Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Leeds Beckett University celebrates its partnership work with the NHS
At the beginning of the year, Leeds Beckett stepped up to help train people to administer the Covid-19 vaccination in the Leeds vaccine centres. Paul Mackreth, a Course Director in the School of Health and a District Nurse, was in charge of the training: “Being able to offer specific Covid-19 immunisation training has helped us feel that we have all played out part in getting the nation vaccinated.
“Responding quickly to training has been challenging alongside maintaining and managing the assessment, learning and teaching for our existing students on health courses. It has required a team effort to release staff from existing commitments.
“Supporting our health students remains a priority and offering time for NHS colleagues has been essential.”
First year nursing student, Natasha, was one of those who volunteered to give the vaccines at Elland Road and took part in the training run by Paul. Reflecting on her experience, she said: “The training I received at Leeds Beckett University was fantastic. I felt really well supported to apply the practical side of things to the online theory we had undertaken. The training gave me the confidence and skills I needed to be able to go out and work at the vaccination centre and support the Covid-19 vaccination programme.”
Our Centre for Dementia Research has carried out some vital research work during the year. One of its main studies is the CanDem study which aimed to understand the experiences of people living with both cancer and dementia, in particular their experience receiving cancer treatment and care.
They identified lots of ways that cancer services can support people living with dementia and their families including:
- Ensuring cancer services staff ask if someone has dementia and recording this clearly on their records as well as sharing it with appropriate colleagues.
- Providing simple personalised information to people with dementia and their families about their diagnosis and treatment.
- Making sure the person with dementia is seen by the same staff and in same treatments rooms to support familiarity.
- Ensuring cancer services staff have access to dementia specific training.
Dr Laura Booi is leading a novel study that will provide insights into the motives, facilitators, and structural barriers of the participation of diverse and seldom heard populations in dementia risk-reduction research.
Working in conjunction with the PREVENT Programme, a large-scale, multi-centre study which aims to establish novel and clinically applicable early biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease, and funded by a Global Brain Health Leaders Award, Dr Booi will interview participants of the PREVENT Program who represent seldom heard groups to learn how researchers can develop their studies, processes and outcomes to be more inclusive.
The main outcome of this study will be to develop guidelines for researchers to encourage diverse, equitable, and supportive recruitment and engagement of participants.
A team of highly experienced and internationally-recognised diabetes and weight management experts, led by Louisa Ells, Professor of Obesity in the Applied Obesity Research Centre at Leeds Beckett University, are leading a £1.5 million evaluation of the new NHS Low Calorie Diet Programme. The programme aims to provide targeted support to adults living with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Graduate Chris Wood, who completed an MSc in Occupational Therapy at Leeds Beckett is now working as a specialist Occupational Therapist supporting the homeless population of Leeds. He is commissioned by Leeds CCG to provide occupational therapy to rough sleepers and those in temporary and unstable accommodation. He is also part of Bevan Healthcare CIC and works alongside a paramedic, advanced nurse practitioner and GPs to deliver an innovative outreach healthcare service designed to combat health exclusion.
Homeless people have also benefited from an on-site physiotherapy service at St George’s Crypt set up by Dr Philomena Commons, a Senior Physiotherapy and Sports Therapy Lecturer, in 2011. The service has enabled students from LBU to enhance and broaden their understanding of the social nature of health.