York’s research to play a major role in the NHS's long-term plan

Posted on 12 July 2019

The Centre for Health Economics and the Department of Health Sciences, at the University of York are at the heart of a strategic £9M Yorkshire and Humberside partnership to tackle the region’s greatest health challenges.

We love our NHS

Health Minister Nicola Blackwood has announced the creation of 15 Applied Research Collaborations (ARCs) across the UK, representing an investment of £135m. The University of York is a key partner in The Yorkshire and Humber ARC, which will receive £9m over the next five years. The ARC will be led by York’s strategic partner at the Bradford Institute for Health Research (BIHR).

The ARC recognises the central roles of early years and prevention, and the importance of good mental health. These ARC themes will be led by Professors Kate Pickett and Simon Gilbody of the Department of Health Sciences. The York expertise in health economics is also recognised, with CHEs Dr Laura Bojke providing co-leadership for the Health Economics, Evaluation and Equality (HEEE) cross-cutting theme. Professor Gerry Richardson and Sebastian Hinde from CHE are also co-investigators working in the theme. The HEE theme will provide high quality, flexible and accessible research capability in health economic evaluation by applying the economic evaluation framework in a real world setting.

Collaborating

Professor Pickett said: “We’re delighted to be collaborating with colleagues and communities throughout Yorkshire and the Humber, working together to tackle some of our region's most critical health issues. Our ARC will be a powerful force to stimulate applied health and care research to improve services and wellbeing, as well as contributing knowledge of international significance and relevance.”

Professor Gilbody added “We know that early years and prevention are vital, and that there is no health without mental health. We are delighted that the York expertise in these areas will drive innovation and research for the benefit of people in the region."

Prioritise

The Yorkshire and Humber ARC will include 44 NHS organisations, 15 local authorities and ten Universities which will prioritise health issues including older people with frailty, healthy childhood, urgent care and mental ill health for its research.

The Director of Yorkshire and Humber ARC, Professor John Wright, said: “Our ARC will support people-powered research that aims to improve health and well-being for our communities. Our themes of healthy childhood, mental health, older people and urgent care are the priorities that have been identified by our NHS partners and the public and will ensure our patients benefit from cutting-edge innovation.”