news &views THE UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER MAGAZINE
July 2013
Outstanding Library Team In this issue:
MP’s Visit David Willetts MP Visits Worcester p.5
Sporting Success Learning Through Sport 2013 p.8
Passport to Peru Student Teacher Wins Scholarship to Teach in Peru p.10
Winners of The Times Higher Education Leadership and Management Award p.4
FEATURE
University of Worcester selected to host the 2015 European Wheelchair Basketball Championships Over 400 elite male and female athletes from across Europe will be based at the University and will play at the recently opened University of Worcester Arena. The announcement comes hot on the heels of the news that the University had been selected as the Standard Life GB wheelchair basketball team training venue in the lead up to the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games and the preceding World and European championships. The University’s successful bid for the Championships, which received support from UK Sport, was announced by the International European Wheelchair Basketball Federation President, Jan Berteling, during the recent Continental Clash involving Men’s Paralympic Champions Canada competing against Great Britain, Germany and Spain at the University of Worcester Arena. Professor David Green said: “It is a huge honour to have been selected as the venue for the 2015 European Championships. This is a testament to the quality of the work of the University’s staff and students in promoting disability sport and to the highly inclusive design of our magnificent new Arena.” The European Championships, involving men’s and women’s teams from countries throughout the Continent, will take place in the summer of 2015. Head of the University’s Institute of Sport & Exercise Science, Mick Donovan, added: “We have worked very closely with British Wheelchair Basketball on securing this bid. This success presents a fantastic opportunity for the City of Worcester, the Midlands and the UK as a whole to make this the best supported, most inclusive European Wheelchair Basketball championships of all time.”
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Simon Morton, Director of Major Events at UK Sport, said: “Along with our partners British Wheelchair Basketball and the University of Worcester, we are delighted to have won the bid to host the European Wheelchair Basketball Championships in 2015, a significant event in the build up to the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games. “UK Sport’s National Lottery backed Gold Event Series has the ambitious goal of securing 70 of the world’s top sporting events following London 2012, and this would be a great addition to our growing portfolio of Paralympic events.” British Wheelchair Basketball Chairman, Malcolm Tarkenter, said “We are extremely happy to have won the bid to host the Championships. It reaffirms the UK as a leading nation of the sport in Europe. Our partnership with the University is going from strength to strength and we are looking forward to delivering a world class event with them, UK Sport and other partners we hope to attract from the local area.” Professor David Green and Mick Donovan will be travelling to Germany to accept the IWBF Europe Flag during the closing ceremony of this year’s Championships in Munich. Adrian Gregson, Leader of Worcester City Council, said: “The City is very proud that this prestigious international sporting event will be held in Worcester, and we look forward to welcoming over 400 athletes from throughout Europe to our beautiful city. This is a fantastic opportunity for basketball and for Worcester.”
COVER STORY wELCOME Clockwise from top left: Women’s Basketball pg. 9 Introducing Adders to Malvern pg. 6 Learning Through Sport pg. 8 David Willetts MP Visit pg. 5 and Antiques Roadtrip pg. 13
contents FEATURE 2015 European Wheelchair Basketball Championships Hosts 2
July 2013
W
elcome to the July issue of News & Views, featuring a round-up of news, updates and milestones from the past month at the University of Worcester. In this issue we congratulate all those who contributed to The Hive and the University of Worcester winning a Times Higher Education Leadership and Management Award. Staff members attended the award ceremony last month and were delighted to be named ‘Outstanding Library Team’.
COVER STORY
Also this month we announce that the recently opened University of Worcester Arena has won the bid to host the 2015 European Wheelchair Basketball Championships. Having only opened its doors a few months ago, the Arena has already hosted many spectacular events including the Learning Through Sport day, which is also featured in this month’s issue. Thank you for sending us your stories. Please keep sending news to us at newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
THELMA Award Winners
4
news Record-Breaking Open Day
3
Ministerial Visit
5
Introducing Adders to Malvern
6
Speakers Raise Awareness of Abuse Against People With Disabilities 6 Top Five Greenest Universities
7
Colleagues in Print
7
Student Does Work Experience in Melbourne
7
Saturday Open Days
8
Learning Through Sport 2013
8
Women’s Basketball
9
record-breaking open day
Lord Faulkner to Deliver Talk
9
Preparing for Deaflympics
9
A record-breaking 1152 potential students registered at last month’s Open Day marking a 6% increase from the June 2012 event.
Worcester Lecture
10
Teacher Awarded Scholarship to Volunteer in Peru
10
The number of people accompanying potential students was even more than last year and we welcomed well over 4,000 people to the University. Many thanks to all staff who made this such a successful day. Our next open events are: Open Evening: Thursday 5 September, 5-7pm
Lecturer’s Book Promotes Spiritual Care in Nursing Practice 11 International Conference to Explore Increasing Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles 11 Nursing Expert Calls For Greater Urgency in Patient Care
12
Open Day: Saturday 21 September, 10am-3pm
Alumni Reunion
12
Open Day: Sunday 22 September, 10am-3pm
BBC Take a Roadtrip to Worcester 13
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Winning Ways The University of Worcester has won the ‘Outstanding Library Team’ Times Higher Education Leadership and Management Award. The prestigious, national award was conferred on the University in recognition of the leadership and vision required to create and operate the country’s first university and public library, The Hive. The Hive, which was opened by HM The Queen in July 2012, has already issued over a million books and will shortly welcome its millionth visitor. The University was named the winner during a ceremony in London on Thursday June 20, hosted by Dara O’Briain, beating off stiff competition from universities throughout Britain. University of Worcester Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive Professor David Green said: “This award is a very welcome addition to a glittering array of awards for a truly inspirational building dedicated to learning for all.
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“The stunning success of The Hive, the first library of its kind in Europe, is down to the work of many staff, working together across the University and Worcestershire County Council for a common goal. I would like to pay tribute to everyone who has played a part in this significant and transformative project and to offer particular congratulations to those who, through their project leadership, have been specifically recognised through this award.” Anne Hannaford, Director of Information and Learning Services at the University, said: “Our vision for The Hive has always been to create an inspiring space, which people enjoy visiting for many reasons: to study and learn and to work. “The Library team at the University of Worcester has taken on a unique set of challenges in the last six years to develop The Hive. They devised staffing models, training programmes and procedures from scratch- there is nothing else like this in the UK.”
COVER STORY
Vice Chancellor David Green with David Willetts MP
Universities and Science Minister Visits Worcester The Minister for Universities and Science, David Willetts MP, praised the University of Worcester during his first visit to the University since becoming Minister.
She added: “The Hive has so much to offer in terms of sharing resources and expertise for the benefit of everyone.” Now in their fifth year, the Times Higher Education Leadership and Management Awards are a highlight of the academic calendar and a celebration of the best of the sector. They are a showcase of extraordinary innovation, teamwork and commercial acumen.
The MP was shown The Hive, before dropping in on a class of nursing students and finally spending time with Vice Chancellor, Professor David Green. Professor Green said: “We were delighted to welcome the Minister to the University of Worcester and to show him some of the many terrific achievements of our staff and students. “The Minister last visited the University in 2008; much has changed in the past five years and we were able to show him the success of our investment in new facilities, such as The Hive, as well as give him the opportunity to meet some of our highly talented and committed students.” The Minister also met the President and the Education Vice President of the University’s Students’ Union. He said: “It has been great to visit the University, which is going from strength to strength with many exciting developments. “The Hive is a very innovative way of linking library services for students and the City. It was also wonderful to meet some of the dedicated nursing students on the campus.”
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NEWS
Students Introduce Adders on the Malvern Hills A group of students visited the Malvern Hills to see how adders are being managed as part of a
Speakers Raise Awareness of Abuse Against People With Disabilities at University Event
conservation project.
l-r: Rob Sykes, Gerard Lemos, Ruth Jones, Sarah Pillington, Annie Rose and Dr Ravi Thiara
Throughout Europe the adder (Vipera berus) is the most widespread snake species, but due to declining populations in the UK, it has been designated a priority species for conservation and is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981. The Malvern Hills are one of the strongholds for adders in Worcestershire, but populations have become increasingly threatened through development and road building, leading to a loss of habitat. The isolation of adder populations within Worcestershire and across the UK is resulting in genetically distinct communities, which in turn increases their vulnerability to environmental change. To address these issues, the Malvern Hills Conservators are taking advice from Nigel Hand, an ecological consultant from Central Ecology, and are targeting key areas on the Malvern Hills with management practices aimed at saving this important reptile species. Students at the University of Worcester studying Conservation Ecology/ Environmental Management had the opportunity to visit the Malvern Hills to explore
the range of reptiles present, with the specific aim of finding adders. Dr Duncan Westbury, a Senior Lecturer at the University, said: “Whilst it is important that students understand the theories behind species declines, it is equally important that they experience and evaluate how such issues are being addressed. The Malvern Hills provides an excellent classroom for discussion and debate.” He added: “Adders are the only naturally occurring venomous snake species to be found in Britain and have suffered a long history of persecution. We need to raise awareness of the importance of this vulnerable species and change negative public perception.” Nigel Hand, of Central Ecology, said: “The adder has recently been declared as the UK reptile species under the most dramatic decline and that is certainly evident within Worcestershire and the West Midlands. I have seen adder populations disappear from areas within my lifetime. It would be a tragedy to loose such a beautiful and enigmatic species from our countryside.”
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Children and adults with disabilities are at higher risk of abuse and violence against them, according to experts speaking at an event held at the University of Worcester. The event exposed the issues faced by survivors of abuse and sexual violence and how people from different professions and agencies can support people with disabilities who may disclose abuse to them. Ruth Jones, University of Worcester Lead for the Centre for the Study and Prevention of Violence and Abuse, said: “According to two systematic reviews published by the World Health Organisation, both children and adults with disabilities are at a much higher risk of violence than non-disabled people. The studies are the first to confirm the magnitude of the problem. Both Dr Ravi Thiara, Senior Lecturer at the University, and Gerard Lemos, leader of the research team at Lemos & Crane, have carried out further research on this subject in the UK. At the event they revealed the stark truth about people with learning disabilities and their experience of harassment and abuse. Dr Ravi Thiara presented her findings from the first national study of domestic violence and disabled women with physical and sensory impairments. Ruth Jones said: “Dr Thiara uncovered that the majority of disabled women said they experienced poor response rates from statutory services and problems with accessibility to refuges and outreach services. This lack of information and support for victims of domestic violence must change by training professionals across the board.” The event is the third in a series of events about violence and abuse that are part of the development of the Centre for the Study and Prevention of Violence and Abuse at the University of Worcester. Ruth added: “The events have been really successful and we will be planning further events to run in the next academic year.”
NEWS
University of Worcester Among Britain’s
Top Five Greenest Universities The University of Worcester has been named among Britain’s greenest universities for the fifth year in succession. The University has been awarded “First Class Honours” in the People & Planet’s Green League, published in The Guardian last month, and is ranked fourth out of 143 institutions for its environmental and ethical performance. Professor David Green, University of Worcester Vice Chancellor, said: “This is the fifth consecutive year that the University of Worcester has achieved first class honours for environmental sustainability. This wonderful achievement is a tribute to all the members of the University – students and staff alike – who have worked positively to promote energy efficiency, recycling, cut private car journeys, shop locally, reduce carbon emissions and support Fair Trade and sustainability at home and abroad.” The University is now generating its own electricity through photo-
voltaic panels on the rooftops of some of its largest buildings and recycling rainwater. It has also installed electric vehicle charging points, and introduced a range of electricity saving measures, among other initiatives including planting a small orchard at the St John’s Campus. Katy Boom, Director of Environmental Sustainability at the University, added: “It is a fantastic achievement to be ranked, once again, among the best institutions in the country. The volunteering work of the students, the enthusiasm and innovations from staff-led initiatives, along with our commitment to making a sustainability elective available to all students, are reasons why the University has climbed again in this year’s green league.
Colleagues in Print The Compendium of Effective Practice in Higher Education Vol 2 has been published on the HEA website and it includes three papers from University of Worcester colleagues, as follows: Facilitating transition from further to higher education to improve retention: A first year tutor system Laura Jones, Frances Taylor and Maggie Andrews, University of Worcester Supporting “complicated” trainees through their PGCE year Judy Miller, University of Worcester Embedding mandatory personal tutorials within a personal development planning scheme to improve student retention and success Lorraine Weaver and Debbie Holmes, University of Worcester Congratulations all - there are some really exciting innovations reported in each paper. The document can be accessed at: http://www.heacademy.ac.uk/assets/documents/retention/ Compendium_2_rc_ja_Final.pdf
“Ethics and ethical investments have received more prominence in the student-led league. Having a policy and showing that we have made decisions based on the policy gave us full marks in this section. This achievement is only possible because of the clear commitment from the entire university community and it shows that everyone making a small difference can all add up.”
Student Does Work Experience in Melbourne A second year Digital Film student, Lauren Davis has gone on a University work organised work and learning experience trip to Australia to work on the production of a new feature film ‘I am Evangeline’ written and directed by Christine Roberts. This trip has been co-organised by RMIT University Melbourne and the Screenwriting and Digital Film Production departments at Worcester. Lauren will be working as a production assistant and in the sound department during the four week shoot and will be keeping a blog to let us know how she gets on. To follow Lauren’s journey visit: http://iameadventure.tumblr.com/ post/54372029164/mammoth-days
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news
New Saturday Open Days at University’s Medical Museum
The University of Worcester’s medical museum, The Infirmary, is opening its doors on the second Saturday of every month for visitors to explore all it has to offer. The Infirmary, in the University’s City Campus, which is the site of the former Worcester Royal Infirmary hospital in Castle Street, will be hosting its Summer Saturdays every second Saturday until September 14 from 10am to 4pm. The museum combines history, science, art and technology to explore the medical stories of one of England’s oldest infirmaries. Learning and Access Officer, Carol Bowsher, said: “It is a great opportunity for families to visit the site and explore all our hands-on medical exhibits within the gallery. You can have a go at key-hole surgery, investigate germs in our digital laboratory or, if you fancy yourself as a surgeon, try on one of our medical outfits, plus there is much to find out about the history of the former hospital and the people who worked here.”
During these Summer Saturdays, guided tours of the former hospital will also be taking place in the mornings, many by previous staff and nurses at the hospital (11am and 12 noon) and craft events for young people will be taking place in the afternoon (2pm-4pm). Admission to the exhibition is free, with small charges for craft activities and demonstrations. A café is available onsite. Parking onsite is for blue badge holders only but the campus is easily accessible from the car park at Pitchcroft, or from the city centre. The Infirmary’s usual weekday open hours are 10am-4pm Mondays to Fridays (except bank holidays). This site is suitable for families with activities to suit different age ranges. The exhibition is recommended for seven years and above. For more information about The Infirmary please contact Carol Bowsher, Learning and Access Officer on 01905 542540 or at c.bowsher@worc.ac.uk
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Learning Through Sport 2013
Hundreds of schoolchildren from Worcestershire enjoyed a range of educational sporting activities at the annual Learning Through Sport Day at the University of Worcester Arena. More than 200 pupils from schools across the county took part in an action packed day of sport and education, including rugby, cricket, basketball, and for the first time, rhythmic gymnastics. The children’s activities were led by University of Worcester lecturers and students together with coaches and players from the Worcester Warriors Rugby, Worcestershire County Cricket and Worcester Wolves Basketball Clubs. Mick Donovan, Head of the Institute of Sport & Exercise Science, said: “We were thrilled to be using the Arena for the first time at our annual Learning Through Sport Day. It was a great opportunity for the children to experience what this fantastic facility has to offer. The Learning Through Sport Day is the highlight of our annual programme. Since last summer’s Olympic and Paralympic Games, over a thousand children have been involved. We are aiming for even more next year.” Vice Chancellor, David Green, added: “The University’s Learning Through Sport Programme helps children improve their Maths and English whilst participating in sport. Sport teaches skills of teamwork and selfdiscipline as well as promoting health, sociability and all the benefits which come from joining in. The University of Worcester is passionately committed to top standards in education for all.”
NEWS
American Basketballer to Launch Women’s Programme A professional women’s basketball player is moving from the USA to study and play at the University of Worcester. Shantrell Moss will join the University in September as part of a new national league women’s basketball programme, launched as a partnership between the University of Worcester and Worcester Wolves Basketball Club. The programme has the ambition to mirror the success of the Worcester Wolves men’s squad, with the women’s team competing in the English National league. Shantrell, a graduate from Georgia Tech in the USA and a professional player from the European circuit, has been identified as the player to lead the initiative both on and off the court. The 27-year-old will combine studying for a Master’s degree with playing and coaching for the University, the Wolves national league team, whilst also taking a lead role in inspiring young girls in the community programme. “I see this as a great opportunity in so many ways and there are some fantastic foundations in place in Worcester to create something very special. I cannot wait to begin,” she said.
The University’s men’s basketball team was this year crowned as British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) champions for the seventh time in nine years. The University is also home to British Basketball League (BBL) side Worcester Wolves, who are hoping for a top four finish for the second time in two years, with whom the University runs a successful scholarship programme. The Wolves national league team will also be hoping to attract the best players in the region who may not necessarily want to study but want to be part of the programme, which will be based at the University’s new Arena. The University of Worcester Arena has already been hailed as one of the finest basketball facilities in the country and the three courts add to the existing two courts at the University’s St John’s Campus sports centre. Mick Donovan, Head of the Institute of Sport & Exercise Science, said: “We are aware that there are some very talented female players in the UK who want to combine study with playing at the highest level. We are very excited about Shantrell leading the programme and she clearly demonstrates tremendous talent whilst also expressing a clear belief in what we
Lord Faulkner of Worcester to Deliver Railways Talk at The Hive The Deputy Speaker of the House of Lords will deliver a special talk on Britain’s railways at The Hive this month. Lord Faulkner of Worcester, who is a Fellow of the University of Worcester and Director of Worcester Live, has just published a book exploring how the nation’s railways were saved. His talk, on Friday July 5 at 5.30pm, will deal with the recent history of the railways and contemporary reality. Prior to entering Parliament, Lord Faulkner ran his own public affairs and PR consultancy, working as an advisor to the British Railways Board for over 25 years, and as first deputy chairman of The Football Trust. Lord Faulkner is a former chair of the Railway Heritage Committee and was responsible for persuading the government to retain its powers of designation and transfer them to the Science Museum. The talk will take place in The Studio at The Hive.
Shantrell Moss with David Green
are trying to achieve with the University and the Wolves. “The University of Worcester will be a great option for proven players or for those who have the potential to improve as a player whilst gaining a degree. We would like to hear from any players, whatever their current playing level, who are enthusiastic about getting involved.” Paul James, Director of Basketball at the University, added: “We have the strategy and drive to create one of the best university and club programmes for female student athletes in Europe and Shantrell will play a major part in this ambition.”
Preparing for Deaflympics The GB Deaf Women’s Football Team attended the University of Worcester last month for fitness testing and player profiling ahead of the forthcoming Deaflympic Games that will take place this month. The players were tested over 3 separate weekends to help the GB coaching team to select the best possible squad for the Deaflympics that will be held in Sofia, Bulgaria. This is the first time the University has been in a position to invite the squad. Organiser, Rebecca Foster said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to raise the profile of Deaf sport off the back of the success of the Paralympics and Olympics. Not many people know there is a separate Games for the Deaf community, who often get overlooked, especially for funding.” Julia West, a Senior Lecturer in Sports Psychology at the University, arranged two football fixtures as a result of this link for the GB Deaf Squad to play the Worcester team whilst they were on campus.
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news
Worcester Lecture 2013 One of Britain’s Most Distinguished Lawyers to Deliver the Fourth Worcester Lecture Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, one of Britain’s most renowned lawyers, is to deliver the fourth annual Worcester Lecture. The Worcester Lectures are a partnership between Worcester Cathedral and the University of Worcester, strengthening the links between the two institutions and contributing to the rich cultural heritage of Worcester. Baroness Kennedy’s lecture, titled ‘Ethics – the basis of trust in public life’, will take place in Worcester Cathedral on Thursday 4 July at 6pm. The Very Reverend Peter Atkinson, Dean of Worcester Cathedral, said: “Helena Kennedy is the latest in a series of distinguished speakers to give the annual Worcester Lecture. Through the Worcester Lectures, the Cathedral and the University are working together to promote discussion of matters of social justice, and Helena Kennedy will undoubtedly make a memorable contribution to that.” Baroness Kennedy is a distinguished lawyer, who spent her professional life
giving a voice to those who have least power within the system, promoting human rights and championing civil liberties. She has used many public platforms, including the House of Lords, to which she was elevated in 1997, to argue with passion, wit and humanity for social justice. As part of her career, she has also written and broadcast on a wide range of issues, from medical negligence to terrorism to the rights of women and children. In her lecture, she will argue that the embrace of a particular form of Baroness Helena Kennedy QC turbo-charged capitalism has created major distortions within society, level of society and created a climate simultaneously undermining the in which litigation and law become the significance and standing of a proper route to redress. ethos of public service whilst lowering Professor David Green, Vice Chancellor ethical standards within private of the University of Worcester, said: enterprise. She will also remind us of “Helena Kennedy is one of the most Adam Smith’s arguments about the inspiring lawers of her generation. As a need for ‘moral sentiments’. Baroness Kennedy will argue that many passionate campaigner for opportunity, dignity and human rights, she has used major professions, including nursing, her expertise for the good of many tens teaching, medicine and policing have been undermined with the introduction of thousands of people. She is one of the most creative, independent-minded of targets, raw competition and members of the House of Lords and this an elevation of money over other lecture is sure to stimulate new thinking measures of success. about ways to contribute to the common Together, it will be argued that these good and develop society.” changes have eroded trust at every
Budding Teacher Awarded Scholarship to Volunteer in Peru
Roxandra-Maria Crisan
A Romanian teaching student at the University of Worcester is flying to Cusco, Peru, to teach local students and organise educational games and activities. Roxandra-Maria Crisan, who is in the second year of an
Education Studies course at the University, has received £750 from the University’s Scholarship Panel to help fund the trip. Leaving later this month, the budding teacher will spend four weeks volunteering for the Peru-Cusco English programme, run by International Volunteering HQ. During her time in Peru, Roxandra will work in local schools, community centres and shelters for street children. Through the programme she will be able to gain experience in setting up small workshops, assisting local teachers and teaching
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local students. Roxandra, who is 20 years old and from Timisoara, Romania, said: “I am really grateful that the University understands what this project means to me. Receiving the scholarship increased my selfesteem, made me feel more secure and confident, and taught me the importance of being self-motivated to a level when you set a goal and you cannot achieve it on your own. This scholarship is a big step towards making my dream come true.” During her studies at the University, she has spent time teaching Spanish and French in two Primary
Schools in Gloucester and Droitwich. She added: “Going to Peru means a lot to me because I believe that anyone can change the world. I have travelled around Europe and I have seen a variety of educational systems. Since I was a child, I knew I wanted to be a teacher and I feel that I have a duty – to teach and help children. Being a teacher is a lovely experience, which in Peruvian context will also be a life-changing one and I am prepared to teach, learn and change.”
NEWS
Lecturer’s Book Promotes Spiritual Care in Nursing Practice The Francis report has shown health professionals that we can’t afford to be complacent where compassionate care is concerned. What it is and how to do it has to be thought through and analysed and we have to find ways to teach it. When Janice Clarke was awarded project leave in 2011 she used it to turn her PhD into a book that addresses just this issue. Dr Clarke, from the Applied Professional Studies Department of the Institute of Health & Society, hopes this ground-breaking text will mark a sea change in the way health practitioners, and especially nurses think about compassion and links it for the first time to spiritual care. Health workers are exhorted to address a patient or client’s spiritual needs but there is a huge confidence and knowledge gap in the abilities of practitioners to address this ambiguous subject. This book demonstrates that far from being an esoteric and burdensome addition to care, there is a way of ‘doing’ spiritual care which integrates it with compassion in every interaction and activity, even the most physical of care such as helping patients to wash, eat and move. The model described here shows how the way that we communicate with, care for and physically touch people, if it addresses the whole person compassionately, can reinforce spiritual wellbeing and so deserves to be called spiritual care. Thus two large and essential areas of care, compassion and spirituality are brought together in this fundamentally practical text which puts the heart back into nursing.
International Conference to Explore Increasing Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles As civilian use of unmanned aerial vehicles (or drones) increases, the University of Worcester is bringing together a host of experts to explore the potential of these unique tools for environmental applications. Historically, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) were the preserve of the military. But in recent years, the potential to use small UAVs, including environmental monitoring has been recognised, and interest is booming. The University of Worcester is one of just three UK universities to hold a Civil Aviation Authority licence to fly a UAV. It uses a Draganflyer X6 UAV largely for research in geographical sciences, including assessment of river habitats. The conference, taking place on Thursday 4 July, will bring together a host of expertise to explore how these small, remote-controlled helicopters and aeroplanes are being used. Over 70 delegates have registered to attend, from a wide range of backgrounds including academia, industry and government organisations. Presentation topics include monitoring and imaging archaeological sites, the seabed and sea ice, coastal change, geohazards, river systems and air quality. One of the conference organisers, Amy Woodget, a PhD student at the University of Worcester, whose
research involves using the Draganflyer UAV, said: “The use of remotely sensed data, collected using small, low altitude unmanned aerial systems, has seen significant growth in recent years, for a wide range of scientific applications. UAVs offer many benefits. Within this field there is a need for the exchange of knowledge, theory and practical experiences, with a view to developing best practice and encouraging use in new application areas.” Amy will also be presenting her research on the use of Worcester’s UAV to assess river habitats on a river in Chile, carried out jointly with colleagues at the University of Concepcion. The one day conference is part of the Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry Society’s UAV Special Interest Group and will include a number of keynote presentations, and discussions about data collection, analysis and application. To find out more about the conference visit www. worcester.ac.uk/discover/ uav-conference.html
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / July 2013 / 11
NEWS
Nursing Expert Calls For Greater Urgency in Patient Care Government must act now to implement NHS culture change, says University of Worcester nursing expert A nursing expert has called for greater urgency in hospital reform, echoing concerns raised by Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt over patient care. Mr Hunt has urged hospitals and the healthcare regulatory body, the Care Quality Commission (CQC), to be more ‘open and transparent’ following revelations over patient neglect. Robert Dudley, Head of Nursing and Paramedic Science at the University of Worcester, said: “We welcome and support Mr Hunt’s recognition that doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals should be the driving force behind developments, and the government is right to ask for greater transparency. However, it is acting far too slowly.” Robert points out that The Francis Report, published 6 February, called for a culture change and a ‘duty of candour’, which would require hospitals to make
their failings and mistakes public. Changes now need to be implemented, Robert believes, and examples must be set by the regulatory body. “If the CQC – the government’s flagship regulator – is hiding mistakes, how on earth can we expect the hospitals to be open?” he asked.
It also teaches students to accept personal responsibility for judging the care standards they witness when they spend time in hospitals, GP surgeries and treatment centres as part of their courses, and supports them if they raise concerns.
Training for nurses at the University of Worcester is designed around the principle that patient care should be a central element of all degree programmes. The University, which received a 100% student satisfaction rating in last year’s National Student Survey, making it the top rated nursing degree in the UK, uses panels of nurse academics, patient representatives and clinicians to agree that every candidate for its nursing programmes has the potential to be a good nurse.
Alumni Reunion The University will be hosting its annual Alumni Reunion on Saturday 13th July from 12pm. Participation from colleagues is most welcome as former students are keen to catch up with past and present members of staff. Welcome drinks, live jazz music, campus tours and sports activities will all be taking place in the afternoon. This year’s event will celebrate the opening of the Arena, and will include tours of the newly-opened facility as well as of The Hive. Please contact Sian Gould on ex. 2467 or via alumni@worc.ac.uk for further information.
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COVER STORY NEWS
BBC Take a Roadtrip to Worcester Doctor Who Comes to The Infirmary Peter Purves and Colin Baker journeyed to Worcester and The Infirmary for a special episode of Celebrity Antiques Road Trip, exploring aspects of the former hospital’s history and artefacts. Joined by antiques experts Will Axon and James Braxton, the crew spent an afternoon filming in key locations within the University’s City Campus, including the museum and the boardroom. Carol Bowsher, Learning and Access Officer at The Infirmary, was under the camera lights, showcasing the unique medical artefacts in the museum to Will Axon and Peter Purves. They explored all aspects of Worcester’s medical history: from the introduction of anaesthetics with Dr Curt Schimmelbusch’s mask and Henry Carden’s single flap method of amputation, to investigating bones found during site excavations in 2007, evidence of the gruesome practice of dissection.
Sons of Rest
Joined by Colin Baker and James Braxton, they revealed the antiques they bought from the area. Colin and Peter attracted everyone’s attention not only with their presence, but also with the two vintage cars they used for the show. Talking about the experience, Carol said: “I was a little apprehensive when I first heard Celebrity Antiques Road Trip were coming to the Infirmary – a mixture of excitement and nerves. I grew up with Peter Purves, not literally, but through my regular Blue Peter after school switch on. He was absolutely charming and very encouraging to a novice.” “We were delighted to have a special loan from The Hive - a patient records book from the Powick Asylum dating from 1896. It showed the case of Henry Maiden, whose mania was triggered by ‘disappointment in love’. His notes reveal states of grand disillusionment, believing himself to be on ‘intimate terms with the Earl of Dudley’ and he had a strange habit of sewing multiple patches onto his coat, which eventually weighted 19lbs. The filming experience was all very exciting with lots for the Director to remember about continuity!”
above left - right: Will Axon, Peter Purves, Carol Bowsher, Colin Baker and James Braxton
More excitement followed with the arrival of former Dr Who, Colin Baker, not by Tardis, but by vintage car. Very fitting as Peter Purves was an assistant of an earlier Doctor. We came to the conclusion Peter could have done with a sonic screwdriver as keyhole surgery is a tricky business – be interesting to see if that makes the cut! The episode is scheduled for broadcast in September.
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / NOVEMBER 2009 / 13 newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / July 2013 / 13