HEALTH service professionals from Asia visited Thurrock last week to learn about the borough’s health and social care system.

The five guests from North Singapore spent two days witnessing first-hand how the area’s Better Care Together initiative has influenced health and social care in Thurrock.

The partnership’s scheme is designed to better focus on individuals while providing a health service that is more tailored to the specific needs of patients.

Better Care Together is a group of commissioners and providers of health, social care, hospital trusts and community, voluntary services who have come together to bring about this more streamlined approach.

During their trip, the Singapore health care workers worked with the partnership and also visited local communities to see how Local Area Coordinators work alongside individuals.

Councillor Sue Little, cabinet member for social care, said: “Today was a wonderful opportunity to showcase our work with international partners across the health and social care system and share our Better Care Together alliance development and best practices.  

“Hearing of the similar developments and exciting changes in Singapore were inspiring. Today we have celebrated and shared best practices, a great collaboration has formed.

“At the heart of this approach is supporting our residents to stay healthier and independent for longer through preventing ill health, recognising their strengths and when people do need extra help, ensuring that support comes from within the local neighbourhood whenever possible.”