On 7th November 2024, over 100 professionals gathered to explore the theme Windows of Opportunity: Innovations in Care. The event featured insightful sessions on virtual reality in care, green spaces, and stigma in mental health. Attendees enjoyed engaging talks, poster presentations, and the inspiring Breaking and Mending conversation with Dr Joanna Cannon.
A new Lancet Commission on self-harm, co-authored by Mel Ball, Director for Lived Experience at Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT), was published on October 10th to coincide with World Mental Health Day. The report addresses the global issue of self-harm, revealing that at least 14 million episodes occur annually, with young people being particularly affected. The Commission emphasizes the need for compassionate care, increased understanding, and better access to resources to support those impacted by self-harm worldwide.
MPFT’s Research and Innovation Department proudly supports #Red4Research 2024, celebrating the people and progress driving healthcare research. Join us in showcasing achievements, sharing projects, and highlighting the power of collaboration in improving lives.
The British and Irish Group for the Study of Personality Disorder (BIGSPD) conference in Belfast showcased significant contributions from the Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT). Mel Ball, Director for Lived Experience, delivered a plenary on co-production and lived experience leadership. Additionally, Dr. Gary Lamph was announced as the new Co-President of BIGSPD, emphasizing the organisation’s commitment to collaborative leadership.
In its first year, the 'Starting Out in Health and Social Care Research' course has made a remarkable impact, enrolling over 1,300 learners from 88 countries. This innovative, free online course, created by the Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT) in partnership with Keele University, and the University of Worcester, offers comprehensive guidance designed to equip health and social care professionals with essential research skills, empowering them to take their first steps into the world of research.
Two researchers from Keele University School of Nursing and Midwifery and MPFT’s Professor Rheumatology Nursing are looking to inspire nurses and Allied Health Professionals to become more involved in research.
'Highly Commended Bob Beattie Postgraduate Recognition Award' goes to Natasha, a Rheumatology trainee at MPFT currently undertaking a PhD at Keele University. Alongside her training and studies, Natasha is an active participant in the postgraduate community at Keele.
A project funded by a grant from the Office for Life Sciences aimed to develop a wearable overdose detection wristband, The Brave Inclusion Overdose (BIO) Wristband, in collaboration with opioid users. Running from September to December 2023, the project involved focus groups, interviews, and trials with hostel residents and staff. The wristband, designed to emit an alarm upon detecting a lack of movement, was well-received but feedback indicated a need for a slimmer design and improvements in usability. Impact stories highlighted its life-saving potential, marking a significant step forward in harm reduction technology.
The REN programme aims to increase diversity in research. Following a workshop in Telford, Kumlesh volunteered to become a research champion for the local Sikh community. Eager to engage her community in health and care research, she collaborated with us and Temple leaders.
The Covid-19 pandemic required innovative strategies to enhance the wellbeing of care home residents. Anna Redpath, an advanced nurse practitioner, and Carolyn Fleurat, a district nurse from MPFT, developed a pilot project which utilised gardening as therapy to improve health and wellbeing in a care home setting. Their project illustrates the profound impact of creative therapeutic interventions and provides valuable insights for future healthcare practices.
