
NHS 24 and the University of Strathclyde have joined forces to enhance health and care services in Scotland through research and innovation.
The two organisations have signed a strategic partnership agreement to share knowledge, expertise, and resources to improve health outcomes and optimise health delivery by developing more anticipatory and preventative models of care.
The three-year agreement – signed by Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Strathclyde’s Principal & Vice-Chancellor, and Jim Miller, Chief Executive of NHS 24 – identifies data driven health and care, optimisation of pathways, omni channel approaches, and remote patient monitoring and the ‘hospital at home’ as areas of joint working.
Activities covered under the partnership include: research projects, knowledge transfer collaborations, student projects, MSc or PhD programmes and education/training programmes.
Transformative innovation
Sir Jim said: “Strathclyde is committed to driving world-leading research and transformative innovation and impact. This new strategic partnership between Strathclyde and NHS 24 reflects our shared commitment to advancing health and care services in Scotland.
By combining our expertise in education, research, training, and innovation, we can harness digital technologies to drive meaningful change that will enhance not only patient care but Scotland’s economic and social wellbeing.
Mr Miller said: “NHS 24 has set out to transform how people in Scotland access care by delivering connected, consistent, and convenient services. Our 2023-2028 strategy outlines ambitious goals to bring high-quality, safe, and person-centred care closer to home, whether through digital channels, our 111 service, or other innovative approaches.
“This new partnership with Strathclyde can help us to meet the evolving needs of our population by focusing on proactive and preventative healthcare, utilising our data, insights, and expertise. In doing so we can empower individuals to manage their health while supporting the wider health and care system to deliver better outcomes for everyone.”
Pressing challenges
Founded in 2001, NHS 24 is Scotland’s provider of the 111 service and other digital health and care services.
In September 2023, Dr Dawn Orr, NHS 24 Associate Director of Nursing and Care, was appointed a Professor of Practice at Strathclyde – a role which helps to connect University research and activity with NHS Boards and the care sector.
Professor Roma Maguire, Director of Health & Care Futures at Strathclyde and an expert in Digital Health and Care in the University’s Department of Computing and Information Sciences, said: “Our vision is to support the health and care sector to become fully integrated and data driven. This partnership exemplifies our commitment to advancing innovation in digital health and care, providing transformative solutions that benefit individuals and communities alike.
By combining cutting-edge research with practical applications, we aim to address pressing challenges in healthcare delivery and make a tangible difference to people’s lives.
The partnership is being led by Health & Care Futures at Strathclyde, a cross-Faculty initiative to utilise the University’s multidisciplinary expertise in medicines innovation, future technologies, data analytics, artificial intelligence, leadership and ‘whole systems’ improvement to make an effective and sustained contribution to the future of health and care in the UK and beyond. A joint Strategic Partnership Board will oversee the activity and progress of the collaboration.
NHS 24 employs a range of front-line staff, including call handlers, nurses, pharmacists, psychological wellbeing practitioners, physiotherapists, and dental advisors, as well as a diverse group of professionals in various administrative and specialist roles.