Our main objectives are to:
- Deliver high-quality research which supports the needs of the population and workforce in the South West and beyond.
- Develop the capacity and capability for research within the workforce to enable evidence-based practice and inform quality improvement activity.
- Support the leaders of health and social care professionals to develop their research workforce.
- Embed a clear clinical academic career path to assist the transition from undergraduate student to senior research leadership roles.
- Influence regional, national, and international decision-making within this arena, resulting in demonstrable impact.
What are the South West Clinical Schools?
The South West Clinical Schools are a collaboration between the University of Plymouth and health and social care organisations operating in Cornwall, Devon and Somerset. The School of Nursing and Midwifery and the School of Health Professions lead this initiative which aims to support all health and social care professionals undertaking and supporting research.
We seek to overcome long-standing barriers to collaborative working across these sectors by supporting colleagues at all stages of their research careers, whether they are already involved in research or thinking about getting involved.
Our collaboration focuses on research important to health and social care services, across the life course, within families and communities, and strengthening the workforce.
To contact the South West Clinical Schools, please email either of the co-directors:
- Prof Mary Hickson mary.hickson@plymouth.ac.uk
- Dr Susie Pearce susie.pearce@plymouth.ac.uk
Or contact our research assistant, Georgia Page georgia.page@plymouth.ac.uk
The South West Clinical Schools cover Cornwall, Devon and Somerset and are hosted in the following six NHS Trusts:
South West Clinical Schools Leads
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Professor Mary Hickson
Professor in Dietetics
Co-director of the SWCSs. Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
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Dr Susie Pearce
Associate Professor in Clinical Nursing
Co-director of the SWCSs. Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
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Professor Aled Jones
Head of School of Nursing and Midwifery
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Professor Jos Latour
Professor in Clinical Nursing
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
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Professor Bridie Kent
Professor of Leadership Nursing
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
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Professor Jill Shawe
Professor of Maternal and Family Health
Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust
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Dr Frazer Underwood
Honorary Associate Clinical Professor
Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust
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Professor Patricia Schofield
Professor in Clinical Nursing
Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
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Dr Ralph Hammond
Lecturer in Advanced Clinical Practice
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Our Research Community
Our research
Developing a research skilled workforce in the South West
This programme aims to support work that embeds research as the keystone that underpins excellent care and supports innovation. Medics have established programmes for research development within their career pathways. We want to create sustainable research skills, capacity, and capabilities for all health and care professionals. This includes building relationships, collaboration with Integrated Care Boards and provider organisations, identifying good practice, and rolling out supportive, sustainable structures.
The Enhanced Health in Care Homes Framework Study
This qualitative study will explore the implementation of the EHCH framework across eight care homes in Torbay and South Devon by capturing the experiences and voices of residents, family members and care staff.
Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) model of evidence-based healthcare
JBI's approach to evidence-based healthcare is encompassed in the JBI Model of Evidence-based Healthcare.
The University of Plymouth is a Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Centre of Excellence, of which Bridie Kent is director. The JBI framework is a gold-standard for all aspects of evidence based healthcare, including all stages of healthcare research and is designed to improve healthcare practice and health outcomes.
View current funding opportunities with the NIHR. Use the filters on the left-hand side of the page to find the opportunities most relevant to you.
News highlights
More related news
Professor appointed to newly created role with NIHR
Professor Ruth Endacott will take up the role in May
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From staff wellbeing to children’s physio – new projects to help patients in Torbay
The first recipients of a grant for health professionals to make a difference to patient care through research have been named
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£250,000 grant to support research for health and social care practitioners in Torbay
The University's South West Clinical School at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust has received the money from a local charitable fund
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New study looking to prevent hospital admissions of older people in Cornwall
Helen Lyndon's study will develop, implement and test a nurse-led intervention to improve healthy living in older people with frailty.
- More related news
How to be a clinical academic
Resources for anyone considering a career in this field