NHS Primary Care Leader visits Pears Cumbria School of Medicine
The Pears Cumbria School of Medicine team welcomed Dr Claire Fuller, GP and Primary Care Medical Director for NHS England. Dr Fuller, renowned for her work in primary care integration discussed with local primary care providers. Taking a major step forward in understanding the need for community-based education and healthcare provision in Cumbria.
Speaking about her visit, Dr Fuller said: “The Pears Cumbria School of Medicine is a welcome addition to the healthcare landscape. It’s good to see this collaboration and commitment from University of Cumbria and Imperial College London investing in medical education, which will include supporting our GPs of the future, and will have a lasting impact on communities for generations to come.”
Professor Brian Webster-Henderson OBE, Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Cumbria said “Dr Fuller’s visit to the University of Cumbria marks an exciting time in the countdown to welcoming our first students next August. Her insights into integrated care and the future of primary healthcare are invaluable. The new medical school underscores our commitment to training the next generation of healthcare professionals who will make a real difference in Cumbria.”
Engaging Local Primary Care Providers
A highlight of Dr Fuller’s visit was a roundtable discussion with local primary care providers. The discussion centred on strategies to strengthen the connection between medical education and community healthcare needs, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Dr Jerome Poppe, Head of Primary Care at the Pears Cumbria School of Medicine said: “The roundtable discussion with Dr Fuller and colleagues in Cumbria highlighted the essential collaboration needed to address the unique healthcare challenges in the region. This meeting reaffirmed the vital role primary care plays in shaping the future of medicine and the importance of supporting these efforts through education, prevention and research."
A Catalyst for Regional Healthcare Innovation
The Pears Cumbria School of Medicine, developed in unique partnership between University of Cumbria and Imperial College London, with generous support by the Pears Foundation, aims to become a hub for medical excellence in the North West. By attracting aspiring medical professionals and providing them with robust, regionally focused training, the school is expected to address critical gaps in local healthcare and foster a new generation of medical leaders.
Mr Martin Lupton, Vice Dean (Education) for the Faculty of Medicine at Imperial College London who extended the invitation to Dr Fuller said “Dr Fuller’s visit underscores the significance of the new medical school for the entire region. Her insights and expertise have been invaluable as we lay the groundwork for a medical school that is committed to delivering cutting-edge healthcare approached and serving the needs of the local community.”
Looking to the Future
The Pears Cumbria School of Medicine are set to welcome their first cohort of students in August 2025, marking the beginning of a transformative journey in medical education. Dr Fuller’s visit and contributions, sets a promising tone for the school’s mission to serve as a cornerstone for health and well-being in Cumbria and beyond.
For more information about the Pears Cumbria School of Medicine, please visit www.cumbriamed.ac.uk
Notes to editors
Main picture caption: L-R Dawn Ashley, Interim Postgraduate Dean for North East and North Cumbria; Dr Amit Paik, GP Carlisle Healthcare; Professor Brian Webster-Henderson OBE, Deputy Vice Chancellor University of Cumbria: Anne Oakey, Head of Practice Learning ＆ Partnership, University of Cumbria; Mr Martin Lupton, Vice Dean (Education) for the Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London; Dr Claire Fuller, GP and Primary Care Medical Director for NHS England; Annabel Johnson, Deputy Director of Primary Care, North East and Yorkshire; Professor Mary Morrell, Head of School, Pears Cumbria School of Medicine; Stacey Fisher, Cumbria Health; Alex Morton, Group Director, Primary Care & Community Services Delivery and Support at NHSE; Dr Jerome Poppe, Head of Primary Care, Pears Cumbria School of Medicine; Dr Joanne Daly, Medical Director for NCPCA, Lead GP for Eden Medical Group; Dr Helen Horton, Clinical Lead (North Cumbria & Partner, Distington Surgery).