Skip to main contentEnter

University dental project shortlisted for national NHS award

News

A pioneering dental service in Suffolk has been recognised for its innovative approach to tackling oral health inequality in Suffolk.

The big picture: The University of Suffolk Dental Community Interest Company (CIC) has won the East of England regional NHS Parliamentary Award and is now shortlisted for the Excellence in Primary Care and Community Care category in the national finals.

The NHS Parliamentary Awards, created in 2018, celebrate outstanding health and care sector contributions. This year, 318 MPs across England submitted 918 nominations.

A dentist's surgery
A treatment room at The University of Suffolk Dental CICUniversity of Suffolk

Why it matters: The project aims to provide NHS dental treatment to those most in need in Suffolk and North East Essex, addressing the critical issue of access to dental healthcare in the town.

How it works:

What they're saying:

Lorraine Mattis, Chief Executive of the University of Suffolk Dental CIC: "We are so honoured to receive the East of England regional award and be shortlisted for the national NHS Parliamentary Award for Excellence in Primary Care and Community Care. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team at University of Suffolk Dental CIC."

Lorraine Mattis
Lorraine Mattis, Chief Executive of the University of Suffolk Dental CICUniversity of Suffolk

Professor Jenny Higham, Vice-Chancellor at the University: "It is an honour to see the University of Suffolk Dental CIC, commissioned by Suffolk and North East Essex ICB, recognised for its work in bolstering the greatly needed NHS dental provision in our region."

Jenny Higham
Professor Jenny Higham, Vice-Chancellor at the UniversityUniversity of Suffolk

Ed Garratt OBE, Chief Executive, NHS Suffolk and North East Essex ICB: "I'd like to congratulate the University of Suffolk for the innovative way in which it is delivering oral healthcare via the Dental CIC. Our community is already benefitting from this groundbreaking model of healthcare provision and it provides a blueprint to be considered nationally."

Ed Garratt OBE
Ed Garratt OBE, Chief Executive, NHS Suffolk and North East Essex ICBUniversity of Suffolk

What's next: The national NHS Parliamentary Awards will be held on Monday, 14 October. Notable figures from the health and social care sector will judge the awards.

The bottom line: This recognition highlights the potential of innovative collaborations between universities and healthcare providers to address pressing community health needs.

Police reveal Billy McNicholl died from head injuries and a single stab wound in an 'isolated' attack

News

A post-mortem has revealed that William "Billy" McNicholl, 63, died from head injuries and a single stab wound at his Ipswich home. Police continue to appeal for witnesses as the murder investigation enters its second week.

The details: Officers discovered McNicholl's body at his home on Hawthorn Drive shortly before 18:00 on New Years Day:

  • Suffolk Constabulary's Major Investigation Team is leading the inquiry

  • A police cordon remains in place near the junction with Marigold Avenue

  • Investigators are particularly interested in any suspicious activity between 24 December and 1 January

William "Billy" McNicholl and his dog
William "Billy" McNicholl, 63, died from head injuries and a single stab wound at his Ipswich homeAmy Clarke

What they're saying: Detective Superintendent Mike Brown of the Joint Major Investigations Team said: “We continue to appeal for anyone with any information to come forward while the murder inquiry into the death of Billy continues.

“Billy’s family are being supported by specially trained officers through what is an extremely distressing time for them.

“A large number of officers and staff have already been involved in the investigation, with searches, house-to-house and CCTV enquiries taking place. Residents should expect to see a continued increased police presence over the coming days.

“We are exploring all and any lines of enquiry and currently believe this to be an isolated incident and I would urge anyone with any information, no matter how small you think it may be, to get in touch with police.”

How to help:

  • Contact police on 101 quoting reference 37/162/25

  • Submit information via the Major Incident Public Reporting Portal at mipp.police.uk/operation/363719P01-PO1

  • Call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

  • Use Crimestoppers' online form at crimestoppers-uk.org

The bottom line: While police believe this is an isolated incident, they are conducting extensive searches, house-to-house inquiries and CCTV analysis. Residents should expect to see an increased police presence in the area over the coming days.

Load next article