Academic Health Science Systems: The Foundation of Sláintecare

7 Jun 2023

A joint symposium of the Chief Academic Officers, Group Chief Executive Officers & Community Health Organisation Chief Officers of Ireland.

On May 18^th 2023, an event entitled "Academic Health Science Systems: The Foundation of Sláintecare" took place in Farmleigh House, Phoenix Park, Dublin.

Prof Helen Whelton, Head of College of Medicine & Health UCC, and Chief Academic Officerto the SSWHG, spoke at the meeting about the importance of the Chief Academic Officer role in the development of the Regional Health Areas. She was joined by an impressive list of speakers and panellists, the details of which can be found in AHS - The Foundation of Slainte Care May 2023.

The goal of the meeting was to collaborate, engage and educate on the benefits of an Academic Health Sciences System (AHSS). An AHSS is a partnership between a university and a healthcare provider focusing on quality and safe clinical services underpinned by teaching, training, research and innovation.

The primary aspiration of the partnership between clinical service and academia is to deliver excellence in patient care and community services. Research active hospitals produce better patient outcomes.

Educating our future leaders in healthcare must involve the promotion of interdisciplinary education, research and team science. It is crucially important that the implementation of Sláintecare explicitly incorporates this approach and adopts international best practice by using university/major teaching hospitals/ industry partnerships and their strong links with the community/primary care to develop integrated care that will evolve for future populations.

The May 18^th event will be followed by a series of workshop, aligning with the work ongoing regarding the development of the Regional Health Areas (RHAs). 

To find out more about UCC Academic Health Sciences, click here. 

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Anna Toner