Strategic alliance to improve the health of Fylde Coast and beyond

Education and local authority leaders have come together in Blackpool to create a bold partnership to explore new innovations to increase and improve skills in the health and social care sector and thus enhance the wellbeing of local residents.

The alliance brings together the expertise and knowledge of the three organisations to create innovative solutions and improve skills in the health and social care sector and thus will enhance the health of the local population, reducing  inequities among population groups, while driving economic growth.

Blackpool Council chief executive Neil Jack said: “This is an incredibly important new partnership that will see experts working closely together to innovate and ultimately help deliver real improvements to people’s lives in terms of their wellbeing.

“Signing the Memorandum of Understanding is testimony to the strong desire and commitment of all partners to drive this ambitious project forward.”

Health Innovation Campus

Professor Andrew Atherton, deputy vice chancellor at Lancaster University, added: “We are pleased to be part of a strategic alliance that will deliver health and wellbeing improvements for the residents of Blackpool and the Fylde.

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding is a significant event as it formalises the strategic alliance between the three organisations. The partnership may then lead to further collaborative projects to drive growth and prosperity in the local area.

“This highly valuable strategic alliance enables us to build on existing relationships and use the knowledge and experience of the three partner organisations to improve skills, particularly within the health and social care sectors, drive forward innovation and, ultimately, improve health outcomes for the local population.” An example of what can be achieved by the alliance is the new Fylde Coast Health and Social Care Career Academy. The academy, which was launched earlier this month, brings together representatives from the private, public and third sectors to ensure skills delivery meets industry needs and supports those wishing to begin or advance their careers in the health and social care sectors.