Urgent and emergency care services:

For emergencies call 999
For out of hours healthcare call 111

Telephone: 01228 514830

We strive for excellence in all that we do

Social Sustainability

Cumbria Health as a social enterprise holds social value at the core of its business. We are now on a journey of adapting and challenging ourselves to find ways to make our services more economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable.

Social sustainability is integral to this journey, ensuring that the wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities is not only protected but actively enhanced through our work. This means creating equitable access to healthcare, fostering inclusion, and building long-term resilience within the communities we serve.

Cumbria Health places the patient, family, and their community at the heart of everything we do. 

 

Cumbria Health is committed to:
Tackling the inequality and poverty within our communities
Promote partnership working, implementing local activities which contribute to reducing inequalities and improving health and wellbeing for all.
Improving the quality of life
For the people who live in our communities.
Maximising local investment
Recognising the social, economic and environmental benefits of buying locally when procuring goods and services.
Increase local employment
We commit to increasing employment and training opportunities for local people, especially from areas of high deprivation and unemployment.
Be recognised as a good employer
Providing outstanding careers, ensuring our employees have a positive and fulfilling experience - empowering our staff to deliver outstanding services, sustainably, every day.
Champion equality, diversity and inclusion
Recognising people from different backgrounds and experience make a valuable contribution to the way in which we work.
Be greener and sustainable
We recognise the impact we have on the environment and our responsibility to improve our sustainability.
Champion community engagement
To promote an approach to managing our services and facilities, which drives greater efficiency and sustainability into corporate processes.

The Social Sustainability Achievements

We will monitor and demonstrate our commitment to delivering social sustainability through collaborate working with partners, patients and staff. 

Community Engagement and Involvement achievements:

  • Staff-selected charity of the year supported through creative fundraising initiatives
  • Encouraged employee volunteering, including leadership roles with local non-profits
  • Provided hands-on experience through placements like GP training schemes

  • Strengthened and promoted the Cumbria Health Social Enterprise Community network

     

Investing in Our People:

  • UHUK Alston Day unit- Winner for
  • Shortlisted for Public Sector Champion
  • Expanded apprenticeship and work experience opportunities to support people into meaningful employment
  • We recruit Tier 2 GP's, coupled with a robust mentorship package.
  • Support our teams with their personal wellbeing through the Employee Assistance Program 

Environmental Impact:

  • Improved recycling and waste infrastructures across all sites
  • Reduced use of printing and promoted digital efficiency by encouraging the use of Microsoft Teams for meetings and collaboration.
  • Supporting a greener future by offering access to the NHS lease car scheme, including options for electric vehicles as part of staff benefits.
  • Committed to sustainability by ensuring all Cumbria Health fleet vehicles are hybrid, reducing environmental impact across our operations.

  • Improved building efficiency by installing solar panels, LED lighting across sites, and optimising heating systems to reduce energy use and environmental impact.

     

Procurement achievements:

  • Achieved full marks in Social Value procurement questions during major GP contract bids — a testament to our commitment to community impact
  • Embedded our social value priorities directly into the procurement process, aligning every bid with our mission as a social enterprise
  • Challenged and inspired suppliers to demonstrate their own social value efforts, raising standards across our supply chain
  • Maximised local impact by prioritising spend within the Cumbrian footprint, keeping investment in our communities

Social Value Strategy

Aligned with our January 2024 Value Strategy, Cumbria Health is dedicated to upholding these core values.

Cumbria Health January 2024 Value Strategy