Establishing an International Health Links Network

Transcription

1 Establishing an International Health Links Network Brenda Longstaff, Head of International Partnerships Emma Forster, International Partnership Support Officer

2 International Health Links AHSN Project During 2014 we commenced a project sponsored by the Academic Health Science Network North East and North Cumbria (AHSN NENC) to set up a regional network of international health links. Through the project we identified 31 international health links in the region, working in 16 different countries

3 International Health Links AHSN Project The project demonstrated that the region is full of philanthropic international activity, with lots of healthcare professionals engaging in international health volunteering and many of our NHS Trusts working in partnership with overseas organisations Photographs courtesy of Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Smiles Across Nepal, Brian Earley, Ian Holtby and Vikki Ford-Powell

4 International Health Links AHSN Project We have established contact with all 31 links and from this, we have been able to gather information about their activity such as their areas of focus, numbers of volunteers and how they are funded:

5 Establishing the Network The information pointed to key ways that international health links could learn from each other to develop and grow their work: Fundraising to allow on-going work has been a major challenge I send books to Africa on mental health topics. This is instigated by me and there is no formal route to do things such a great shame as the need is so great Volunteering develops the clinical skills of staff and enables them to adapt to changing environments facilitating a can do ethos My work on CBT training [in India] has resulted in two publications, two poster presentations and one oral presentation My experiences in Tanzania have made me more aware about the types and amount of equipment I use at work I try to be more economical and save where I can

6 Benefits of a Regional Network A regional network of international health links can bring several benefits to the Link, their overseas partner and NHS trust and also promote wider learning around global health, international volunteering and related fields, for example, it will help to:

7 Northumbria Healthcare s Tanzania Partnership For more than 15 years Northumbria Healthcare NHS FT has worked in partnership with Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre in Tanzania to develop services through long term planned projects, ensuring sustainability for the future. Photographs source: Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

8 Benefits to the NHS: Relationships Better working relationships with international colleagues who are working within the NHS Greater ability to relate to patients from different cultures, including refugees who may come from an area you have worked in Appreciation for colleagues who work outside ones own area of expertise, fostering cross-discipline partnership working Experience of managing and nurturing professional relationships at all levels

9 Benefits to the NHS: Change management: learning from a back-to-basics approach Resource management: greater awareness of the cost of healthcare delivery Innovative ways of working: thinking outside the box Global health knowledge: preparing for the future Talent management: providing an opportunity for top professionals to take up the challenge of international links work

10 Case Study Career Progression: Alistair Hayes, ST3 General Surgery Evidence presented at national Surgery ST3 selection interview (portfolio): Unique undergraduate teaching experience National-level course faculty experience Team building / leadership (organised other trainees) Experience now relevant to ST3+ training Curriculum development undergraduate module / Masters program Experience to share with other trainees Global health knowledge

11 Case Study Recruitment and Retention: Liam Horgan, Consultant Surgeon and Director of Northern Skills Institute International work provides new challenges and an added dimension to a successful teaching and training institute. Training of international professionals Conference for UK medical students showcases international work International placement opportunities Experience of setting up new services overseas

12 Case Study Leadership: Linda Cobb, Lead Sonographer Opportunity for professional development: Development of short course in ultrasound for Tanzania Formulation of long term plans to expand an ultrasound service to serve the wider community Overcoming obstacles to provide equipment and training in remote locations Raising the profile of the sonography service at home and abroad Promotion to Lead sonographer/ Head of Service for Northumbria

13 Innovative workforce development: the case for international health links Health Service Journal Expert witness All Party Parliamentary Group Member of NHS Volunteering Group Developed a Toolkit: Our Position Nationally

14 Establishing a Regional Network In June 2015 we held a Global Connections Conference in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne Health Links from across the region were invited to display posters and present information about their work Over 150 people from across the UK attended The first meeting of the NENC Health Links Network took place

15 Benefits of a Regional Network The network has already benefitted Health Links by facilitating the sharing of donations and equipment and enabling people to connect with each other and build useful contacts

16 The North East and North Cumbria International Health Links Network To further unfold the benefits and facilitate communication we have launched two online resources : 1. NENC International Health Links Webpage 2. NENC International Health Links Facebook page

17 The North East and North Cumbria International Health Links Network NENC International Health Links Webpage Access information Add information Share information

18 The North East and North Cumbria International Health Links Network NENC International Health Links Facebook Page Like Share Use

19 The Future of the Network Online resources will sustain communication between health links, provide a swap-shop for equipment and resources, and enable others interested in this work to be able to engage with health links and learn about international health volunteering. Network meetings will be held bi-annually for health links to meet face-to-face. The second meeting of the network will take place early next year. There is interest from outside the region to expand the network. Northumbria Healthcare will continue to act as regional co-ordinator for the network, disseminating government policy updates, providing information about funding and sharing best practice. New research is being developed to look at the personal attributes gained from international health links work in terms of flexibility, resourcefulness and resilience.

20 THANK YOU Brenda Longstaff, Head of International Partnerships Emma Forster, International Partnership Support Officer Contact us: