University Health Board status achieved

The Health Minister, Mark Drakeford, has announced that Cwm Taf and Aneurin Bevan Health Board have achieved the status of University Health Board.

During a visit to Prince Charles Hospital the Minister confirmed that Cwm Taf has strongly demonstrated its close work with Cardiff University and the University of South Wales.

Aneurin Bevan Health Board was also granted University status by the Health Minister, Mark Drakeford AM following a formal application supported of Cardiff University.

The Health Minister, Mark Drakeford said: "The change in name reflects a real commitment to excellence in terms of partnership with higher education, the quality of services provided and overall performance."

Professor Elizabeth Treasure, Cardiff University's Deputy Vice-Chancellor said: "I am delighted to welcome this news and know that we will continue to work closely with both Cwm Taf and Aneurin Bevan University Health Boardsto improve health through education and research."

A review of the health boards' status will be undertaken every three years, starting in 2016, to ensure the criteria continues to be met and there is clear evidence of continual improvement in the quality of care being provided and patient outcomes, through their University partnership working.

Dr Chris Turner, Cardiff University's Director of Student Services & Governance said: "This award recognises the excellent partnership arrangements already in place but I am confident it will also lead to a new phase of development in health education and health practice. This is good news for the Heath Boards and the two universities and most importantly it will help us to provide the best possible health services to the communities within the areas."

David Jenkins, Chair of Aneurin Bevan Health Board said "I am delighted that the Minister has allowed us to be recognised in this way. Education and research are core business for us, not least because it leads to better quality care for our patients, better population health and outcomes and a better trained workforce for the future. I hope it also shows our ambitions for our community, with a wish to learn and continuously improve the quality across all the services we provide to our patients."

Dr Chris Jones, chair of Cwm Taf University Health Board said: "This is much more than adding the word to university to our name – it acknowledges Cwm Taf's commitment to investing in staff, ongoing learning and research and development and our strong links with the communities we work in and serve.

"It is our belief that university health board status will help us in our ongoing drive to reverse the inverse care law and provide high quality response care and services for those communities with the greatest need. It will enable us to build effective community links to tackle poor health and deprivation."

Cardiff University's Dean of Medical Education, Professor John Bligh said: "This is very good news for health care education in the region.

" The ground is now set for further innovation in the region and for the partnership between the health board and Cardiff University to develop even further."