Health leaders and innovators look to positive Sláintecare future at inaugural Midwest Academic Health Science Systems conference

Limerick, 18 December, 2023: The Midwest region’s top health leaders have forecast an exciting population and patient-centred future in the delivery of the Sláintecare strategy, ahead of the implementation of the HSE’s new Health Regions in spring 2024.

Health leaders and clinical experts from across the region convened at the inaugural Midwest Academic Health Science Systems conference entitled The Power of Collaboration: Building an Academic Health Science System in the Midwest at the Clinical Education Research Centre (CERC) at University Hospital Limerick.

One area of focus at the conference was on an integrated population-based health system, aligning with the Sláintecare strategy, which aims to "provide high-quality, accessible, and safe care that meets the needs of the population."

The conference heard that the Midwest’s population has grown by 7% since 2017 with the over 65 age cohort growing by 22% and the over 85 age cohort by 25%. To add to this, it is estimated that 8% of people living in the Midwest are classified as being deprived, very deprived, or extremely deprived with almost 12% of the Region’s population being classified as disadvantaged or very disadvantaged.

Public Health Mid-West estimates that investing in primary care services will result in substantial cost savings for acute hospital settings like University Hospital Limerick. They estimate that for every €1 invested in social inclusion primary care services, there is an estimated return of over €1.70, reflecting costs averted in the acute hospital setting.

Dr Anne Dee, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, Public Health HSE Mid-West, said: “By investing in the essential health services in the community, not only do you provide pathways for a healthier population, you also significantly reduce burdens on our hospital systems. Additionally, this paves the way for a more equitable health service where the most vulnerable and underserved are not left behind.”

The keynote speaker at the conference was the Director of the Newcastle Health Innovation Partners (NHIP), Professor David Burn. Professor Burn shared his insights around how partners in the North East and North Cumbria region of the UK have worked collaboratively to translate world-class research and innovation into real world benefit to improve the population’s health and generate economic growth. This is the principle of an Academic Health Science System which health and education leaders in the Midwest are developing.

“The North East and North Cumbria region has the highest rates of poverty (22%), unemployment (12%), poor health and early death in England. Newcastle Health Innovation Partners came together to collaboratively deliver a bold, new venture to tackle health, wealth and wellbeing. Through this collaboration with academic partners, local authority and NHS, we have helped to deliver improved patient care outcomes, a happier workforce, and started to transform the healthcare system in the region,” said Prof Burn.

Organised by the Health Sciences Academy (HSA), the conference showcased the work of some of the Midwest region’s best practitioners and researchers in health service delivery.

The conference’s focus was on harnessing health service, academic, and interagency collaboration, through education, research, training, and innovation. This will reduce population morbidity and mortality, improve patient outcomes, and enhance workforce skills and satisfaction.

Speaking about the conference, Professor Colette Cowan, CEO, UL Hospitals Group, Ms Maria Bridgeman, Chief Officer, HSE Mid West Community Healthcare and Dr Mai Mannix, Director of Public Health Mid-West, said:

“The HSE is delighted to contribute to the Health Sciences Academy in the Midwest. This partnership between healthcare professionals and UL is essential for advancing research, promoting innovation, and achieving excellence in clinical practices. The focus on a collaborative approach to addressing the needs of health services for the people of the Mid-West is extremely relevant, especially given introduction of the new health regions in spring 2024.

This partnership plays a crucial role in leveraging both hospital-based and community-based clinical expertise, along with applied research and technologies. This synergy aims to drive and generate innovative solutions to healthcare challenges through effective collaboration between clinical staff and researchers. We look forward to building on the work of the Health Sciences Academy into the future.”

Prof Kerstin Mey, President of University of Limerick said: “The power of collaboration has shaped not only our academic pursuits but the very foundations of healthcare in the Midwest region. In the heart of this collaborative effort stands the longstanding and cohesive relationship between University of Limerick and our esteemed partners at the UL Hospitals Group. Over the many years of collaboration, this partnership has evolved as academia and healthcare converge to create a health science academic system that is robust and transformative.

Our collaboration is a testament to the belief that true progress is not made in isolation but in the interplay of diverse expertise and shared goals. As we continue to build upon this legacy of collaboration, let us embrace the potential within our collective efforts. The future of health sciences in the Mid-West is not just a vision; it is a reality shaped by collaboration, guiding us toward a healthier, more informed, and compassionate society.”

Speaking about the conference, Professor Paul Burke, Chief Academic Officer ULHG and Vice Dean of Health Sciences, UL said: “We saw during the pandemic how the public embraced the concept of health sciences, as they saw all healthcare being delivered on the basis of the most up-to-date scientific evidence and being communicated to the public in an open and transparent way. We would envisage that the academic health science system would enable us to deliver our healthcare in the Mid-West in a similar way.”

The Health Sciences Academy is a partnership between University of Limerick, UL Hospitals Group and HSE Mid West Community Healthcare. The partners share the primary aim, through the Health Sciences Academy, of improving health and wellbeing for people in the Midwest by delivering transformative education and training, and by driving innovation in healthcare delivery and technologies through research.