Surgical Innovations (SI) and Leeds Metropolitan University have signed a memorandum of understanding, which will see them enter into partnership in the areas of research, innovation, development and educational delivery through the use of simulation.
The purpose of the Memorandum is to underpin a long-term partnership between the two organisations as they work collaboratively on a range projects including joint Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities with a focus on simulated activities that support multi-professional, multiagency and trans-disciplinary working.
It will also see joint research and innovation bids with the relevant funding bodies, as well as the development and accreditation of courses by Leeds Metropolitan University at SI’s new clinical training centre; a purpose built facility which is due to open in Leeds in 2015.
The centre will provide a platform for surgeons and surgical teams from around the world to develop their technical skills and knowledge. Part funded by the Regional Growth Fund (RGF), it will include the development of a R&D / Advanced manufacturing facility at the same site with the expectation of creating over 300 jobs in the Leeds City region over the next 12 years.
Graham Bowland, CEO of Surgical Innovations, said: “It is an honour to sign the MOU with such a prestigious organisation that has an established reputation in the field of clinical skills and simulation. SI has long since recognised the importance of education and training and we are currently in the process of developing of a multi-million pound Clinical Skills and Simulation Centre on the outskirts of Leeds. The partnership will ensure that the training and education at this new facility will be multi-professional, multiagency and will support patient safety, research and innovation.”
Professor Ieuan Ellis, dean of the faculty of health & social sciences and pro vice chancellor at Leeds Met commented: “Today marks the beginning of a new partnership between two key organisations within Leeds. Leeds Metropolitan University has an established reputation for excellence in the field of clinical skills and simulated learning and Surgical Innovations is an established manufacturer of surgical instruments. We are delighted to be consolidating our relationship today and look forward to working collaboratively with the company across many areas including continued professional development, to enhance the student learning experience through shared expertise and facilities, research and innovations.”
SI’s clinical training centre will provide high-quality skills training with a focus on training clinicians on new procedures, emerging technologies and best clinical practice. It will use a variety of teaching methods, including high-level simulation and technical and non-technical skills surgical skills to provide a training field for surgeons at all levels to master challenging surgical techniques in an environment outside the operating theatre.
The Leeds City Region is the UK’s first City of Health and Innovation and as such plays host to a unique eco-system of over a 100 firms specialising in medical devices, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, with a rich talent pool of 143,000 employed in internationally competitive clusters in biotechnology, advanced surgical instrumentation, pharmaceuticals, regenerative medicine and telehealth.
The agreement was signed at the La Grande Chute; a simulated cycling injury set up at Leeds Metropolitan University against the backdrop of the Grand Départ International Business Festival. The MOU was signed Professor Ieuan Ellis on behalf of Leeds Met and Graham Bowland on behalf of SI.