New agreement signed with NHS Trust

The University and Trust will work together on a number of activities including joint research projects, applications for grant aid or funding and attracting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region to manufacture new and innovative healthcare products.

A Memorandum of Co-operation was signed recently by Professor Ian Oakes, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research and Enterprise at the University and Dr Clive Thursfield, Research Lead for the Trust.

The aim of the partnership is to develop a vibrant network of research organisations within the West Midlands, including universities, colleges, city councils, and private sector companies.

Examples of proposed joint research projects include developing new IT systems to support healthcare in the community and using the latest technology to aid the rehabilitation of brain damaged patients.

Professor Richard Hall, from the University, School of Technology said: “This new partnership seals the close working relationship we have developed with Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Trust. We look forward to working on a number of collaborative activities to enhance the provision of effective and appropriate services for local communities.

“We are also seeking to transfer knowledge from sectors such as aerospace and high value manufacturing to healthcare to see if we can improve people’s lives in the community.”

Professor Laura Serrant-Green from the University, School of Health & Wellbeing said: “The partnership has also stimulated interdisciplinary working between two Schools within the University, which will yield new ideas and ways of delivering excellent healthcare.”

Dr Clive Thursfield, from the Trust, said: “Our partnership with the University of Wolverhampton will be highly significant in delivering one of the ten strategic priorities of the Trust’s new clinical strategy, namely employing technological and service user innovations to improve outcomes and reduce costs.

“We anticipate linking clinicians from across our organisation with Wolverhampton researchers to identify areas where this collaboration will lead to real benefits for our patients.”

The new agreement will create alliances between staff across the organisations for joint visits and collaborative working.

They will develop joint research and development (R&D) projects to meet the needs of stakeholders and create new opportunities geared towards problem solving in the health sector using staff expertise.

The organisations will meet regularly and develop collaborative projects, share best practice, and develop new processes and products to improve healthcare in the community at reduced cost.

The University and Trust will also share information on economic, political and commercial matters to assist with the delivery of their R&D strategy.

Experts from the University’s School of Technology and School of Health and Wellbeing will be involved in the project.

ENDS

For more information please contact Vickie Warren in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322736