Staffordshire University plans to transform the health workforce using advanced digital technology has won the backing of government.
An impression of the Health Innovation Centre on Blackheath Lane
By providing existing and future healthcare professionals with the cutting-edge digital skills and advanced techniques in high-demand within the healthcare sector, we will help ensure the long-term sustainability of the NHS, playing a key role in the transformation and modernisation of the workforce.
The proposed £5.8 million Health Innovation Centre at the University’s Stafford Centre of Excellence for Healthcare Education has been allocated £2.89 million under the government's Getting Building Fund, which is aimed at helping the country's economy bounce back from the Covid-19 crisis.
The project will see the development of a new Health Innovation Centre incorporating sector-leading clinical simulation and immersion suites enabling healthcare professionals and students to explore and develop new patient safety techniques. The facility will also enable the teaching of advanced digital skills to support the future needs of our health sector.
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Digital), Andrew Proctor said: “By providing existing and future healthcare professionals with the cutting-edge digital skills and advanced techniques in high-demand within the healthcare sector, we will help ensure the long-term sustainability of the NHS, playing a key role in the transformation and modernisation of the workforce.
“This exciting work builds upon our reputation for digital innovation in areas such as the NHS which are of vital importance to both our local area and nationally. Our approach will fuel the local economy by encouraging and supporting health technology start-ups; creating jobs and promoting economic growth.”
The Health Innovation Centre is part of £23.7 million government investment made available to 11 ‘shovel ready’ projects across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire which will be underway within months.
LEP Chair Alun Rogers said: "Our Getting Building Fund projects are part of the implementation of our Local Industrial Strategy, encouraging our local economy’s recovery and ultimate growth. Not only do we pave the way for new projects and future innovation, these schemes will improve infrastructure and support existing jobs.”
Staffordshire University has also been allocated £500,000 for a 'New Enterprise Collaboratory', which will give start-up businesses access to specialist equipment and technology.
Professor Liz Barnes CBE, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Staffordshire University, said: “Our Civic University is working in close partnership with local communities, authorities and key stakeholders, to drive our region’s economic recovery and growth in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. We will continue to develop cutting-edge facilities and provide access to our market-leading experts to facilitate further innovation within healthcare education, helping to generate new business and enterprise across Staffordshire and beyond."