Academics at Teesside University are using their expertise to trial new methods of rehabilitation to aid motor recovery in stroke patients.
The researchers are working with Teesside Stroke Club, in conjunction with Public Health South Tees, to test the ideas outlined in their recently published academic journal.
Dr Daniel Eaves, Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science at Teesside University, published a paper in AIMS Neuroscience with a team of PhD students, calling for the introduction of a new post-stroke rehabilitation technique.
Strokes are the leading cause of motor deficiency in millions of people worldwide. Up to 60% of older adults are left with some form of chronic motor deficiency following a stroke.
Steve Foster, 62, from Middlesbrough, suffered a stroke in February 2013 and described the aftermath as a living hell.
He has been attending regular sessions at Teesside Stroke Club in conjunction with Public Health South Tees, for a number of years and is a participant in the extra rehabilitation sessions with Teesside University researchers.
“Life was dismal after the stroke – it is impossible to describe how low you go,” explained Steve.
“Coming to Teesside Stroke Club helps in so many ways – emotionally, physically, mentally, socially – I feel more like my old self again.
“I am always willing to try new things and working with the team at Teesside University has been great. We have been working on stacking cups, watching videos and trying to pre-empt the movement. I am not an expert, but it does seem to be making my brain work differently and they are extremely focussed and dedicated.”
In their paper, Dr Eaves and his students argue that imagining the feeling of movement while, at the same time observing a demonstration of the same action, means the video can act as a visual guide for the imagined action. This type of training, they argue, may help the brain to recover quicker than when using either demonstrations or imagery alone, which are currently prescribed post-stroke.
Dr Eaves said: “The key point is getting people moving again and what we are doing is almost like physical practice – asking patients to imagine doing the movements, while they see the same action at the same time.
“It is about re-learning an action, repeating the same thing over and over again and monitoring how the brain and the participants’ behaviour adapt to this form of training.
“Our previous studies show there is significantly more activity in motor regions of the brain if people watch an action while imagining it at the same time – and we are now investigating if that aids rehabilitation and improves daily lives.”
Ted Docherty, Chairman of Teesside Stroke Club, added: “We have over 85 members and the sessions are a lifeline for some people. It is fantastic to have experts from Teesside University with us who are giving so many patients a real boost in their recovery.”
Val Jones, the Exercise Referral Programme Coordinator, said: “Having PhD student Jack Binks and his fellow students delivering the research project, with their encouragement and support towards the clients, has been invaluable. It’s a really positive experience for them as well as our team.”
PhD student Jonathan Emerson was the lead author on the paper published in AIMS Neuroscience, along with fellow students Jack Binks, Matthew Scott and Ryan Kenny as co-authors. These students are also supported by various academics at Teesside University, including Professor John Dixon, Professor Paul van Schaik, Professor Denis Martin, Dr Chris Wilson and Dr Martin Tayler.
Dr Eaves added: “It is fantastic to give our students the opportunity to work on research that makes a real difference to people’s lives.
“Our recent publication is based on our earlier cognitive neuroscience research into the effects of combined action observation and motor imagery. The next step is to analyse the data from our live on-going project, led by Jack Binks, and involving Teesside Stroke Club members, to determine exactly how beneficial this novel form of rehabilitation is for stroke patients over time.
“We are also looking forward to presenting these results at the Research in Imagery and Observation (RIO) Group annual conference being hosted at Teesside University on 25 and 26 April 2019.”
The RIO Group annual conference will see academics from around the world visiting Teesside to present their cutting-edge research on this topic. The event is free and will provide an opportunity to learn about research that impacts across disciplines, including applied sport and exercise science, clinical rehabilitation, physiotherapy, occupational health, human factors, cognitive psychology and neuroscience. To register, email d.eaves@tees.ac.uk, or visit the RIO Group website.
Members of Teesside Stroke Club have also been using the Teesside University student massage clinic, based within the School of Health & Social Care. Students in the clinic have welcomed the opportunity to work with patients from a range of demographics and have adapted their skills to suit the patients’ needs.
In addition, Dr Stephanie Kilinç and Dr Lis Hammond, from the University’s Psychology department, have a website to support people with long-term conditions, with tips and resources for patients and practitioners. They are also gathering stories on what helps people cope with their condition.
Collectively, this research supports Teesside University’s grand challenge research theme of health and wellbeing.
Academics and health professionals are combining their expertise to trial new technology which could speed up the diagnosis and treatment for thousands of hepatitis and HIV patients.
Late diagnosis of blood borne viruses (BBV), such as HIV and hepatitis, remains high in the UK despite efforts to increase testing among those at risk of infection.
Experts at Teesside University and South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have developed a new software application to assist GPs and health-care workers to make decisions about BBV- testing in real time.
The technology is currently undergoing pilot testing in several GP surgeries and, if successful, could ultimately lead to quicker diagnosis and treatment, improved patient outcomes and also reduce transmission of BBVs.
There is often a reluctance for GPs to offer BBV-testing due to issues around the process of consent. It is also a time consuming process as GPs have to examine each patient’s individual medical records before being able to make an informed decision.
Concerns have been raised that when patients arrive at hospitals, there are regularly cases where BBV-testing should have been picked up earlier.
The team of researchers and experts, led by Dr David Chadwick, Consultant in Infectious Diseases at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Professor Paul Van Schaik, Professor of Psychology at Teesside University and Dr Gareth Forbes, a GP at Leadgate Surgery in Consett, have developed a software module which can be applied to the database of existing medical records. It provides an automatic prompt to GPs and other health-care workers each time a BBV test should be recommended for a patient, speeding up the process and potentially enabling quicker diagnosis and treatment.
The decision to test for BBV is still in the hands of the GP, but the technology provides an automatic prompt based on existing medical information, rather than having to read through individual patient records.
The technology has recently won the Medipex NHS Innovation Award for Primary Care, as well as the Bright Ideas in Health Award for development of an innovative device or technology.
Professor Van Schaik said: “We are trialling the technology at the moment and will then need to compare the results for BBV-testing with and without this technology. The rationale is that it has the potential to speed up the testing and diagnosis of infectious diseases – improving patient outcomes and potentially saving lives.”
Professor Van Schaik has researched and published in areas around technology acceptance for over 20 years. His main role in this project is to test the acceptance of the new system from patients and health-care workers.
“The two main factors with any new technology are usability and usefulness”, explained Professor Van Schaik.
“Is it easy to use? Will GPs be able to make better and more informed decisions? Will it improve patient outcomes? The data from the pilot testing should provide the answers to these kinds of questions.
“The impact, if successful, would be the take-up of this technology across the country and improved outcomes for patients. It would be a relatively small addition to the existing system that has the potential to make a significant difference.”
Dr Chadwick is Research Lead for Infectious Diseases at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and has an interest in HIV and approaches to reduce late diagnosis of BBVs.
He said: “We hope this innovative technology will reduce late diagnosis of HIV, along with viral hepatitis. As well as being a great accolade for South Tees, it also recognises the important contribution of my research colleagues at The James Cook University Hospital, in primary care and at Teesside University.”
Creative computing students have devised innovative new software to help simplify work procedures for NHS staff.
Students from Teesside University’s School of Computing, Media & the Arts have created a mobile app which can be used by staff when working away from the office.
The team of students were tasked with finding a solution to a business need to simplify an authorisation form, still complying with NHS improvement guidelines.
Adam Ruddock and Jamie Waters, from North Tees & Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust’s Directorate of Nursing, Patient Safety and Quality, visited the University to meet the final year students who created the app which can be used by trust employees in relation to authorisation.
Adam said: “We were really impressed with what the students came up with and their understanding of the concept. Their solution will allow us to operationally comply with NHS guidance in a live environment, resulting in efficiencies across the organisation.”
Jamie added “We were really impressed with the integration with our workforce systems and the skills of the students. It has been really positive and we are keen to work with the University on more projects like this.”
BSc (Hons) Computing student Matthew Charlton, said: “We were tasked with simplifying an authorisation form which staff need to complete, making it less complex and more user-friendly.”
The students, working as Team Internauts, also included BSc (Hons) Computing student Francesca Zealley, BSc (Hons) Web & Multimedia students Joe Hutchinson and Alex Watson and BA (Hons) Web Production student James Scott.
Matthew added: “Coming together from different degree courses means we brought various skills to the team, ranging from design and development to research and project management.
“It has been really beneficial working with an external client and gaining that experience.”
Dr Myriam Mallett, Senior Lecturer in Digital Media and the Web, said: “Giving students an opportunity to work on live projects and deal with client focused business solutions is vital as it prepares them well for what is to come in their future careers.”
Teesside University has forged an exciting new strategic partnership with a leading specialist health care provider which will enable collaborative research and innovation opportunities and further develop the employability of students and graduates.
A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed by the University’s School of Health & Social Care and Connect Health, based in Newcastle, which formalises the commitment to work together.
Connect Health is the largest, independent provider of integrated community MSK (musculoskeletal) services (including orthopaedics, pain and rheumatology) in the UK, serving over 300,000 NHS patients a year across 19 Clinical Commissioning Groups and over 100 private businesses. Historically, 30 million work days are lost each year due to musculoskeletal issues and Connect Health provides evidence-based, patient-centred care to enable people to improve their quality of life, reducing waiting times and clinical risk.
It also has one of the world’s largest collections of musculoskeletal data, seeing over 300,000 patients a year. Connect Health will work with experts at Teesside University to analyse this data, resulting in enhanced evidence based practice and innovation in services.
Teesside University’s School of Health & Social Care delivers a range of courses which meet today’s health and social care needs. It promotes evidence-based practice, giving students and graduates the most up to date knowledge and skills to deliver care. Research within the School focusses on rehabilitation and exercise sciences and public health and interdisciplinary work is carried out across the University and in partnership with external bodies and groups.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Professor Jane Turner OBE DL, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Enterprise and Business Engagement) at Teesside University and Professor Andrew Walton, Executive Chair at Connect Health.
It outlines a commitment to work together on a range of collaborative opportunities, including student placements, joint research, staff development, mentorships, education and training. The strategic partnership will also enable access to the capability and expertise that resides within the Schools of Science, Engineering & Design and Computing, Media & the Arts.
Professor Turner said: “We have an outstanding reputation in terms of health and social care and already work with a wide range of regional employers and health care providers.
“Our mantra is ‘you are the company you keep’ and Connect Health is a values based entity on a mission and exactly the kind of organisation we want to align ourselves with. They are at the forefront of musculoskeletal care and physiotherapy – driving innovation and improving patient services.
“This formal relationship will put a discipline and structure in place to maximise joint research, employability opportunities and collaborative partnerships.”
Professor Walton added: “Connect Health is 30 years old next year and in the last five years in particular we have enjoyed significant growth both in terms of size and maturity.
“Partnerships like this are so important and underpin our business infrastructure. It has been an incredibly exciting journey to get to where we are and we are delighted to be signing a formal Memorandum of Understanding with Teesside University, which has a fantastic reputation for both research and training in the health professions.”
Linda Nelson, Associate Dean (Enterprise and Business Engagement) in Teesside University’s School of Health & Social Care, said: “This is a fantastic partnership which reinforces the shared ambition of both organisations.
“The core of research in our School is in rehabilitation and physiotherapy and this provides an opportunity to work together to improve patient outcomes.
“The partnership is also about looking to the future and providing our students with challenging and engaging placement opportunities at a company where they could be employed on graduation.”
Lisa Davidson, HR Director at Connect Health added: “This partnership will support us on our journey to deliver a diverse workforce that has the right skills to deliver sustainable healthcare in the UK.
“Our roots are in the North East and we want to create employment opportunities for Teesside University students to support the local economy.”
Pictured: (L-R) Professor John Dixon, Associate Dean, (Research and Innovation), Professor Andrew Walton, Executive Chair at Connect Health, Linda Nelson, Associate Dean (Enterprise and Business Engagement), Professor Jane Turner OBE DL, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Enterprise and Business Engagement) and Lisa Davidson, HR Director at Connect Health.
A major healthcare provider is reaping the benefits of a partnership with Teesside University.
Staff members from BMI Healthcare, the UK’s largest independent hospital network, were among the first cohort to graduate from the University’s new Assistant Practitioner Higher Apprenticeship qualification.
A total of 143 graduates celebrated the completion of the new qualification at the University’s graduation ceremony.
Among those were nine members of staff from BMI Healthcare who have had training delivered on BMI premises by academics from Teesside University.
Last month, the Government’s newly-appointed Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock, described the importance of apprenticeships when he set out his priorities for the NHS, citing ‘workforce’ as top of the list.
“I want to expand the apprenticeships in both health and social care that in a previous ministerial job I introduced,” he said. “Everyone should have a ladder they can climb and a career they can develop.”
Jenny McKnight, Head of People Development at BMI Healthcare, said: “Teesside University’s partnership with BMI Healthcare is aligned with the aims set out by Matt Hancock. Throughout, we seek to ensure that all apprenticeships within BMI Healthcare are aligned to those achieved by NHS colleagues, so as to enable smooth transition and sharing of skills across the public and independent sectors.
“This, we believe, is in the best interests of both patient care and safety and of career development across the healthcare landscape in the UK.”
The Assistant Practitioner apprenticeship has been developed in conjunction with senior managers and employers to meet the education and training needs of care support workers.
As a higher apprenticeship, employers are able to recoup 90% of the course’s funding through their contributions in the apprenticeship levy.
The two-year course enable students to promote person-centred care in a diverse range of health and care settings and enhance the underpinning rationale of their current practice.
Leon Gates, a BMI Healthcare Assistant Practitioner graduate from South Dorset, said: “It’s been a lot of work but really helpful. The qualification means we can work with a lot more autonomy and if we want to go further in our careers, into areas such as nursing, it gives us the foundation to do that.”
Nathalie Harper, a BMI Healthcare Assistant Practitioner from Staines, Surrey, added: “it’s great that we are some of the first Assistant Practitioners to graduate.
“I would definitely recommend Teesside University to anybody. Doing this qualification has been an incredible experience. The staff have been really supportive.
“Having the academic support has made a real difference and will really help us with the way we work with patients.”
BMI Healthcare has collaborated with Teesside University on a number of projects. As well as the Assistant Practitioner Apprenticeship, the University has also accredited staff training modules for BMI Healthcare which they deliver and Teesside quality monitor.
Linda Nelson, Associate Dean (Enterprise and Business Engagement) in the School of Health & Social Care, said: “It’s been really exciting to see our first group of Higher Apprentices graduate.
“We’re delighted that we’ve been able to work with employers to develop this qualification which meets their workforce requirements. The knowledge and skills acquired while studying the Assistant Practitioner higher apprenticeship will have a real impact on the quality of patient care across the country.”
For more information on apprenticeships at Teesside University visit www.tees.ac.uk/apprenticeships
Cutting-edge digital technology is being trialled in a project which could revolutionise breast cancer scanning and analysis – potentially saving thousands of lives and speeding up the process for patients.
The Healthcare Innovation Centre (HIC), a partnership between Teesside University and TWI, is part of the new INTELLISCAN project.
It is examining the use of artificial intelligence to completely digitise breast cancer MRI interpretation and reporting, leading to more reliable and accurate analysis and faster diagnosis and treatment.
The UK currently has one of the worst survival rates for cancer in Western Europe, with one in every five women newly diagnosed with breast cancer dying. At present, screening mammograms do not find about 20% of breast cancers and there has been a global move towards breast MRI as a more efficient screening method.
However, current technology still requires human interpretation of the image data which can be timely and subject to human error, due to fatigue or stretched resources for example.
The INTELLISCAN project, funded by Innovate UK, is using advanced image processing and deep machine learning to deliver improved automated detection for breast MRI scans. The technology will utilise a Breast Image Interpretation and Transmission Model (BIITM) to interpret and transmit image data, instantly detecting anomalies and categorising them by severity. It will also flag any discrepancies through the patient’s history and expected progress.
Dr Jianxin Gao is Director of the HIC at Teesside University and says the world leading research could revolutionise breast cancer scanning and analysis and have a significant impact on people’s healthcare.
“This technology could completely change the way breast cancer MRI’s are scanned, analysed, reported and actioned,” explained Dr Gao.
“Hospital radiographers will be presented with digitally advanced and highly reliable reports, allowing them to treat and diagnose a greater number of patients.
“Using artificial intelligence in this way will provide instant automated results from breast MRI scans.
There will be greater availability of doctors and medical staff, resulting in reduced patient waiting times. In addition, the technology will provide greater accuracy and reduce reliance on human interpretation.”
If successful, Dr Gao says there is no reason why the technology could not be rolled out for other illnesses which require MRI scans.
The HIC draws on existing strengths at Teesside University and TWI to create a centre of excellence in healthcare technologies. It aims to carry out world-leading research that makes a significant impact on people’s lives and wellbeing.
Dr Gao added: “This is an exciting project and one that could make considerable and positive changes to the healthcare sector – improving the accuracy and speed of breast cancer MRI analysis. Early detection is crucial to survival and this technology could help to save the lives of thousands of patients.”
The INTELLISCAN project has received a grant of £830,000 from Innovate UK. As well as the HIC, the project is working with partners Brunel University London and First Option Software.
Teesside University’s HIC will concentrate on image processing and patient data, Brunel University’s Innovation Centre will lead on the artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, while First Option Software will integrate the technology into a software application.
Professor Tat-Hean Gan, Brunel Innovation Centre’s Director, said: “The system integrates a series of visualisation, data processing, data communication and decision-support systems which will enable it to dramatically improve access to breast healthcare and cancer treatment compliance.”
Matthew Clarke, Managing Director of First Option Software, added: “We are excited to be the business lead of this project, which is our first project to develop a bespoken solution for the healthcare sector. It will enable us to extend our business to the healthcare sector and many more.”
Middlesbrough’s major economic ambitions have been boosted with it being named one of the Top 10 Small Cities in Europe by the Financial Times.
The high profile listing comes in a report entitled European Cities and Regions of the Future 2018-19 which asks the question “With Europe in flux, which locations have investment potential for the long haul?”
The report has been compiled by an FT supplement – fDi magazine – which looks at potential for foreign direct investment (FDI). Middlesbrough was listed at number nine for small cities in Europe with its strategy to attract foreign investment.
A small city is categorised as having less than 1.5m people.
Middlesbrough Mayor Dave Budd said: “Middlesbrough has a rich history of industry, innovation and pioneering exploration, and we’re building on that in the 21st Century with a booming city centre economy, burgeoning digital and creative sectors and a thriving University.
“This recognition further underpins our potential for global investment, and marks Middlesbrough out as a beacon of ambition, regeneration and prosperity.
“Not so long ago Boro fans were chanting about Middlesbrough being a ‘small town in Europe’ with our usual self-effacing pride and good humour. It is great to see us now being recognised for our city-scale economic ambitions beyond the UK’s borders.”
Middlesbrough Council’s Investment Prospectus is the central plank of the economic development being seen in the town’s centre – or city heart – which will see the authority invest £74m in order to unlock more than £600m of private inward investment and secure 600 new jobs.
Among the projects happening are the £22.46 million Tees Advanced Manufacturing Park (TAMP) – based on the historic South West Ironmasters site – which is aimed at high productivity cutting edge manufacturing companies looking for a prime location in one of the UK’s key regeneration areas.
Other key projects include the proposed snow centre and the building of five new office blocks to the east of Centre Square to attract 1,500 new jobs and to re-home Middlesbrough Council staff.
Courtney Fingar, fDi Magazine’s editor-in-chief said: “In an ever more competitive global investment landscape and at a time when Europe is moving into a new political chapter with continuing uncertainties, it is equally challenging and important for cities and regions across Europe to bolster their appeal for foreign direct investment.
“fDi Magazine’s rankings are the result of a detailed, in-depth benchmarking exercise to determine the European locations with the brightest prospects for future inward investment. We applaud the success of all cities and regions in these rankings.”
Treatment for a chronic condition which commonly affects cancer sufferers is being improved thanks to a partnership between Teesside University and a North-East hospice.
The University has worked with Teesside Hospice to develop an education package for healthcare professionals to address the management of complex lymphoedema.
The Continuous Professional Development (CPD) modules have been developed in conjunction with Macmillan Cancer Support in response to a lack of education nationally about how to treat the condition.
Staff from the hospice will upskill colleagues in the management of lymphoedema through completion of a 20 credit module, which has been accredited and quality-controlled by the University.
Lymphoedema is caused by a problem with the lymphatic system and causes swelling in the body’s tissues – most commonly the arms and legs.
Although there is no cure for the condition, the symptoms can be managed by skin care, exercise and movement, compression and specialist massage.
Teesside Hospice runs a lymphoedema clinic which treats both cancer and non-cancer related lymphoedema.
The 10 day course of study will provide the opportunity to learn the theory and practice of advanced skills in the management of lymphoedema.
Module content will also explore the lack of public awareness, poor professional knowledge, delayed diagnosis and inappropriate treatment resulting in a significant impact on practice. Other practice-related issues including a poor understanding of treatment options among practitioners, a lack of evidence-based practice as well as difficulties associated with managing psychosocial problems and of ensuring concordance with treatment will also be addressed.
Teesside University’s School of Health & Social Care is renowned for its expertise in end-of-life and palliative care.
Students from the school recently organised a two-day conference on end of life care which attracted experts from across the region.
Linda Nelson, Associate Dean (Enterprise and Business Engagement) of the School of Health & Social Care, said: “We already enjoy an extremely fruitful partnership with Teesside Hospice, with many of our students working on placements there.
“Successful treatment of lymphoedema can have an extremely positive impact on sufferers and staff at the hospice are renowned for their expertise in this regard.
“We were very pleased to work with the hospice to develop modules which will provide increased knowledge and skills for even more healthcare professionals across the country to enable them to manage the condition successfully.”
For more information on service offered by Teesside Hospice visit www.teessidehospice.org.
Further details on courses and services offered by the School of Health and Social Care at Teesside University can be found at www.tees.ac.uk/health&socialcare
Tees Valley employers working in key sectors are being encouraged to recruit for an apprentice through a new grant scheme which aims to further establish the area as an innovative region for apprenticeship growth.
Apprenticeship Support for Employers (ASE) is provided by Tees Valley Combined Authority and offers excellent opportunities for employers in key sectors such as advanced manufacturing, chemical and process, and digital and creative, to grow and develop their workforce. It is designed to assist employers committed to creating a new apprenticeship or progressing an existing apprentice onto a higher level.
Several companies have already taken advantage of the support, welcoming new apprentices to their teams over the past couple of months.
Working closely with training providers, they will provide a valuable experience for their apprentices who will become the future generation of skilled workers in Tees Valley.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Now more than ever we need more of the skills that local businesses are crying out for. We are committed to increasing routes to great careers but we recognise employers need support. We are launching this funding scheme to address shortage by specifically targeting the sectors of our economy which have the highest growth potential.
“Tees Valley has a strong track record of encouraging apprenticeships, with recent growth far higher than national rates. I want to build on this success, and urge businesses to come forward and work with us so that we can invest in developing home-grown talent.”
The £1.3million scheme has been created following the previously successful Apprenticeship Grant for Employers (AGE), devolved to the Combined Authority in 2016, which approved applications to support more than 1,000 apprentices.
It is hoped the new scheme will have an even greater impact by specifically focussing on growing skills and employment in key sectors that have been highlighted in Tees Valley’s Strategic Economic Plan.
These key sectors have been identified as; advanced manufacturing, process, chemicals and energy, logistics, health and biologics, digital and creative, culture and leisure and business and professional services.
Tees Valley employers in these sectors can apply for one of two grants.
Grant A
A grant of £2,500 per apprentice for small to medium businesses (under 250 employees) from priority sectors who employ an apprentice aged 19+.
or
Grant B
An initial grant of £500 per apprentice for small businesses (under 50 employees) who employ and apprentice aged 19-24 with an additional £500 if the apprentice is still employed after 13 months.
Teesside University and North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust have signed an agreement to form a powerful strategic partnership which will enhance innovation in healthcare and education in the Tees Valley.
The partnership will see the two organisations work together and pool their expertise and resources to establish collaborative education and training programmes as well as research and innovation projects.
It aims to enhance the quality of life and lifespan for people from a range of perspectives and will cover work on areas including disease treatment and prevention, social and physical well-being, mental health and human behaviour, as well as the development of new technologies and ways of working.
The partnership was formally signed during a ceremony at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust’s Synexus Research Centre and was attended by Professor Simon Hodgson, Teesside University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Julie Gillon, Interim Chief Executive at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust and Labour MP for Stockton South Dr Paul Williams.
It reinforces the commitment of the two organisations to work together in collaboration to improve healthcare in the Tees Valley through advanced education, training, research and innovation within the healthcare environment.
Teesside University has a long history of supporting the health sector, providing a wide range of high quality and innovative training and education programmes to the sector within the UK and internationally, working closely with both care providers and service users. In addition, the large majority of its research in the support of the health sector was rated in the last national research assessment as being world leading or internationally excellent quality, with 100% of the impacts of research in this area being rated as outstanding or very considerable in terms of reach and significance (Research Excellence Framework 2014).
Professor Simon Hodgson said: “This latest partnership with our region’s health providers is the latest development around our University Research Grand Challenge in Health and Wellbeing and emphasises our commitment to addressing the big research questions that make a real, practical difference to people and communities around us, as well as on the national and international scale.
“We are delighted to be signing this formal partnership with North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust and look forward to working together on some game-changing education and research projects.”
Linda Nelson, Associate Dean (Enterprise and Business Engagement), in Teesside University’s School of Health & Social Care, added: “The University has long enjoyed a strong working relationship with North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust and this formal partnership will allow us to explore and develop further exciting new opportunities built on broader and deeper collaboration across both organisations.”
Professor Samir Gupta, Clinical Director for Research and Development at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This exciting partnership will allow the two organisations to work closely together to help improve healthcare in Teesside through education, training, research and innovation.
“This will help us to continue to provide the very best care to our patients.”
Dr Paul Williams MP said that Teesside University and North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust are two beacon institutions in the Tees Valley and the partnership is fantastic news for patients.
He added: “As a GP I know the importance of innovation in health care. Developing effective treatments and continually improving outcomes for patients is key to ensuring our NHS remains strong.
“I am sure that staff in both organisations will benefit hugely from this exciting collaboration. Ultimately patients are everyone’s priority and this formal partnership agreement will lead to even better healthcare for people here on Teesside.”
