Exciting New Health and Social Care Academy Launch

Health Academy Launch Image — Pictured Left to Right - Gary Wright, deputy chief people officer, Stacey Hunter, group chief executive, Darren Hankey, chair of the Hartlepool Town Deal Board and principal of Hartlepool College of Further Education and councillor Pamela Hargreaves, chair of the council’s economic growth and regeneration committee. Photo; NHS

We are proud to be a partner in the newly launched Health and Social Care Academy, a transformative initiative designed to prepare a future-ready workforce for one of the most vital sectors.

The Health and Social Care Academy, developed in collaboration with NHS Trusts and key educational partners, including Hartlepool College, aims to address the critical skills shortage in health and social care by offering a tailored curriculum that combines academic learning with real-world experience. This innovative model will ensure students are well-prepared for a variety of careers in the health and social care industry, from nursing to support roles, while simultaneously meeting the growing needs of the community.

Attendees chatting in the corridor of the new Health and Social Care Academy. Photo NHS

As one of the official partners, we will play a key role in delivering cutting-edge training and education through the Academy. With a curriculum developed in collaboration with health and social care professionals and experts, students at Hartlepool College will benefit from unique opportunities to gain hands-on experience, take part in placements, and work closely with the NHS and other health organisations.

The Academy’s focus is on nurturing the next generation of health and social care professionals, and we are committed to providing its students with the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive in this critical field. This collaboration offers a unique chance for students to not only learn in the classroom but also to work in real healthcare environments, ensuring they are job-ready from day one.

The launch of the Health and Social Care Academy is an important milestone for the region, aiming to provide long-term solutions to staffing challenges in health and social care while giving students a clear pathway into sustainable and rewarding careers.

Academy staff showcasing some of the new equipment and facilities on offer at the Health and Social Care Academy. Photo: NHS

We are excited to be at the forefront of this initiative, working alongside its partners to help shape the future of health and social care education. By investing in the next generation of workers, the Academy and its partners are ensuring that the region remains a leader in health and social care innovation.

Darren Hankey, chair of the Hartlepool Town Deal Board and principal here at Hartlepool College, spoke at the launch event about the timeline of the Town Deal projects, and how partnership working has helped to bring about the opening of the academy.

Darren said: “It’s great to see the opening of the Academy. It’s been nearly five years in the making with lots of hard work done through Covid and a period of significant cost inflation – well done to the NHS team which has delivered this project on time and on budget.It is also right and proper to recognise the leadership of Alby Pattison, the previous Town Deal Chair, who initiated this project and is sadly no longer with us. His family can be rightly proud of this project being a legacy of his drive and passion for the town.”