Introduction
Improving the health and life outcomes of our region ’ s population is the driving force behind all our programmes , including our ongoing support for innovators . We understand that by helping to create a population which is healthy we also create the conditions for greater personal prosperity and an inclusive , productive regional economy . Only by simultaneously focussing on both aspects of this intrinsic link can we begin to tackle long-standing societal challenges and unlock the region ’ s true potential .
This is evident in our ongoing work on the YHealth for Growth campaign . Collaborating with stakeholders from across the region , we aim to drive inclusive growth in Yorkshire and the Humber . We also remain committed champions of the internationally recognised health and life science assets in our region , which represent a fifth of the UK ’ s total employment in the sector ( page 8 ) and provide a springboard for future regional growth .
Locally , we ’ ve undertaken work with South Yorkshire to map their health and wellbeing sector , identifying assets across the region and the economic contributions they make . This is now being used to inform our work on promoting the region to potential investors and collaborators both nationally and internationally . We are also founding members of the Leeds Health and Social Care Hub which brings together a diverse range of local partners to improve health outcomes and provide a boost for the local economy ( page 10 ).
Addressing health inequalities remains a major priority that influences all our work . We continue to engage with public and private sector partners such as NHS England and Boehringer Ingelheim to tackle inequality , ensure that public and patients are engaged in developing solutions and provide support to
4 Transforming Lives Through Innovation improve health in our most underserved communities . Last year we collaborated on a report with Public Policy Projects , which examined the digital divide and made practical recommendations to avoid exacerbating health inequalities in the process of driving digital advances . Find out more about this important work on ( page 48 ).
Our evolving work on sustainability supports the NHS in its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and promote net zero practices . From our unique position working with both the NHS and industry , we are able to identify and spread environmentally sustainable healthcare solutions . One such initiative is the Sheep Shed Green Award , which we were commissioned to deliver by Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership . The programme recognises and celebrates the efforts of NHS projects in promoting sustainability practices that reduce environmental impact . This award is a great opportunity to showcase innovative practice across the region and their commitment to the green agenda ( page 67 ).
Sustainability projects are most effective when they also deliver benefits for patients . The award-winning SENTINEL PLUS project ( page 29 ), which we delivered in partnership with Hull University Teaching Hospitals and AstraZeneca , does just that as it improves asthma care whilst simultaneously protecting the environment . From its origins in Hull , the project , which is designed to reduce the use of single-use blue inhalers , has now been successfully implemented in 305 primary care networks across England . We are now working to facilitate its adoption nationally to ensure all asthma sufferers can benefit from this work . We were particularly pleased when the project was recognised as the ‘ Environmental Sustainability Project of the Year ’ at the HSJ Partnership Awards last November .