Partners from across Dorset come together to celebrate and showcase the collaborative research helping drive forward improvements for patients
More than 200 academics and healthcare leaders gathered for a unique collaborative event between Bournemouth University, Dorset County Hospital NHS Trust, Dorset HealthCare NHS Trust and University Hospitals Dorset, all founding members of Wessex Health Partners.
The day included presentations from researchers who have been joint-funded by Wessex Health Partners and NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre as part of NIHR Wesex Experimental Medicine Network (WEMN).
They showcased the cutting-edge health research already taking place in the region, and encouraged delegates to think collaboratively about how research can be used to support public health and help people live better for longer.
Professor Lois Farquharson, Executive Dean of Bournemouth University’s Business School and Chair of the BU-UHD Partnership Steering Group, said, “At BU, we want to work with our local healthcare partners to put our research and resources towards making a difference in our community. The Conference was a wonderful day to be inspired by presentations and examples of innovative research in action, as well as deepening discussions about how we can work together to address key challenges and work for public good.”
Christine McGrath, Managing Director of Wessex Health Partners, said: "It's fantastic to see colleagues connecting and embracing opportunities to combine their excellence and accelerate impact for patient and public benefit in Dorset and more widely. At a time when our health services are under enormous pressure, the need to shift from 'research to reality' has never been greater.
"The range and depth of research projects on show really drove home just how much exciting work we have been able to begin in Dorset. All these groundbreaking projects have huge potential to improve healthcare for patients - with local, national and international impact."
Dr Peter Wilson, Chief Medical Officer at UHD, said: “The latest research conference was a fantastic example of the appetite and interest in research not just at UHD and Bournemouth University, but throughout the Dorset healthcare system. It was a day full of inspiring presentations and opportunities to network and it really showed the desire our organisations have to work together for the benefit of patients and Dorset residents."