The strategic partnership between the University of Winchester and Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is set to become stronger, with the two institutions pledging to work together to help address the growing demand for healthcare professionals in the region.
An exciting new phase in the partnership will support the UK's newest university faculty for health and wellbeing, which launches at the University of Winchester on 1 August 2019.
University of Winchester students on new degree courses, including nursing and physiotherapy, will gain access to cutting-edge medical equipment, on-the-job training and teaching spaces within the Royal Hampshire County Hospital (RHCH) site, next to the University's King Alfred Quarter. Plans are being developed for a new University building, where the former RHCH Outpatients building on Romsey Road is located, which will provide specialist learning and teaching space for health and wellbeing courses.
These new activities build on an existing strategic partnership agreement signed by the two institutions in February 2018, which already sees them collaborate on research and educational activities in areas such as orthopaedics, stroke and advanced clinical practice.
"As institutions, we share the same values and aspirations for the communities we serve. We believe that health and wellbeing are at the heart of what it means to flourish," said Professor Joy Carter CBE, DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Winchester. "This new agreement, building on our existing partnership, will enrich the health and wellbeing of our community and help secure the next generation of healthcare professionals in the region. Our hope is that, by working together, we will help improve patient experience, treatment and ultimately provide outstanding care."
Alex Whitfield, Chief Executive of Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "I am delighted that we are building ever closer links with the University of Winchester. We have so much in common in terms of our values and our commitment to serve our joint community.
"We want to work with the University to educate and train our healthcare workers of the future to meet the needs of people in North and Mid Hampshire - as well as innovating and improving the healthcare we provide."
The University's new Faculty of Health and Wellbeing brings together existing degree programmes in sport, exercise and health disciplines, and social work, medical education, and community and youth studies, with new courses in physiotherapy and nursing.
"Health and wellbeing are everyone's concern and our new Faculty reflects their importance in wider society and at the University," said Professor Simon Jobson, Dean Designate of the new Faculty of Health and Wellbeing. "Improving health and wellbeing for individuals and communities is a growing sector which requires highly skilled graduates. We hope to expand our current programmes and degree apprenticeships in the future with an exciting range of new courses to further boost teaching and research in this important area."
Alex Whitfield (pictured above left) with Professor Joy Carter at the signing of the strategic partnership agreement in 2019.
Press Office | +44 (0) 1962 827678 | press@winchester.ac.uk | www.twitter.com/_UoWNews
Back to media centre