The council will work with the University of Strathclyde, NHS Lanarkshire, and North Lanarkshire Council for the benefit of local communities and Scotland as a whole. 

The University of Strathclyde and NHS Lanarkshire first formalised their long-standing collaboration through a strategic partnership agreement, and the award of ‘University Status’ to NHS Lanarkshire, in 2020. 

They have now extended that partnership for a further five years.  Alongside renewing its strategic partnership with NHS Lanarkshire, the University has also signed Memorandums of Understanding with both Lanarkshire councils – consolidating the formal, multi-agency collaboration. 

A key and common element of these arrangements is the recognition of Lanarkshire’s two University Health and Social Care Partnerships as University-designated operating divisions of NHS Lanarkshire. 

Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Strathclyde, said: “It is a privilege to be working with NHS Lanarkshire, their leadership team and the staff there that make an enormous difference to the quality of people’s health. 

“This renewal reinforces our commitment to working with all parts of the Health and Social Care system in Lanarkshire and will widen the opportunities for us to address the needs of the people of Lanarkshire through the translation of our research and innovation into high-impact applications. 

“At Strathclyde, we have been delighted with the progress of our highly productive partnership since its inception and we are well positioned now to expand upon the value generated over the first phase of our relationship.” 

Paul Manning, South Lanarkshire Council Chief Executive, added: “All public services face significant challenges. However, this brings potential opportunities for improvement if public sector organisations have the ambition to work together in new and innovative ways.

“The positive actions of local government, NHS organisations and universities will have a significant impact on community wellbeing well into the future.” 

Paul Manning, Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Professor Soumen Sengupta Chief Officer of the South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership, and other leaders from the organisations, met at the University of Strathclyde to sign the agreement, marking the significance of this next stage of the partnership.