Learn about south west Essex, including local communities, health priorities and how health and care partners work together to improve services.
South west Essex health and care services support people living in the areas of Basildon and Thurrock. Health and care partners across the area work together to improve population health, reduce inequalities and ensure residents can access joined-up services closer to home.
South West Essex includes a mix of urban communities, post-industrial areas and significant regeneration along the Thames Gateway. Population growth, housing development and high levels of mobility across the area influence local health needs and patterns of service use.
Where is south west Essex?
South West Essex covers two local authority areas:
- Basildon
- Thurrock
The area includes a mix of:
- urban and suburban communities
- regeneration areas along the Thames Gateway
- established neighbourhoods
- new housing developments and growing communities
These environments shape how people access health and care services in south west Essex and influence local demand for services.
Population and communities in south west Essex
South West Essex has a combined population of approximately 340,000 residents.
Population characteristics vary across the area:
- Basildon and Thurrock have younger age profiles and greater ethnic diversity.
- Some neighbourhoods in Basildon and Thurrock experience higher levels of deprivation.
These differences mean that demand for health and care services in south west Essex varies between neighbourhoods.
Population growth and housing development across parts of the area are also expected to increase demand for services in the future.
Health inequalities and deprivation in south west Essex
Some parts of Basildon and Thurrock experience the highest levels of deprivation in Essex.
These inequalities contribute to:
- lower healthy life expectancy
- higher prevalence of long-term conditions
- increased smoking and obesity rates
- greater reliance on urgent and emergency care
Premature mortality linked to cancer, circulatory disease and respiratory conditions remains a challenge in more deprived communities.
Wider factors such as housing quality, employment, transport access and environmental conditions also influence health outcomes.
Reducing inequalities and improving access to health and care in south west Essex remains a core priority for partners across the area.
Adult health and long-term conditions in south west Essex
Improving adult health and supporting people with long-term conditions is a key focus across south west Essex.
Some of the main challenges include:
- cardiovascular disease
- respiratory illness
- cancer outcomes
- obesity and lifestyle-related risk factors
Partners across the area are working together to:
- identify health needs earlier
- increase uptake of screening and NHS Health Checks
- support people to manage long-term conditions
- reduce avoidable hospital admissions
Children and young people in south west Essex
Population growth in parts of south west Essex is increasing demand for services that support children, young people and families.
This includes:
- early years services
- school health services
- mental health support for children and young people
- family and community services
Improving outcomes for children and young people remains a key priority across the area.
Growth, regeneration and health
Regeneration and housing growth across Basildon and Thurrock create both challenges and opportunities for improving population health.
New developments and infrastructure investment provide opportunities to:
- embed health and wellbeing into local planning
- improve access to primary and community services
- strengthen neighbourhood networks
- reduce long-term health inequalities
Close collaboration between health services, local authorities, primary care and voluntary organisations supports this approach.
Neighbourhood working and integrated care
Integrated neighbourhood teams are being developed across south west Essex and are aligned with primary care network footprints.
These teams bring together professionals from different organisations to deliver coordinated care.
Their work focuses on:
- delivering proactive and joined-up care
- improving multidisciplinary working
- supporting people with complex needs
- providing more care closer to home
This approach supports earlier intervention and better coordination of services.
Working in partnership
South west Essex is part of the Essex Integrated Care Board.
Health and care organisations work closely with partners across the area, including:
- NHS organisations
- local councils
- GP practices and primary care networks
- voluntary and community organisations
Partnership working supports local initiatives focused on prevention, cardiovascular health, respiratory care and community wellbeing.
Further case studies will be added to this page to demonstrate how partnership working is improving outcomes for residents.
