Academy partners invite comments on health and social care future

Published Monday, 19th December 2022

A new skills academy which aims to kick start the health and social care careers of Hartlepool’s next generation has been unveiled at a public showcase event.

The event focused on the importance of recruiting local talent into the sector, discussing how the investment will affect the local community.

The new Hartlepool Health and Social Care Academy, part of the Towns Deal funding secured for Hartlepool, invited delegates to have their say on the future of the ambitious project at a recent industry event.

The event, held at Hartlepool College of Further Education, brought together industry experts from across the region including local volunteers, educational institutions and community groups.

As well as offering a networking opportunity for delegates, attendees received an exclusive look at new academy plans for 2023 including the drafted floor plan and prospective courses.

Chief People Officer at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, Dr Susy Cook, said: “It was fantastic to see so many people at our first academy event; the room had a fantastic atmosphere of collaboration and innovation.

“The Hartlepool Health and Social Care Academy is our commitment to future proofing not only the Trust but community based health and social care services. It is an opportunity to upskill, attract and retain the workforce of the future.

 “Importantly, it is an investment in Hartlepool, and we remain dedicated to ensuring that our hospital continues to grow to reflect the ambition of this region.”

The academy secured a share of Hartlepool Borough Council’s £25 million Towns Deal fund in order to provide significant health and social care training for the region.

Held in real-life simulated areas including a clinical ward, it is a joint venture between North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, Hartlepool Borough Council and Hartlepool College of Further Education. 

Health and social care is a key sector for the region, accounting for an estimated 44,150 jobs in 2020 and 20% of employment is concentrated in this industry.

The academy looks to reduce the significant skills gap in Hartlepool, helping to prepare the region’s health and social care workforce for the future.

“We are committed to our aim of delivering a state of the art health and social care training facility and this partnership with both North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust and Hartlepool Borough Council highlights this,” said Hartlepool College of Further Education Principal Darren Hankey.

“The college is delighted to be helping to support this vision and highlighting the range of opportunities available for health and social care in Hartlepool.”

Jill Harrison, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Director of Adult and Community Based Services, added: “The academy is an exciting project, and we are delighted to be working in partnership with North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust and Hartlepool College of Further Education.

“The academy is an investment in the future, and it will allow local people to gain the skills and qualifications they need for successful careers in the health and social care sector.”

The event comes after Middleton Grange Shopping Centre recently received Government approval for its regeneration plans, making it the fifth and final Town Deal project to be given the green light.

The five transformation projects include renovation of the former Wesley Chapel, connectivity waterfront improvements, reimagining of Middleton Grange Shopping Centre and the development of academies in health and social care and civil engineering.

For more information on the Health and Social Care Academy go to https://yoursay.hartlepool.gov.uk/project-h-c-centre-excellence