This means we will be able to make improvements to deliver the best care for Blackpool patients

Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust (LSCFT) is celebrating gaining Teaching Trust status – the first step to becoming a University Trust.

The Trust, which looks after mental health services at The Harbour in Blackpool as well as general hospital services in Central and North Lancashire and South Cumbria, has been working together with colleagues from the Faculty of Health and Medicine at Lancaster University in recognition of its significant teaching commitment.

Lancaster University the primary partner for the Trust in the work towards University Hospitals status, while LSCFT continues to collaborate with a number of other Universities in the region in research and education in support of the work.

LSCFT hosts students from a number of Lancaster University programmes, including their Medical School and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology course.

Many Trust colleagues hold Lancaster University honorary academic titles, reflecting the depth of multi-disciplinary engagement in research and education.

Additionally nursing, social work and Allied Health Professionals in the Trust contribute to LU teaching and research programmes.

Together the two organisations are looking forward to an ongoing partnership focused on contributing to the health and wellbeing of the region’s population.

Recognition as a Teaching Trust reflects the work in research, education, innovation and engagement already carried out, particularly across five shared priorities: digital health, health inequalities, mental health, ageing, and children and young people.

Chris Oliver, Chief Executive at LSCFT, said: “I’m proud to now call us a Teaching Trust. This is so important for our patients, their families and carers, and our colleagues.

“For our patients and our population, it means we can enhance our commitment to improving population health, using the skills, knowledge, and innovation of educational institutions locally to enhance our patient outcomes.

“With greater research involvement and evidence-based practice, we will be able to make improvements to deliver the best care for the population we serve.

“It is also a really important step for our colleagues, demonstrating our commitment to being an employer of choice, attracting clinical colleagues to our region and our Trust. It signifies our ongoing commitment to developing our workforce and our investment in one of our aims - joy and pride in our work - with the support and commitment of a great University partnership.”

Professor Jo Rycroft-Malone, Executive Dean for Health and Medicine at Lancaster University, added: “Lancaster’s longstanding strategic partnership with Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust meant the University was pleased to offer its full support for LSCFT in attaining Teaching Trust status.

“This award is an important milestone which reflects the strength of our partnership and our shared commitment to high-quality education, impactful research and innovation in health and care.

“Our relationship with LSCFT helps create valuable opportunities for Lancaster University students, supports workforce development across the region and strengthens our joint ability to address major health challenges through research and promoting evidence-based practice.

“We look forward to continuing to work closely together as this partnership develops further.”

Dr Gareth Thomas, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Medical Officer at LSCFT said: “Our partnership will not only celebrate the success of current activities but looks ahead to set priorities for the future and the work that now needs to take place to secure University Trust status.”