News Archive - 2009

2009 News

A ground breaking new book co authored by LJMU's Jane Springett, Professor of Health Promotion and Public Health, with Emeritus Professor Margaret Ledwith of Cumbria University, has been just published by Policy Press.

Participatory Practice explores the core ideas of participatory practice and how theory and practice can be integrated to achieve transformative change.

The ideas in the book are founded on two premises: firstly, that transformative practice begins in the everyday stories that people tell about their lives and that practical theory generated from these narratives is the best way to inform both policy and practice. Secondly, that participatory practice is a tool for examining this knowledge in that it allows practitioners to examine the way they view the world and to situate their local practice within bigger social issues.

The book is expected to be of interest to both academics and community-based practitioners.

Professor Springett commented: “Writing the book was a transformative experience in itself because we had to cross the divide between our different professions. The idea to write it came from our joint concern for the appropriation of the language of participation by many politicians and agencies without a real examination of what true participation actually consists of."

The book will be formally launched in the Spring as part of the University's Institute for Health Research seminar programme.

November 2009

Denise Fisher, a mental health nurse and senior lecturer in mental health at LJMU, has recently returned from a four-week Winston Churchill Travelling Fellowship to Queensland, Australia.

The aim of her Fellowship was to explore mental health care in rural and remote areas, how mental health awareness and promotion is delivered, and the use of information technology to support delivery.

Denise reported: “This was a wonderful opportunity to observe innovative ways of dealing with mental health issues. Organisations such as the Queensland Alliance, MIE-Australia (Mental Illness Education Australia) and E-CYMHS (Children & Young Person’s Mental Health Services) in Brisbane; Queensland Health and KASH (Kalkadoon Alcohol Sobriety House) in Mount Isa and the CRRMHQ (Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Queensland) in Cairns, were all very welcoming and willing to share their experiences.

"I am very appreciative of the support and opportunities provided by Gil Hainey (Primary Care Services Manager) and colleagues at The Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (Queensland) who organised visits to aboriginal communities in Yarrabah and Aurukun, where innovative services are being provided to meet the specific needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. I have particularly valued the willingness of indigenous staff to share their knowledge in helping me to gain some understanding of Australian indigenous people, their culture and the tailoring of needs to specific cultural groups, including Lloyd (KASH), Thomas & Anne (Mount Isa) Brian (Yarrabah) and Herbert (Aurukun).”

Denise will be producing a report on her experiences which will be available on the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust website later this year (http://www.wcmt.org.uk/). She is also hoping to incorporate her newly acquired knowledge into both her teaching activities at the University and her work as a mental health trainer with the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust across the North West of England.

October 2009

2nd Conference for students, by students

The student conference goes from strength to strength

For the 2nd year running a group of outstanding LJMU students have organised a nursing conference for their fellow students. The conference was held on 9th September at the John Foster building.
Over 200 students attended the conference in which leading figures in the NHS and key international academics were invited to talk around the topic ‘making the change from student to staff nurse’. Students were given the chance to talk to professionals about their options and also given CV advice and tips.
Emma Hutson, student commitee member commented on the event by saying, “I felt that the conference was a real success, the feedback from the speakers and all the organisations has been very positive. Students on the day seemed to find the information on job application, preceptorship and role transition the most helpful.
Shirley Congdon, LJMU's Director of Nursing & Primary Care Practice, commented on the great achievement of the students. “It has been excellent and has really helped to motivate and inspire students as they move towards their first posts as qualified practitioners."
The conference committee included 3rd year nursing students and student mentors; Emma Hutson, Lisa Sharp, Claire Kelly, Kelly Russell, Samantha Ryan, Beth White, Koran Gray, Jemma Stead, Rachael Drake, Keith Lester and Michelle Jones and was supported and led by senior lecturer Frances Colbron. Frances commended the students for organising this very successful event.

Sep 09

Senior Lecturer to stay with 5 Boroughs NHS Trust

Judith Guthrie, Senior Lecturer in Palliative Care and chairman of Burtonwood and Westbrook Parish Council has been rewarded for her hard work after she was re-appointed to serve as a non-executive director of 5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Trust.

Judith first qualified as a nurse in 1976, and has more than 20 years service in the NHS. She was appointed to the trust as a non-executive director in 2006 and will now serve from December 1, 2009 to November 30, 2010.

Bernard Pilkington, chairman, said: “It’s great that Judith has been re-appointed. She is a real asset to the board of directors and to the trust as a whole.”

Cllr Guthrie previously served as a borough councillor in St Helens for four years. She was chairman of St Helens and Knowsley Community Health Council and a director of nursing at St Rocco’s Hospice. In 2006 she received a volunteer innovation award for devoting her spare time to work as chairman of Warrington Bereavement Service, which provides a free bereavement counselling service for people in the town.

Clr Guthrie’s reappointment has been made in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointment’s Code of Practice. Under these rules all non-executive appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.

Sep 2009

Affiliate graduates

The first cohort of 15 students from an affiliated Malaysian institute recently completed the LJMU-accredited Professional Diploma in Cardiovascular and Thoracic Sciences.

The IJN National Heart Institute, one of the largest medical institutions in Malaysia, is an integrated one-stop centre offering comprehensive cardiovascular and thoracic services to government ministers and adult and paediatric patients across the South East Asia Region and beyond.

The student profile includes allied health professionals studying alongside registered nurses, all of whom work at the Institute.

The 18-month programme, which commenced February 2008, has delivered relevant and contemporary subjects to health professionals since its launch.

Analie Grimshaw, Link Tutor for IJN College, said: "The application of the assessments to clinical practice has become a catalyst for professional development in all students."

Course graduate Foong Pui Hing commented: “I have a greater appreciation of organisational issues. The programme also gave me the opportunity to look deeper into my role as a dietician, employee and mentor."

Ann Deane, LJMU’s Head of Programmes for Malaysia and South East Asia, congratulated the students and also praised members of the teaching team at both institutions for facilitating this excellent outcome.

Aug 09

LJMU in Birthday Honours list

LJMU professor, former Vice-Chancellor and five honorary fellows all receive honours in the Queen's Birthday list.

Professor Mark Bellis, Director of LJMU’s Centre for Public Health has received an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for services to healthcare. Mark is pictured left receiving his Doctor of Science award from the University in 2006 - the highest academic award that LJMU can make

Mark is an internationally respected expert on sexual health, in the areas of AIDS/HIV, teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases; substance use, with particular reference to alcohol and violence, tobacco and drugs; and public health intelligence and communication. His work has substantially advanced our understanding of health and harm-related behaviour, linking issues such as substance use, sexual health and violence in order to inform broader public health policy and practice. The applied nature of his work has also helped practitioners develop new interventions at local, national and international levels.

Student Paramedic International Exchange Programme set up by four LJMU paramedic students

In September 2008 two Paramedic Students Dan Cooke and Luke McKenna visited Toronto, Canada. During their holiday they incorporated a tour of the Toronto Emergency Medical Services (EMS) head office. The 2 students impressed so much they were offered the chance to observe the Paramedics in their practice. Both students completed full 12 hour shifts with their ‘buddy Paramedics’, throughout the day Luke and Dan received a lot of positive attention from patients, ambulance staff and the general public, everyone was receptive to their presence and reasons for being there. The trip inspired them to set about initiating an exchange project to give other students the same positive and invaluable experience as they had, another 2 students Sky Armstrong and Gary Fitzpatrick joined Dan and Luke to form a focus group known as S.P.I.E (Student Paramedic International Exchange).

The Paramedic Studies students gave a superb presentation to a host of important internal and external guests, to gather support for the launch of a new Student Paramedic International Exchange programme. They presented their views on both sides of the Atlantic about why such an innovative exchange program would be of benefit to students. Attending the presentation in Liverpool was the Lord Mayor, who praised the pride and enthusiasm the students had for their University, their course and the city of Liverpool itself.

The 4 students were accompanied to Toronto’s Centennial College in April by Dave Taylor, Head of Pre-Hospital Care and Shirley Congdon, Director of Academic Delivery. Whilst there the team met the head of the Paramedic Program, Ellen Bull and the Ontario Health Minister, Joshua Tepper. The Exchange Program is due to begin later this year when the Canadian students will visit LJMU for 2 weeks before our students travel to Canada.

July 09

Students celebrate their success

Cohort achieves 9 First Class Honours degrees

Adult Nursing Students from the BA09/06 cohort had reason to celebrate after a nervous wait to receive their results. In total 9 first class honours degrees were awarded to the group.

Cohort leader Susan Thomas led the celebration which was held in the Graduate Development Centre. Programme leader Michelle Laing gave a speech congratulating students for their hard work and dedication in achieving a very successful set of results. Meanwhile in Malaysia, ten students from the cohort were receiving their results during their International experience.

Students from the cohort wished to thank all the teaching staff for their hard work and continued support which enabled them to achieve a superb set of results.

June 08

Social Work Careers Day

The Social Work team led an initiative to welcome local organisations into the university to collaboratively run a Social Work Careers Day. Local authorities plus social work employment agencies were invited to attend on 22^nd June which was held in the Graduate Development Centre at LJMU. Stalls were set up and students got to talk to the organisations on an individual basis, gaining information about job and training opportunities in the sector.

Alongside this the Careers service offered advice on CV’s and interview techniques. Four guest speakers; Paul McWade, Operations Director – Halton City Council, Elaine Pugh and Carol Allen – MarieCurie and Gayle Martin from Liverpool City Council spoke about their present role and what it is like to work in their organisation giving tips and advice on the social work industry and what skills their organisations look for in a graduate. The event was a success and was attended well by both LJMU and Liverpool Community College’s students.

June 2009

Student Mentoring Service support Liverpool Red Balloon – James Bulger House

The Student Mentoring Service organised a Walk for Charity on 31^st May 09. The Student Mentoring Service is led by Frances Colbron, Senior Lecturer and is made up of 2^nd and 3^rd year students, the aim is to help first year students settle into university life. The event was a great success attracting over 100 walkers and raising over £1500 for the chosen charity, Liverpool Red Balloon – James Bulger House.

Blood pressure point

Nursing students check out shoppers on Stroke Awareness Day

The Rotary Club of Garston, along with the help of student mentors from the Faculty of Health and Applied Social Sciences LJMU, gave people the opportunity to have their blood pressure checked - on their visit to the supermarket.

The Nursing students with the assistance of Rotary Club members were on hand to check the well-being of shoppers at the Hunts Cross branch of ASDA as part of a national campaign run in partnership with The Stroke Association to help people better understand the relation between high blood pressure (hypertension) and stroke.
It is estimated that 40% of the 150,000 strokes suffered by people in the UK each year could be prevented. Although many are aware of the logic in having their blood pressure monitored, it is often put off or simply overlooked.

Homaira Khan from The Stroke Association commented: “Rotary recognises that one of the biggest challenges is to help people understand that strokes don't just happen to other people. They can happen to anyone, at any age and the biggest single risk is high blood pressure.”

Frances Colbron, Head of the Student Mentoring Service at LJMU, commented: “This is a wonderful opportunity for the students to work with the Rotarians on a worthwhile community project. The students were able to perform the skills they learnt and promote health awareness.”

06 May 2009

‘Making a Difference: Transforming Public Health Nursing’ April 2009

After an introduction and a glowing appraisal from Professor Mark Bellis, Director of Research in the Faculty, Professor Thomson thanked the University for conferring him the title of Visiting Professor.

Professor Thomson talked about his background in public health nursing, his childhood in Dundee, and how nursing staff who treated him for an eye injury he sustained at an early age inspired him to follow a career in nursing.

Some of the key issues raised by Professor Thomson were health reforms across the UK, the image of public health nurses, and how the role has developed over the years into a much broader, but no less focussed, role.

Professor Thomson also explored the impact of health spending, referring to the recession the UK is currently experiencing, and discussed how promoting health and tackling health issues caused by poverty in the wider community is more important than ever.

LJMU midwives in The Gambia

Pamela Brodie and Ashley Pedersen, two Level 3 Midwifery students, are embarking on a 6-week elective placement to The Gambia where they have decided to take their placement at the AFRICMED Clinic and other tertiary maternity centres in Senegambia.

The local hospital (Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital) and surrounding birthing centres cater for huge numbers of patients on budgets up to 150 times less than acceptable in westernised countries, and as a result are desperately short of, among other things, equipment. The donation therefore of products and money can be of huge benefit.
On the students' website, Ashley comments: “This we feel will give us an opportunity to observe how maternity services work in a developing country and to share what knowledge we have acquired in the past three years. As you can imagine, this is a terrific honour and shall improve our knowledge and experience greatly. Pamela and myself wish to give something in return for this privilege, and are fundraising for two charities based in The Gambia. These are 'Operation Save a Baby', run by the First Lady of The Gambia, and 'Gambia Education and Teaching Support' (GETSuk) a UK-registered charity founded by Francis Glynn who also runs the Gambian based charity Gambia Tourist Support."
You can read in more detail their plan for the journey, info about the charities and most importantly you can follow a blog on their progress: http://projectgambia2009.wordpress.com/

Pictured l-r: Ashley Pedersen and Pamela Brodie

27 March 2009

Senior Lecturer granted Travelling Fellowship Award for Mental Health Research

A Liverpool John Moores Lecturer has been awarded a Travelling Fellowship by Winston Churchill Memorial Trust.
Denise Fisher, Senior Lecturer in Mental Health in the Faculty of Health and Applied Social Sciences Sciences and Mental Health Trainer (North West England) for the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust, has been awarded the fellowship to visit Australia in September to explore ‘Meeting Mental Health Needs of Individuals in Rural Communities.’

The Travelling Fellowships are awarded in keeping with the original aims of the living memorial to Sir Winston Churchill and were endowed by the Nation in 1965 when many thousands of people, gave generously to a public subscription which now funds the fellowships. Based on the object of advancing and widening education in any part of the world, the fellowships aim to make recipients more effective in their life and work by providing a unique opportunity to travel overseas on specific projects of their choice, meeting people with similar interests and challenges. Spending an average of 6 weeks overseas, fellows return having gained knowledge and experience of significant value to benefit their country, community and occupation as well as their own personal development.

This year, 95 Churchill Fellows have been selected from 940 applicants representing a rich diversity of backgrounds, qualifications, trades and professions. Applicants demonstrate that their project is feasible and worthwhile, and of real benefit to their community and to the UK on return. Past award winners are people from all walks of life including nurses, artists, scientists, engineers, farmers, conservationists, carers, members of the emergency services and sportsmen and women.
During her travels in Australia; Denise will visit Brisbane, Mount Isa, Townsville and Cairns (Queensland), looking at how information technology is used to support the needs of people in rural communities experiencing common mental health problems. Denise will also visit schools, colleges and rural mental health services, providing mental health promotion and raising mental health awareness for children and adolescents.

LJMU goes Fairtrade bananas

Students from the Faculty of Health and Applied Social Sciences went bananas at the Superlambanana, Tithebarn Street, to raise awareness of Fairtrade Fortnight and promote healthy eating.

As students at the first university in Merseyside to be granted Fairtrade status, they are committed to highlighting Fairtrade products and gathered en masse to munch their way through Fairtrade bananas.

Paramedic student Sky Armstrong said: “Because we study health-related subjects we’re all concerned with people’s well-being so we do encourage everyone to eat fruit and vegetables. However, it’s also important that the products are ethically sourced. We’re not only trying to get people to eat more healthily, by snacking on bananas rather than chocolate or crisps, but we’re also asking them to consider where they come from and buy only those which are Fairtrade.”

Peter Hinton, LJMU’s Executive Director for Infrastructure Planning, said: “Fairtrade is a key strand in the battle against global poverty because it ensures that a fair price is paid for produce from developing countries. LJMU and the Liverpool Students’ Union have worked very hard to achieve this status and we are very proud to be named a Fairtrade university.”

For further information on Fairtrade see: http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/

19 March 2009

Paramedics pitch for exchange

Paramedic Studies students gave a superb presentation to a host of important internal and external guests, to gather support for the launch of a new Student Paramedic International Exchange programme.

The students, led by Dan Cooke, presented their views about why such an innovative exchange program would be of benefit to students - on both sides of the Atlantic.

The idea for the exchange was driven by the students visiting Toronto, Canada, on their own time and money. On their travels they took the time to visit local hospitals and ‘buddied up’ with Canadian paramedics to learn about the differences in their methods of working. They will be visiting Toronto’s Centennial College in April to explore the possibility of setting up an exchange program to share ideas about paramedic practice.
The students reasoned that a regular exchange would benefit all involved on an academic level, as well as giving them the confidence earned from a broad practical experience. The benefits of work-related learning, employability, and promoting the University, were other positive factors explored in creating such an exchange. The presentation ended with an emotive film made by the students, which succeeded in pulling the heart strings, and loosening the purse strings, of potential backers.

Attending the presentation was the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, who praised the pride and enthusiasm the students had for their University, their course and the city of Liverpool itself. He commented: “You’re the perfect advocates for your university and for Liverpool.”
Professor Godfrey Mazhindu, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Applied Social Sciences, also commended the students on their efforts, commenting: “I was expecting something good, but this was brilliant. You have the support of the Faculty.”

Pictured: Paramedic Practice students give a rescuscitation demonstration to the Lord Mayor

11 March 2009

Health informatics event

LJMU hosts joint research and development event with ASSIST North West and BCS Merseyside.

LJMU's Centre for Health and Social Care Informatics (CHaSCI) hosted a joint visit from ASSIST (Association for Informatics Professionals in Health) North West and BCS (British Computer Society) Merseyside branch at the end of December 2008. The aim of the event was to showcase health informatics research taking place across the University... read more

Paramedic bid success

LJMU becomes largest North West provider of paramedic training.

LJMU has won a major contract from the North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust (NWAS), making it the region's largest provider of paramedic training.
The successful bid is founded upon a longstanding collaborative partnership with NWAS dating back to 1998 and builds upon the well-established portfolio of programmes for qualified paramedics... read more

Content owner: Katherine Geer

Page last modified by Peter Spencer on 24 August 2012.

LJMU Home Faculty Home

About the Faculty Courses Prospective Students Practice Learning Support Unit Academic Staff & Teams Research and Enterprise News and Events Information for Staff Information for Students Centre for Public Health Contact Information and Directions Student Award Scheme

News and Events Latest Faculty News Open Days

News Archive 2008 2009 2010 2011 Reach Magazine May 2012 The Vine Magazine Spring 2012 Reach Magazine Oct 2011 The Vine Magazine Autumn 2011

share was this page helpful?

home>>Faculty of Health and Applied Social Sciences>>Latest Faculty News>>