Regional University's healthcare system strengthened through collaborative partnership with Chancellor Dr Fiona Hill
Durham University, known for its commitment to research that improves lives globally, nationally, and regionally, particularly in health, has strengthened its partnership with County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT).
Recently, Dr. Fiona Hill, the Chancellor of Durham University and Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health) Professor Charlotte Clarke, visited Bishop Auckland Hospital to discuss potential further collaborations and networks between the University and the hospital.
During the visit, Dr. Hill was particularly impressed by the use of virtual reality (VR) technology in training emergency clinicians at the CDDFT's Simulation Centre. This technology, which includes life-like models, offers a realistic training environment for medical professionals.
Dr. Hill, who grew up in Bishop Auckland and attended school there, was shown the Simulation Centre by CDDFT Chairman Professor Richard Scothon and CDDFT Chief Executive Sue Jacques. The hospital visit revealed unexpected learnings for Dr. Hill, highlighting the innovative approaches being taken by the CDDFT.
The hospital visit also provided an opportunity for Dr. Hill to discuss simulation training with Consultant Anaesthetist Dr. Derek Randles. The conversation underscored the potential for closer collaboration between the University and the hospital in this area.
Dr. Hill's acclaimed book, "There is Nothing for You Here," discusses her parents' roles at the hospital, as a cleaner, porter, and senior nurse respectively, and her own work as a cleaner there during her university summer holidays.
The partnership between Durham University and CDDFT primarily focuses on clinical care, education, research, and service improvements. While specific details of the partnership initiatives were not explicitly stated, such collaborations typically involve joint clinical training for medical and healthcare students, research projects to improve patient outcomes, and shared workforce development.
CDDFT is actively addressing care quality improvements, especially in breast cancer services. These efforts likely involve academic collaboration for evidence-based improvements. Future collaborations could extend to strengthening multidisciplinary team (MDT) processes and clinical governance through research and training supported by Durham University.
Enhanced research projects supported by the Trust charity to improve patient care are also a possibility, as evident from community fundraising efforts benefiting clinical services at Darlington Memorial Hospital and others. Joint initiatives addressing service failings and improving surgical and diagnostic standards, potentially with academic oversight, are also on the table.
In light of recent developments, future collaboration between Durham University and CDDFT will likely build on service quality enhancement, multidisciplinary teamwork, and patient-centered research, with a possible future emphasis on cancer care service enhancements given the Trust's current challenges.
This partnership underlines Durham University's dedication to improving health outcomes in the North East England region, mirroring the CDDFT's mission to deliver high-quality care to its patients.
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