University of Northampton and Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust research agreement to further improve wellbeing of local people and care of hospital patients

Closer links between the University of Northampton and Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust will pave the way for academic research to be put into practice and open up new opportunities for research projects to improve health and wellbeing.

The University of Northampton’s Institute of Health and Wellbeing and Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust, are pleased to announce the formation of a long-term partnership agreement. The two institutions have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, and will work together on biological, medical and health related research, for the benefit of people in the county and further afield.

The university and hospital will work collaboratively on a variety of projects, drawing on each other’s strengths to improve patient care. The agreement will allow staff and students of both organisations to collaborate across a range of subject areas.

Dr Sonia Swart, Chief Executive of Northampton General Hospital, said: “This development paves the way for a more meaningful research alliance between our organisations and the exploration of new areas for future research.

“We already have a proactive in-house research and development team and we strive to promote a culture of learning and innovation at NGH. We’re very excited about the potential for this partnership to bring about direct improvements in patient care and safety as well as improving the overall wellbeing of our local population.”

Thanks to the new agreement, university academics will have access to real-time clinical environments, equipment, staff and patients to apply their research findings.

Professor Carol Phillips, Director of the University’s Institute of Health and Wellbeing, explained: “The University, through the Institute of Health and Wellbeing, is very pleased that we have begun a closer research and service improvement collaboration with Northampton General NHS Trust as outlined in our new Memorandum of Understanding.

“We have already started to work on a number of joint projects and ideas. Some of our research students have recently spent time in the pathology department and a number of our student nurses are involved in ‘hands on’ audits that have the potential to lead to improvements in patient care. We look forward to working together for the benefit of patients, carers and families – collaboration can only make each of the organisations stronger together.  It is an exciting time!”

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Professor Nick Petford, Vice Chancellor of the University of Northampton, and Dr Sonia Swart on 14 December.

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Pictured: top – group of guests at the Memorandum signing.

Bottom: Dr Sonia Swart and Professor Nick Petford, signing the agreement.