University of Bolton: New health partnership launched

This comes as the Deane Road-based University of Bolton comes together with the Caribbean and African Health Network (CAHN) to sign what is known as a memorandum of understanding.

The university says that this will lead to innovation in its health curriculum to address health inequalities in Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities.

Vice Chancellor Professor George E Holmes said: “The University of Bolton is proud and pleased to have this important partnership with CAHN.

The teams unite for the MOU signing (Image: University of Bolton)

“The health disparities in the Caribbean and African communities are truly shocking and it is imperative we work had to make a difference.

“This partnership will involve enhancing the development and delivery of health programmes to our students who will become the future health professionals across the North West and beyond, as part of our pioneering Bolton College of Medical Sciences development and our School of Medicine.”

He added: “It will also celebrate the diversity of our communities and further develop the University’s culture of inclusion and belonging for staff and students and the wider community in which we serve.”

Professor Holmes signed the memorandum last Monday with CAHN chief executive Charles Kwaku-Odoi and chair Faye Bruce.

Mr Kwaku-Odoi said: “We are delighted to have formed this relationship with the University of Bolton.

“We have made tremendous progress already and look forward to working even more closely with them.”

The initiative is being spearheaded by assistant vice chancellor Sharon Germaine-Cox and involve a range of activities.

These will include developing a shared partnership officer role at the university and network as well as supporting events like Black History Month, community health awareness programmes and student and staff recruitment campaigns.

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The university also aims to develop a national vice chancellor programme aimed at Black, Asian and ethnic minority staff who aspire to become vice chancellors themselves and to work more generally to address health inequalities in these communities.

Ms Germaine-Cox said: “The latest research and good practice undertaken by CAHN will enhance our existing provision.

“We will also work with CAHN on other projects to enhance the experience of its communities and the services it receives.”