Town and gown in health alliance – University of Reading
25 January 2005The University has awarded the title of 'Visiting Professor' to three key consultants at the Royal Berkshire and Battle Hospitals NHS Trust in recognition of joint working at the University's School of Health and Social Care. Trust Chief Executive, Professor Ann Sheen OBE, already a professor at Thames Valley University has also received this honour from the University of Reading. The three newly appointed visiting professors are Dr Rachel Hall, Medical Director and Consultant Anaesthetist, Dr Ralph Gregory, Divisional Director, Medicine and Consultant Neurologist, and Dr Christine Collin, Consultant Physician, Rehabilitation. They join the University's existing RBBH visiting professors, Dr Tony Bradlow, Consultant Rheumatologist and Dr Malcolm Sperrin, Director of Medical Physics. These new posts reflect greater joint working between the University and the Royal Berkshire and Battle Hospitals NHS Trust. The new School of Pharmacy (opened last week) will provide opportunities for closer collaboration, and RBBH staff can take advantage of the School's professional courses. Dr Rachel Hall said: "We are delighted that the University of Reading should honour me and my colleagues with visiting professorships in this way. Our collaboration on research, bringing together Reading's academics and medics, will enhance our work for the benefit of patients." In March 2005 a second joint University/RBBH appointment commences, Chair of Paediatrics. (Details to follow shortly). The first joint post was created in August 2003 when Professor Margot Gosney, Professor of Elderly Health was appointed. Ends Notes for editors -Those receiving visiting professorships are now eligible to use the title professor. -For further information, or to arrange an interview, please contact: Deborah Wearing, Communications Officer, tel: 0118 987 7421 or Carol Deans, Communications Manager, tel: 0118 987 7447; for the University of Reading, please contact: Craig Hillsley, tel: 0118 378 7388 or email c.hillsley@reading.ac.uk