Latest Chamber Partner calls for collaboration to create healthier, stronger communities
Date published:
The Chamber’s latest Partner member is transforming healthcare for local people and creating stronger, fairer communities.
County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT) Charity is the beating heart of hospital and community healthcare support in County Durham and Darlington.
The Chamber partnership supports the charity’s community work and strong North East connections, while promoting inclusivity, occupational health and the need for a sustainable regional healthcare system.
Professor Richard Scothon, Chairman of CDDFT, said: “Our decision to join the North East Chamber of Commerce aligns perfectly with our new five-year strategy, which includes fostering collaborative partnerships that enhance the quality of healthcare services across County Durham and Darlington.
“By becoming a partner, we aim to strengthen our ties with the business community and establish meaningful relationships that will help further our charitable initiatives, as well as enabling us to communicate the healthcare sector’s needs and concerns to policymakers.”
He added: “Many of our colleagues live and work within County Durham and Darlington and we consider ourselves to be more than an employer but very much a part of the communities we serve. Our aim is to enhance patient care and experience, medical innovation and to create a fair and equitable, nurturing environment for all.
“We extend our gratitude to the North East Chamber of Commerce for welcoming us into their network, and we look forward to a productive and mutually beneficial partnership.”
Erin Newey, Chamber strategic partnerships manager, said: “The North East is aiming for a high skills/high pay economy for all, but our high rates of economic inactivity hold us back.
“Investment in occupational health, with a strong focus on mental as well as physical health will help address this. Good, well-paid work is also key to tackling health and social inequalities.
“That’s why we’re delighted that County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust Charity has joined as the Chamber’s 25th Partner member.
“The charity is making a vital and incredibly positive contribution to the North East. We will aim to support the team in raising their profile and providing valuable connections to create a stronger, fairer region.”
The partnership strengthens calls in our Stronger, Fairer North East policy plan which looks to tackle economic inactivity effectively, unlocking the potential of people in the region.
We have been working with our members on how they can be supported to incorporate occupational health into their workforce strategy to help to retain staff.
We have also lobbied for a clear message of support on flexible working to maximise the contribution from everyone in the North East – disabled people, people with caring responsibilities and workers at all stages of life.
Our Local Skills Improvement Plans aim to improve local skills and training by collaborating with local educational institutions to enhance healthcare training programmes.
The Chamber will continue to advocate for policies that support the healthcare sector, this includes lobbying for better funding, resources and infrastructure improvements.
CDDFT Charity joins our 24 other Partner members, who form an exclusive group of some of the largest and most influential businesses in the region, from a range of sectors.