LMC is recognised for innovative collaboration to provide local community with access to health screening service

Lancaster & Morecambe College (LMC) features in a national report which highlights the work of the Further Education sector to support healthy outcomes across communities.

The report From Treatment to Prevention: How Colleges Can Build a Healthier Society  published today by the Association of Colleges, outlines a range of interventions put in place by colleges in England, which have contributed to the development of health initiatives and helped reduce barriers for local people.

Included in the report is a case study about the innovative collaboration LMC has developed with the local NHS, who were struggling to find suitable accommodation to provide crucial screening appointments in the district, following the closure of Ryelands House in 2023.

The Employer Hub team worked with the NHS to identify a suitable space on the college campus for the Retinal Eye Screening Service, enabling local patients to access crucial appointments, close to their home.  

Leeanne Grayston-Aldren, Commercial Manager at LMC, worked with the NHS on the pilot project which started in February 2025. The central location of the campus, which also has free parking and excellent public transport links, makes it accessible to the wider community. Following the success of the pilot, the College developed a bespoke space for the service, which is now operating on a weekly basis.

“We are proud to host the diabetic eye clinic on-site at the Employer Hub, making it easier for our community to access vital health services. By supporting the NHS and bringing care closer to people, we’re helping to reduce pressure on local services while promoting wellbeing across the wider community.”

The AoC report highlights the positive work colleges across the country are doing in partnership with health and wellbeing agencies to challenge health inequalities and improve access to services within communities.

“Colleges are at the centre of communities and are deeply rooted in their local place (and) play a key role in the preventive health agenda. They are carrying out innovative work to support the move from treatment to prevention.”

As an anchor organisation within our district, LMC works closely with community stakeholders, employers, schools and local agencies to remove barriers for young people and adults, enabling them to access education, health and wellbeing support.