Health inequalities in new research team's sights

Mayor Chris Cooke hopes the partnership will help "turn the tide on generations of inequality"

A new partnership has been launched to tackle health inequalities that hamper quality of life.

The programme will bring together specialists from Teesside University alongside Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland councils.

It aims to improve research skills and identify the factors which determine health outcomes.

Overseen by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, the Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) South Tees is one of 30 such partnerships around the country.

Jan Lecouturier, head of knowledge and innovation at Public Health South Tees, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity which brings together our public health excellence, research skills and the councils’ enthusiasm for positive action."

Welcoming the HDRC launch in Middlesbrough, Mayor Chris Cooke said: “Meaningful, focused research is vital if we are to turn the tide on generations of inequality and ensure we are on a level playing field with traditionally more affluent parts of the country.”

Redcar and Cleveland Councillor Ursula Earl said: “It is crucial that we maximise this opportunity to embed a first-class research programme.

“The research and health collaborative will provide the knowledge needed to develop evidence-based practice to improve health outcomes."