Bournemouth University hosted an evidence session on health education and training as part of a national inquiry into the issue.
Led by the Higher Education Commission, in partnership with the All-Party Parliamentary Health Group, the Inquiry is looking at how education and training systems in the UK support recruitment, retention and development of NHS staff.
The Inquiry is focussing on the NHS 10-year plan, and long-term workforce plan, to understand how health education can align to NHS needs to support workforce delivery for the long-term.
The BU evidence session looked at issues of regional delivery, local partnerships, widening access and participation and addressing inequalities to ensure fair access and progression in NHS careers.
Chaired by Professor Alison Honour, Vice-Chancellor and CEO of Bournemouth University, the inquiry heard from experts from University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust (UHD), the Race and Health Observatory and Bournemouth & Poole College, and BU’s Pro Chancellor Professor Michael Dooley among many others, in discussing current issues and barriers, and innovations to align healthcare education into the future.
Key issues focused on the need for better information for those entering healthcare education, the need to work together across education and healthcare to remove inequalities, the need for proper funding in healthcare education and in support of students, and the role of regional strategic thinking in delivering local solutions for the diverse populations across the UK.
Evidence given focussed on putting both patients and students at the heart of any policy solution proposed to ensure the NHS thrives into the future.
Speaking at the evidence session, Professor Alison Honour said, “What was clear during our illuminating discussion was the passion from all stakeholders in delivering an NHS service that works for all, and ensuring that as many barriers as possible are removed for those who want to study in health courses.
“I was so proud to Chair this discussion, and proud of our students who actively engaged and shared their own experiences of education and some of the issues they have faced. We want to work alongside our regional healthcare partners to deliver for this region, and I am pleased that our staff and students, alongside partners and health organisations, have been able to contribute to this valuable discussion.”
Attendees also included the Royal College of Nursing, the Medical Schools Council, NHS England, Council of Deans for Health, Royal College of General Practice, and the University of South Wales. BU staff and students, including panel member Professor Vanora Hundley, were also in attendance, providing evidence into the discussion.
The final inquiry session will take place at the University of Greenwich, before the evidence is written into a final report for Government.
For more information about the Inquiry, visit the Policy Connect website.
