Lancaster University and the Morecambe Bay health trust have formally joined forces by signing an agreement to work more closely to help residents.
The university and the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT), which runs the Royal Lancaster Infirmary, have made their partnership official by signing a Memorandum of Understanding.
This confirms that they wil jointly work on projects around areas including research, innovation, education, recruitment, estates optimisation, sustainable business practices and social responsibility.
Professor Andy Schofield, vice-chancellor of Lancaster University, and Professor Mike Thomas, chair of UHMBT, signed the agreement at a ceremony at the University’s Health Innovation Campus.
“Lancaster University and University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust have a long history of working closely together on a wide variety of research, teaching and engagement initiatives and I am delighted to formalise our partnership with this Memorandum of Understanding," said Professor Schofield
“Evidence shows NHS providers which are highly active in research deliver better healthcare for patients and an environment which supports the development of the next generation of doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals and many of our departments work closely with UHMBT on a wide range of projects, across various disciplines.
“Lancaster is recognised as a Civic University and anchor institution for the region due to its commitment to supporting our communities. Partnering with key organisations locally allows us to take a joined-up approach to initiatives which help improve the lives of local people.
“Our MBChB Medicine and Surgery degree was recently ranked in the top five in the UK across every measure In the National Student Survey and much of Lancaster Medical School's success comes from the close relationships we have with our NHS partners which ensure our students experience rich and fulfilling industry placements.”
Professor Thomas said: “I'm delighted to sign this Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Lancaster and University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust. Our two organisations have a great history of working together and it is fantastic to put this onto a formal footing. I look forward to working closely together long into the future.”
The two partners are also committed to working with other public, private and third sector organisations which share similar goals in working towards positive societal change.
UHMBT also runs Furness General Hospital (FGH) in Barrow and Westmorland General Hospital (WGH) in Kendal, as well as a number of community healthcare premises including Queen Victoria Hospital in Morecambe, Millom Hospital and GP Practice, and Ulverston Community Health Centre.
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