A landmark partnership agreement between Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and Manchester Metropolitan University (Manchester Met) will aim to reduce health inequalities in the region and boost its health and social care system through innovative research and education.
The institutions will work together on health initiatives including a project to boost the take up of blood pressure screening in hard-to-reach communities, research on the effects of pollution on childhood asthma, and a scheme to help people with cancer improve their chance of successful outcomes through ‘prehab’ – strengthening their bodies before they undertake treatment.
MFT and Manchester Met’s research, education and outreach activities will be further progressed through annual plans for research and innovation, with several joint institution task groups already commissioned.
The 2024-2029 Collaboration Agreement is aligned to forthcoming NHS 10 Year Health Plan, and will deliver the 3 big shifts the NHS needs to be fit for the future: from hospital to community, from analogue to digital, and from sickness to prevention.
Mark Cubbon, MFT Trust Chief Executive said: “We have a long-established working relationship with Manchester Met and this new strategic partnership will ensure that we are combining our collective strengths in the right areas to make real changes and a real difference to local people.
“Through this partnership, we will provide exciting opportunities to our existing workforce and developing the next generation of healthcare professionals with cutting-edge skills and knowledge to deliver a healthier and happier future.
“We are proud to serve such diverse and dynamic communities, and through the joint work already being undertaken, and our future plans to ensure alignment on our collective journey, we will maximise the potential of our research by driving innovation in the NHS and leverage real change that matters to the people across our region.”
MFT’s Active Hospital Plan will utilise Manchester Met’s expertise in rehabilitation and musculoskeletal health to ensure that movement and exercise are embedded in the culture of the Trust as part of a prescription for better health and recovery.
Professor Malcolm Press CBE, Vice-Chancellor of Manchester Met, said: “This important agreement cements our already strong links with MFT. By harnessing our research and expertise, the partnership will drive a transformative cultural shift in health and social care in Greater Manchester, enabling people in the region to start well, live well and age well.”
Joint activity as part of the partnership has already seen the University share its expertise in the health of children and young people through its Institute for Children’s Futures and its research into exercise and musculoskeletal physiology through its Institute of Sport.
Professor Iain McLean Managing Director for Research and Innovation at MFT and Visiting Professor of Health Research Management at Manchester Met said: “As a university hospital trust, MFT has a long tradition of combining the very best of clinical and academic excellence to fuel our world-leading research and innovation.
“We can achieve more by working together, to ensure that we not only tackle the challenges faced by Greater Manchester, but can influence and support change across the country.”
Both organisations will also utilise MFT’s Clinical Data Science Unit – which gathers clinical data safely and efficiently to enable researchers to deliver cutting-edge research and innovation for professional and patient benefit.
Professor Deborah James, Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor in Health and Social Care, added: “We are excited about the possibilities for this partnership which will lead to shared learning about the best ways to make the shift from treatment to prevention and lower the disparities in health outcomes in the regional population.
“Using our expertise around air quality and health, our teams will also research the effects of pollution on child health and asthma, and our research into musculoskeletal rehab and prehab will pave the way for better outcomes for people with cancer. This collaboration will support Greater Manchester’s ability to advance the critical missions for the NHS and has the potential to transform people’s health and wellbeing.”
The redevelopment of North Manchester General Hospital, part of MFT, recently confirmed to be part of Wave 1 of the New Hospital Programme by the Department of Health and Social Care, will provide an opportunity to build on the ambitions of this partnership, and provide new learning and research opportunities across our communities and hospital sites at MFT.