Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust names University departments
29 May 2019
Move comes as part of the growing partnership between the Trust and the University of Reading
The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust (RBFT) has today announced the first two departments being awarded ‘University’ status.
The award for the Cardiology and Emergency Medicine departments are being given in recognition of excellence in the areas of Clinical Outcomes, Research, and Education and were presented formally at the Trust’s Board meeting today (Wednesday 29 May).
The recognition is the latest result from a programme of collaborative research and education with the University of Reading. The Joint Academic Board between the two institutions was established in March 2018 and was tasked to deliver a three-year programme of collaborative research and education innovation funding and to recognise clinical and academic excellence in both organisations.
Dr Lindsey Barker, Medical Director at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust said:
“From eight detailed departmental portfolios, a robust process has led to the first awards of University Department of Cardiology and University Department of Emergency Medicine. We are delighted that these specialties demonstrate all round excellence, delivering a nationally high standard of clinical care, a great training experience and innovative, multi-disciplinary research.”
Professor Parveen Yaqoob, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise at the University of Reading said:
“We are immensely proud of the growing partnership with the Royal Berkshire Hospital and delighted to recognise the excellence in both the Emergency Medicine and Cardiology Departments.
"The opportunity to work with the RBFT by bringing our research expertise to improve clinical practice is tremendously exciting and we hope that many more patients can benefit from this partnership.”
Research project awards
The relationship between the Trust and University has also led to an innovation fund to support early joint research or education projects to improve clinical outcomes for patients.
From cutting edge technology to look at kidney damage, to the use of virtual reality in patients who have suffered a stroke, £290,000 of joint funding has been awarded to date and the programme continues for another two years.
Professor Adrian Williams, the Research Dean (Health) at the University of Reading (pictured, left) said:
“Through the efforts of our Joint Academic Board, comprising senior colleagues from the Trust and University, we are delighted to support strong collaborations in teaching and research.
"We have funded 15 projects spanning the use of virtual reality for stroke rehabilitation, using big data to make patient care pathways more efficient, and nutritional interventions to support elderly in-patients. Coupled with University recognition of departments, the close working of the two organisations is delivering tangible benefits to patients in our region.”