Edge Hill University has launched a new partnership with the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) to drive forward new medical research and training.
The two institutions have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on education and engagement with the healthcare community to improve patient safety.
Clare Austin, Dean of the Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine, said:
“Surgical teams, specifically surgical care practitioners and first assistants, play an incredibly important role in delivering safe surgical care to patients.
“The holistic role that the College plays in benefitting patients and healthcare is immeasurable, and we’re looking forward to formalising our longstanding ties with the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in the hope that our shared strengths can expand awareness and lead to fresh opportunities for trainees and our students.”
The partnership will bring together the work of Edge Hill’s Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine, one of the largest providers and health, social care and medicine education in the North West of England, with RCSEd’s Faculty of Perioperative Care (FPC).
Charlie Auld, Faculty of Perioperative Care Lead RCSEd said:
"The Faculty was set up to provide education, training and provide support for advanced practitioners in surgery, in addition to setting standards for these practitioners. Surgical Care Practitioners, as one of the Medical Associate groups, are an increasingly important member of the modern surgical team. As they embark on their career, we are delighted to offer all trainee SCPs enrolled in the MSc in Surgical Care Practice at Edge Hill, free Affiliate membership of the Faculty for the duration of their course.”
The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh is a professional organisation with membership of over 30,000 surgical professionals existing to pursue excellence and advancement in surgery through training, exams, liaison with external medical bodies and representation of the surgical workforce.
Through the Affiliate membership that FPC is offering Edge Hill Students, they will have the opportunity to access educational courses, a number of learning resources, and many more benefits to support their career development. The Faculty believe that with solidifying this partnership, it will not only further highlight the key role that SCPs and similar roles play in improving patient care for initial stages but the full duration of their careers. Improving Patient safety is at the heart of all the work RCSEd and its faculties undertake and so this partnership is a natural evolvement for the FPC.
Edge Hill University’s Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, spanning medicine, nursing and operating department practice to nutrition, child health, counselling and social work. The faculty supports future and current health and social care professionals through all stages of their career from undergraduate study and gaining workplace experience, through to continuing professional development and postgraduate study.