The first in a new series of public research lectures looked at building an NHS fit for the future.
Bournemouth University’s Spotlight Lecture Series looks at societal issues from an evidence point of view, with academics giving their thoughts through the research they conduct.
Experts Professor Tom Wainwright (orthopaedics), Professor Vanora Hundley (midwifery and women's health) and Professor Lee-Ann Fenge (social work) shared their thoughts and experience on what the future NHS looks like, and how we can make decisions today to help the NHS thrive into the future.
The gathered public audience was then invited to ask questions as a part of a lively discussion looking at how to solve issues of inequality, funding and resourcing to help the NHS to thrive, and help people live better, longer lives as they age.
The discussion talked a lot about community care and healthy living as areas to invest in now to help support a healthy population in the future, and to keep people supported and happy in their own homes and environments for as long as possible through the integration of health and social care structures.
Professor Sarah Bate, who chaired the evening event, said, “We’re so proud of the research we do at the university, but it is important that the work we do has impact for the community – that’s the point of good research, to look at how we can make lives, societies and systems better, and we’re delighted that our lecture series will help to engage the public in the work we do – and we want to hear from the public too”.
The event was hosted at Royal Bournemouth Hospital, with University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust (UHD) Chief Executive Siobhan Harrington giving an opening address, welcoming university colleagues and setting the scene.
Professor Bate continued, “Our thanks go to our partners, UHD, for hosting our discussion – it is great to be able to work together with local healthcare partners to think about the healthcare needs of the region and how the university, and its research, may be able to support the NHS locally to deliver excellent care and support the wellbeing of our local community. We were pleased to be able to talk together about it during our event”
Further Spotlight lectures looking at misinformation, and the rich history of Dorset, will be announced shortly. For more information about BU’s Spotlight Lecture Series, visit: https://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/research/get-involved/spotlight-public-lecture-series
