A recent conference, which brought together multi-disciplinary professionals from NHS Lanarkshire and other Health Boards and academics from several Scottish Universities, set out our strategic aim to inspire and enable staff to innovate and conduct mental health research – as doing so benefits staff and services alike.
The collaboration between NHS Lanarkshire and the University of Strathclyde met in the beautiful University of Strathclyde Technology and Innovation Centre.
There was a warm welcome to all who attended from the Principal and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Strathclyde, Professor Stephen McArthur highlighted our invaluable strategic academic partnership with Strathclyde.
Presentations from the Chief Scientific Advisor (Health) for the Scottish Government and two exceptional peer researchers built on this foundation for the day, placing collaboration between the NHS, academics, and industry, and the importance and value of patient and public involvement, centre stage.
The conference also featured presentations from West coast academics at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow Caledonian University, and the University of Glasgow, showcasing our clear commitment to local strategic academic partnerships, as well as presentations from further afield, highlighting our commitment to bringing the very best thinking to NHS Lanarkshire.
The stimulating and thought-provoking presentations from world experts covered a wide variety of topics and focused on promoting high-quality, evidence-based services and interventions. A large range of posters showcased innovative clinical approaches and interventions, helping to share good practice across NHS Lanarkshire mental health services and academia.
Professor Patricia Graham, Director of Psychological Services said: “Overall, the conference was a lovely opportunity to bring people together in-person to think, to discuss, and to debate.
“The strengths and resources all our staff bring to work every day were recognised and the importance of innovation, critical-thinking, and research was demonstrated again and again.
“Our shared research agenda will play a significant role in ensuring that we best-serve our patients and our staff, and we look forward to working together across disciplines, across Boards areas, and across sectors.”
