Patients in Berkshire will benefit from a new teaching and research collaboration between the University of Reading and Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust.
The collaboration builds on the existing partnership between the University and hospital and sees a new fund set up for clinical research, as well as opportunities to further develop teaching and other work between the two institutions.
Sir David Bell, Vice Chancellor of the University of Reading, said:
“This new formal agreement is another exciting step for the University of Reading in our work with the Royal Berkshire Hospital. The University is internationally renowned for its medical research in areas such as cardiovascular disease, and mental health, coupled with innovative teaching and training including physician associates. Building on strong foundations, this new initiative will enhance collaborations between both organisations, helping to exploit our expertise to enhance patient care across our region.”
Steve McManus, Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust (pictured, left) said:
“This is an exciting opportunity for the Trust and the University of Reading to work together in developing initiatives that will ultimately benefit the care of patients and the local community.
”I am extremely grateful to Sir David for his personal support in developing this really important relationship between the two institutions.”
Existing work has included student placements in the Royal Berkshire Hospital for the Physician Associates programme, which fast tracks top science graduates into healthcare professions; and research between bariatric and health psychologists to understand motivations of patients who have undergone surgery.
The new collaboration follows the University of Reading agreeing in 2017 to accommodate the local healthcare partners on the Whiteknights Campus. Read more about the move here:
https://www.reading.ac.uk/news-and-events/releases/PR726409.aspx