Professor Steve Thornton, Dean of The University of Exeter Medical School, joined colleagues at the AHSN launch
New South West Health Innovation network aims to improve region's healthcare
Transforming patient care and public health in Exeter for the better is the collective pledge of the new South West Health Innovation network.
As one of 15 Academic Health Science Networks (AHSNs) designated across England, South West Health Innovation has the task of bringing together the wealth of experience, knowledge and skills to improve the health and wellbeing of 2.2 million people living in Somerset, Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
The University is one of 18 core members across the South West. Professor Janice Kay, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Exeter, and AHSN Board member said: “The University of Exeter is proud to be part of the AHSN, which brings together Higher Education and the NHS to improve healthcare in the South West. At our medical school, the University undertakes medical research and innovation of the highest quality. Coupled with excellent medical and medically related education, we are ideally positioned to utilise our strengths to improve the diagnosis, management and outcomes of medical conditions affecting the population of the South West. In order to shape the best outcomes for patients and the public, it is crucial that we work closely with our partners, and we look forward to collaborating within the AHSN.”
Angela Pedder, Chief Executive of the Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Vice Chair of the new AHSN said: “We have an established track record in the South West for collaborative working in health research and innovation. This Network will harness the commitment and energy of all the leading organisations in health and social care from one end of the peninsula to the other, with the collective aim of improving the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve. We hope this Network approach will facilitate and accelerate adoption of research-based learning and best practice to improve healthcare for all. It will also present opportunities for staff to learn new skills through training which strategically addresses local need."
South West Health Innovation Chairman Dr Andrew Vallance-Owen said: “This will be a dynamic collaboration. It will encourage involvement in medical research and drive innovation in healthcare, with the aim of making the South West a leader in delivering consistent best practice and clinical outcomes which both improve the health of our population and the productivity of our workforce."
Date: 6 July 2013
