Case study: Working together

A key part of inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals is through the way we work in partnership with our local NHS trusts. By working together with local health and social care providers, we can share best practice in research, education and clinical practice to benefit all.

Partnership working

The university hospital status, given to our partnerships with Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust and University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust (formerly the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals and Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trusts), formalises these relationships and enables all three organisations to offer additional benefits and partnership working.

Learning into practice

BU students from across healthcare disciplines undertake placements with local health and social care providers, giving them the chance to put their learning into practice with support and guidance from a mentor or practice supervisor.

Shared goals

It is very much a two-way relationship, however. Healthcare staff also have the opportunity to learn here at BU. We are the hospitals’ leading Higher Education CPD provider, with the vast majority of their continuing professional development (CPD) activities organised through BU.

With our shared goal of helping people live better for longer, we collaborate on a number of research projects – tackling everything from nurse retention to supporting patients with hip osteoarthritis.

Match-funding

The trusts match-fund several PhD studentships and there are a number of staff who work between BU and the trusts through visiting positions, committee memberships and joint appointments.

The closeness of these relationships means our students are always at the forefront of developments in the healthcare arena, and ensures their learning is up to date.