Barts NHS Trust unveils plans for new centre for healthy aging

The Academic Centre for Healthy Aging will open at Whipps Cross Hospital in Leytonstone, which is operated by Barts Health NHS Trust.

The centre will bring together clinicians, researchers, educators, policymakers and the local community to improve services for older people.

Residents in East London experience poor health at an earlier age than those in affluent parts of the capital, with areas of higher deprivation linked to lower life expectancy.

Older people often suffer from multiple health conditions, which can generate complex healthcare needs.

Whipps Cross Hospital Chief Executive Ralph Coulbeck said: “This generous grant will enable patients in East London to receive better care and treatment to enable people to live a longer, healthier life.

“Waltham Forest has a vision to become a centre for care excellence focussed on healthy ageing and caring for people living with, or at risk, of clinical frailty. Taken together with the redevelopment of Whipps Cross Hospital – due to begin in 2025 – the Centre marks another step on the road to delivering our vision of improved health outcomes for local people.”

Barts Charity’s Director of Funding & Impact, Victoria King said: “With a growing population of older people, healthy ageing is something that is important to everyone.

“We are delighted to support this innovative partnership, which will contribute to both improved services across North East London and to developing NHS policy and practice across the country. By working with, and listening to, diverse local communities, clinicians, and caregivers, our new centre will build an evidence base with real-world impact, to enable better care and patient experience to help all of us age more healthily.”

The centre was funded by £6.6 million awarded by Barts Charity.

It will act as a network across Barts Health, Queen Mary University London, and partner care provider organisations hosted at Whipps Cross Hospital.