Durham University and CDDFT Strategic Partnership

CDDFT and Durham University signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Tuesday 25 July 2023 to promote greater collaboration in healthcare and research and formalise the partnership between our two organisations.

Both organisations have already been working together on research projects, professional development programmes and funding bids over the past 18 months.

Our Chairman Richard Scothon who is also a Professor in Practice in Durham University's Faculty of Social Sciences and Health, said: "The Memorandum of Understanding is an exciting step forward to develop the relationship between the University and our NHS Trust.

"We strongly share the value that research can bring great benefits to the community, our NHS patients and the local economy.

"As the largest provider of integrated care across the North East, we support over 2 million patient contacts a year. Our mission is to provide safe, compassionate and joined-up care to all of the communities we serve.

"We want as many of our patients as possible to get the benefit of being involved in research and also for our clinical teams to be able to explore further opportunities for research and innovation."

A range of key objectives are outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding, including creating large-scale, joint funding bids in areas that further both organisations' research objectives, identifying and developing continuing professional development (CPD) programmes for staff and developing systems to allow access to data, samples and other assets that will enable more joint research.

One of the key resources already agreed is the creation of a new, joint role to support the development of the partnership and ensure key projects are implemented effectively in the short-term.

Successful collaborations already being carried out between the University and CDDFT include a psychology study involving the Stroke Rehabilitation Unit at Bishop Auckland Hospital and an evaluation of long Covid consultancy involving the University's Department of Mathematical Sciences.

The University and CDDFT are also developing a bespoke CPD programme called 'Bridging the Gap' which will see University experts help develop the research skills of CDDFT clinicians in the three key areas of qualitative research methods, quantitative research methods and funding bids.

The Memorandum of Understanding will be in place for a minimum of three years.

This strategic alignment was recently promoted at the North East & North Cumbria Innovation Forum.