Barnet Included in £6.2m Child Health Innovation Hub
The SPROCKET hub, led by UCL, aims to improve support for children with complex health needs across North Central London.
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A significant innovation hub, SPROCKET, has commenced operations in Islington with a £6.2 million investment. This initiative is spearheaded by University College London (UCL) and is dedicated to enhancing the support systems for children facing complex health challenges, particularly during critical life changes. The hub's focus extends across North Central London, encompassing services within Barnet.
Addressing Key Life Transitions
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SPROCKET, an acronym for Systems and Process Redesign and Optimisation at Childhood Key Events and Transitions, will examine how various sectors, including health, education, social care, housing, and transport, interact or fail to meet the needs of children. This is especially pertinent during significant junctures such as commencing school or transitioning back home after a hospital stay. The project's foundation is built on the experiences of over 60 families who contributed to its design through prior research funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
The hub officially launched on 2 July at London Scottish House. The event brought together families, young individuals, healthcare professionals, researchers, and representatives from local government and charitable organisations. Discussions at the launch highlighted the importance of equitable access to services, with one participant, a special school governor, noting the difficulties in navigating pathways between educational and health services and expressing optimism about SPROCKET's work.
Collaborative Network
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The SPROCKET initiative involves a broad range of partners. These include organisations from Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey, and Islington, alongside the North Central London Integrated Care Board, Great Ormond Street Hospital, and UCL Partners. The project is financed through a collaboration between the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and NIHR. It is scheduled to operate for the next four and a half years.
Over the coming five years, SPROCKET intends to develop and trial up to five practical innovations. These developments will be informed by detailed system mapping and active engagement with children, young people, families, charities, and service providers. Further information is available on the UCL website.
Questions this report answers
+What is the SPROCKET hub and who is leading it?
The SPROCKET hub is a £6.2 million initiative led by University College London (UCL) to improve support for children with complex health needs across North Central London. It focuses on redesigning systems during key life transitions such as starting school or returning home after hospital stays.
+How long will the SPROCKET project run for?
The SPROCKET project is scheduled to operate for four and a half years, with funding secured for this duration. During this time, it will develop and trial up to five practical innovations to enhance services for children with complex health needs.
+Who is funding the SPROCKET hub?
The SPROCKET hub is funded through a collaboration between the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). This joint funding supports the project's operations and research activities over its lifespan.
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