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A new Health Integration Team (HIT) tackling child health inequalities in Bristol has been given the green light by the Bristol Health Partners Executive Group. The team, led by Patricia Lucas, Senior Lecturer at the University of Bristol's Centre for Research in Health and Social Care, and Jo Williams, Consultant in Child Public Health at Bristol City Council, will bring together researchers from the University of Bristol, University of West of England (UWE), Bristol City Council, and local NHS and community organisations.

The Bristol Network for Equality in Early years health and wellbeing (BoNEE) HIT will work with families, clinicians, researchers and commissioners to implement best evidence, identify groups disadvantaged in access or outcomes, and develop and evaluate innovative responses.

Professor Peter Mathieson, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry and Director of Bristol Health Partners said he was delighted to see the "new collaborations and such evident team spirit amongst a group of enthusiastic experts" in the new partnership.

HIT Director Patricia Lucas said: "We are thrilled to be given the opportunity to set up BoNEE. Our approval as a HIT shows the commitment and expertise that our members have brought together. We look forward to tackling the big health inequalities that are affecting so many of Bristol's disadvantaged children, hopefully leading to a healthier start in life for all."

Assistant Mayor for Health, Councillor Barbara Janke, said: "In an ideal world, no child in Bristol should suffer from health inequality but the sad fact is some do. I'm delighted that the new HIT is pulling together experts from the city council, universities and health partners so they can actively work together to help close the gaps in health care for children in the city."