The University of Glasgow and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) today signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to form the Glasgow Health Sciences Partnership (GHSP).

The aim of the GHSP is to better integrate world-leading research, top quality education and expertise in clinical practice between the University and NHSGGC.

By identifying and moving forward areas of health innovation, such as the implementation of Precision Medicine in Scotland, the GHSP aims to improve health outcomes, deliver better healthcare and generate economic benefits for Glasgow.

The GHSP agreement will also ensure a high level of teaching and learning experiences for a wide range of healthcare staff; and will also aim to rapidly translate research discoveries and innovations into healthcare reality for patients.

The MOA was signed by the University’s Principal and Vice Chancellor, Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, and John Brown, Chairman of NHSGGC.

Prof Muscatelli said: “The University of Glasgow has a long-standing, close relationship with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and its antecedents, dating back to the opening of Glasgow Royal Infirmary - Glasgow’s first teaching hospital - in 1794. We continue to work closely with the Health Board in the provision of teaching, clinical care, and much more.

“On behalf of the University, I am delighted to sign this MOA, which will see this relationship continue to flourish with the creation of the GHSP. The new agreement creates a focus for our continuing efforts to improve health outcomes for the people of our city and beyond, and to bring added benefits to the local and national economy.”

John Brown, Chairman, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “As the largest health authority in the UK, we have a highly talented clinical workforce who contribute significantly to ground-breaking clinical trials and research.

“We have worked closely with the University of Glasgow in the field of medical innovation and research for many years. The strong relationship between the two organisations has been the catalyst for many advances in medical treatment, with improved success rates and better targeted therapies. This continues to benefit patients not only in Greater Glasgow and Clyde but also further afield.

“On behalf of the NHS Board, I am delighted to formalise our relationship with the creation of this new partnership.”

Professor Dame Anna Dominiczak, Vice Principal and Head of the College of MVLS, said: “On behalf of the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, I am very happy to see the University sign this MOA with our friends and colleagues at NHSGGC.

“Our close partnership with the NHS spans biomedical research, clinical trials and the establishment of the jointly-managed research and teaching infrastructure at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, including our Teaching & Learning Centre, the new Clinical Research Facility and the Imaging Centre of Excellence.

“The triple helix approach – collaboration between academia, the NHS and industry –– is very important as we strive to further research and investment and continue to lead the way with Precision Medicine, delivering healthcare innovation for Glasgow and beyond.”

It is anticipated the GHSP will form the core of a wider West of Scotland Health Sciences Network (WoSHSN) which will include other academic institutions, health boards, and other parties having a shared interest and vision for delivering healthcare improvement and development in Glasgow and the west of Scotland.

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Enquiries: ali.howard@glasgow.ac.uk or elizabeth.mcmeekin@glasgow.ac.uk / 0141 330 6557 or 0141 330 4831

First published: 25 July 2018