of academic excellence, research and development, clinical effectiveness and better outcomes for patients. This year it will also commemorate the 100th anniversary of Severalls Hospital.

North Essex Partnership, provider of mental health, substance misuse and some community services, was awarded University status by the independent regulatory authority, Monitor.

The Trust’s registered name will be North Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust although it will continue to be known as North Essex Partnership.