UHP consultant appointed as regional medical director for research
A Plymouth-based consultant in Intensive Care has been appointed as the joint Health and Care Medical Director, for the research arm of the NHS in the south west peninsula.
Dr Jessie Welbourne, who has worked at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust for the last 13 years, has been successful in being appointed to the NIHR South West Peninsula Regional Research Delivery Network (SWP RRDN).
The NIHR Research Delivery Network (RDN) is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to enable the health and care system to attract, optimise and deliver research across England. It does this as part of NIHR’s overall mission to improve the health and the wealth of the nation through research. There are 12 regional RDN’s across the country, aimed at addressing the health and social care needs of their local populations.
Dr Welbourne, delighted at her appointment, said: “It is exciting to be joining the network who have a clear objective at improving the delivery of research to patients in the region. Being involved in research brings the possibility of step change improvements in how healthcare is delivered to patients now, and in the future.”
With over 26 years of experience, Dr Welbourne says the picture of research in the south west is different to the rest of the UK. “The barriers in the south west are clear. We have a tricky geography, with a population based in cities but also in remote rural locations. We have real contrasts in affluence and deprivation too. This makes our local population needs very different from other locations in the UK, which is why I am passionate about increasing the amount of research that is delivered in the south west. Research is key to improving care and services. When we give local patients the opportunity to be part of research we give them a voice, because they shape the data that comes out of the research. My aim is to bring more research opportunities to the south west so our local population has the opportunity to shape the treatments of the future.”
Michael Visick, R&D Clinical Director at UHP, said: “The RRDN plays a key role in supporting the delivery of high-quality research across the region, enabling patients to access innovative treatments and ensuring clinical research is embedded within routine care. As joint Health and Care Director, Dr Welbourne will provide clinical leadership across the Network, helping to strengthen research infrastructure, support collaboration between organisations, and drive the delivery of NIHR portfolio studies.
He added: “We are so pleased for Dr Welbourne. Her appointment also provides an opportunity to further enhance the Trust’s influence and partnerships across the region and at the national table. It will enable increased research activity, improving patient access to studies, and contributing to better health outcomes across our local population.”
Jo Davis, Network Director, SWP RRDN, said: “Jessie brings a wealth of clinical, research and leadership experience, alongside a strong understanding of the unique opportunities and challenges facing health and care research across our region.
“Her passion for improving access to research for people living in both rural and coastal communities across the South West Peninsula will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen research delivery and ensure more people have the opportunity to take part in studies that can improve care now and in the future.
“We look forward to working with Jess as she helps drive collaboration across our health and care organisations and supports our ambition to make research accessible, inclusive and embedded within everyday care.”
First up for Dr Welbourne, is a trip to Bodmin: “I’m really excited to get started. The RDN team get out to all the regions research settings, so I’m off to Bodmin Community Hospital as one of my first port of calls to understand how I can best be of assistance in this new role.”
Visit the Be Part of Research website to learn more about research, search for opportunities and sign up to be contacted about studies.
