Universities and NHS organisations need to develop new refreshed forms of collaboration to deal with current and future challenges rather than resuming existing pre-pandemic relationships, according to a new report.

Published by the Civic University Network, a national network led by Sheffield Hallam University, and the NHS Confederation, the paper sets out a pioneering vision for reinvigorated relationships between universities and the NHS. It outlines five key principles which, taken together, can help to reimagine university and NHS relationships, and co-create renewed post-pandemic partnerships that put place first.

Matthew Taylor, CEO of the NHS Confederation, said: “The pandemic has shown the very best of what the NHS and universities can do in partnership, but it has also exposed widening local inequalities throughout our shared communities. The next stage of this relationship, one of the strongest and oldest we have, must be centred around a vision for making our places and populations both better and better off.”

Dame Jackie Daniel, CEO of Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The NHS is at its best when it not only provides outstanding care, but also works with partners to support people’s health, wealth and well-being. This guide will be invaluable in helping NHS organisations and Universities to collaborate so that together we can improve life chances in our communities.”