Acute Stroke Unit awarded University Department of Excellence status

The Acute Stroke Unit at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust (RBFT) has become the fourth specialty to be awarded University status in recognition of excellence in clinical outcomes, collaborative research and development, and staff professional development and education.

Colleagues from the Acute Stroke Unit received their accolade at a ceremony last week from Dr Janet Lippett, Chief Medical Officer, with Professors Carol Wagstaff and Adrian Williams from the University of Reading.

The Stroke Unit joins the RBFT’s Cardiology, Emergency and Radiology Departments in receiving University Department of Excellence status.

Over the last 3 years, the Health Innovation Partnership (previously known as Joint Academic Board) has successfully established and governed a strategic collaboration that oversees a joint fund and joint initiatives in teaching, research and education within Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust and University of Reading specialisms.

Professor Carol Wagstaff, Research Dean for Agriculture, Food and Health at the University of Reading, said: “The growing partnership with Royal Berkshire Hospital NHS Trust is a great privilege for us at the University. We take great pride knowing that our research expertise is helping to improve clinical practice for more patients, and supporting our NHS through one of the greatest challenges it faces.”

Professor Adrian Williams, University of Reading, said: "I'm absolutely delighted that Stroke become the fourth department at RBH to get recognition as a university department. It is thoroughly well-deserved as team work was evident from their portfolio, the visit we paid was a delight and I look forward to growing this department with stroke and the other departments of excellence over the coming years."

Kiruba Nagaratnam, RBFT Stroke Service Clinical and Research & Development Lead said: “We are honoured to be awarded the recognition of University Department of Stroke Medicine. It was only possible because of the enthusiasm, dedication and hard work of the multidisciplinary team. We are looking forward to strengthen our ties with the University to expand our education and research portfolios.”