Aberystwyth University and the Hywel Dda Health Board have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will pave the way for greater collaboration in areas of research, continuing professional development and provision of shared services.
The University and the Health Board are also working towards establishing a Professorial Chair in areas of mutual interest such as how people in rural areas access health services and support, and general health and well-being.
The new agreement builds on existing collaboration between the University and the Hywel Dda Health Board in areas of research.
One such project has been looking at strategies to prevent falls amongst the frail and elderly and has involved staff at the University’s Department of Sports and Exercise Science, Bronglais General Hospital and Age Concern Ceredigion.
In a new area of research, psychologists at the University are working with Aberystwyth based charity The Beacon of Hope on evaluating the effectiveness of home based tele-health kits for patients and their carers in rural areas. These kits enable patients to have face to face conversations with health care professionals rather than on the ‘phone.
Both these areas of research have received support through the Knowledge Economy Skills Scholarships (KESS) scheme, supported by the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government’s Convergence programme.
The new agreement will also open up opportunities for junior doctors at Bronglais General Hospital to use the excellent study facilities the University has to offer and develop research opportunities with academic departments.
Students following degree programmes at the University’s Departments of Psychology and Sports and Exercise Science will also benefit from lectures given by medical professionals from the Hywel Dda Health Board.
There are also possibilities for the Hywel Dda Health Board to adopt some of the tried and tested technologies used by the University for distance learning and recording of lectures to provide on-going training for doctors, pharmacists and other health professionals.
Professor April McMahon, Vice-Chancellor of Aberystwyth University said: “This is a very exciting development. The rural nature of Mid and West Wales means that Aberystwyth University and the Hywel Dda Health Board have much in common when it comes to delivering services, and much to share in terms of solutions for the benefit of the communities we serve. The creation of a Chair will provide a focus for applied research having direct benefit for the local community, and the wider population, at a time of change and challenge for health care services.”
The Memorandum of Understanding, which was signed by Professor April McMahon of Aberystwyth University and Mr Trevor Purt, Chief Executive of the Hywel Dda Health Board, is for an initial period of 3 years.
