The Centre for Health Communication Research (CHCR) is based at Buckinghamshire New University.  It aims to be recognised nationally as a best-in-class source of research, teaching and consultancy in the field of health communication.

The Centre was launched at a reception at the Houses of Parliament in 2012.  It focuses on the communication challenges, issues and opportunities faced by organisations in the health sector and works at the boundary between academe and the public sector delivering rigorous, evidence-based solutions in a timely fashion.  It has strong and well-established relationships with local and national organisations in both the health and care sectors.

CHCR brings together expertise from across the University’s faculties and from external sources.  It acts as a catalyst for innovative thinking in the field of health communication and engagement.  It is also a well-respected, independent source of best-practice advice.

Since 2015 CHCR has been the sole provider of a comprehensive postgraduate course for senior and mid-career health communication and engagement professionals in the NHS.  To date we have delivered nine cohorts of this course with approximately 150 students, many of whom have moved on into significant leadership roles across the NHS, not least in the new Integrated Care Boards.

Our vision at CHCR is to inspire the use of effective and professional communications to improve patient outcomes, strengthen patient experience and ensure the most efficient and effective delivery of services.

CHCR undertakes:

• Post-graduate level teaching
• Academic research
• Short courses for health practitioners
• Practical/commercial research
• Consultancy support for NHS organisations