Read how our collaborative care partnership is transforming services, tackling workforce challenges and delivering better connected health solutions closer to residents’ homes.
Forming key collaboration and improving how services work together across health and social care is at the heart of everything the County Durham Care Partnership does.
The roots of these collaborations go back over 15 years with long-standing, effective relationships forged between adult and health services and the local NHS.
This has evolved into a powerful force for change in the region’s health and social care landscape, giving residents better, connected health services, closer to home.
The partnership consists of Durham County Council, County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board, Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, County Durham Community Action, Healthwatch, Durham University, Primary Care Networks, Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust and North Tees Hospital.
Michael Laing, Corporate Director of Adult and Health Services at Durham County Council, said: ‘The value of the Care Partnership was enhanced during Covid when we all had to work together more closely, and that has continued.’
Supporting the Care Sector
The County Durham Care Academy attempts to help this, providing comprehensive training and support to attract and retain skilled care professionals.
Launched by Durham County Council five years ago, the Care Academy is a shining example of how partnership and innovation can transform the care sector.
‘Everyone running any care service has a challenge with workforce,’ said Michael. ‘It is the biggest cost, investment and biggest asset.’
The Care Academy’s success in this area is undeniable. More than 150 individuals have been directly supported into employment through tailored career pathways.
Over 1,800 people have completed sector-based training modules and more than 2,700 learners are now utilising the academy’s digital learning platform.
The academy offers a wide range of qualifications, from entry-level to senior leadership, ensuring a skilled workforce at all levels.
Programmes like the Care Home Assistant Practitioner (CHAPs) training address critical needs, such as the nursing shortage, by upskilling existing staff.
The Care Academy’s digital learning platform provides accessible and flexible training opportunities, catering to diverse learning styles and needs.
And close collaboration with over 300 local care providers ensures that training aligns with industry needs and that apprentices have access to valuable work experience.
Transforming lives and fulfilling careers in care
Michael said: ‘The work that the Care Academy has done is outstanding. I don’t know of anywhere else in the country that does it as well as we do it. I don’t use this word very often, but it is unique to have a care partnership and care academy working like ours.’
The Care Academy’s impact extends beyond statistics. It’s about transforming lives and fulfilling careers in care.
Michael said: ‘What the care partnership doesn’t forget is that we are all serving the same people. Ninety per cent of people using adult social care are regularly using County Durham health services. Together we all bring in a fascinating and totally different perspective.’
The Care Partnership has plans to expand the focus on preventative care, community-based services and the integration of technology.
The Care Academy’s success offers valuable lessons for organisations across all sectors.
And Michael said: ‘There’s more in the pipeline. We are expecting a plan for the NHS to be announced in the Spring and from what we have heard so far, we expect that to reflect what the partnership is doing.
‘We could do more in prevention, talk more about caring in the community rather than at an acute hospital, one of our strengths. There is more talk about analogue to digital, like using AI or technology to deliver better care. There will be fantastic opportunities to expand further.