Emergency care in Wales receives vital boost

Tim Rainer returns from China to become Cardiff’s first Professor of Emergency Medicine

The University’s ambition of becoming a world-leader in emergency medicine has been brought a step closer with the recruitment of its first Professor of Emergency Medicine.

The appointment of Professor Tim Rainer, who joins the University from Hong-Kong’s Prince of Wales Hospital, is regarded by the University and NHS peers as a significant catalyst for delivering better emergency care right across Wales.

Joint-funded by the University and Cardiff & Vale University Health Board, Professor Rainer will bring to the role a track record of excellence in teaching, research and innovation in emergency care - strengths seen as vital for attracting and retaining the very best doctors for Wales in this critical area of medicine.

Speaking of his new role, Professor Rainer said: “Coming back home to Cardiff fills me with excitement.  I can sense the desire of people in the University, the Health Board and the emergency department to face the challenges of this age and to become world leaders and world providers in emergency medicine.

“Placing more focus on emergency medicine will save patients’ lives. It will result in more efficient use of hospital beds and healthcare resources. Although chronic illness is a major priority today, if people do not survive acute illness then they can never face chronic illness.

“I would like to see emergency medicine at Cardiff as the world’s best – a place of international renown and excellence in emergency care, education, research and innovation.” 

Professor John Bligh, Cardiff’s Dean of Medicine, said: “The School of Medicine prides itself in producing great medical professionals. The arrival of Professor Rainer will certainly help us to maintain and further develop these high standards.

“Emergency Medicine is a vital front-line service that must be delivered safely and accurately for every patient, every time. Developing this discipline in new and innovative ways can only mean good news not only for patients with acute illnesses and injuries but also the many strands of medical care that feed off an emergency department.”

Dr Graham Shortland, Executive Medical Director, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said: “We are delighted to welcome Tim back to Wales and to this new role at the Heath Board. He brings with him a wealth of clinical experience, especially from his recent senior role at the Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, which I know will be of direct benefit in improving services for our patients.

“In particular I know he wants to focus on improving the teaching in our emergency unit, providing an academic focus for further research and in playing a key role in attracting more people of his calibre and experience to work in Cardiff.”

Emergency medicine is the study and practice of managing life-threatening and life-disabling acute illness or injury. It is the only area of medical practice that sees patients at any time, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, no matter the condition.