23rd September 1997

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The University of Ulster and the Chairman of the Belfast City Hospital Trust today signed an agreement which will encourage joint collaboration in research and training.

The agreement builds on the already strong relationship between the University and Belfast City Hospital. The Hospital has offered placements in physiotherapy, radiography, occupational therapy and other clinical departments. A joint research project in bladder cancer brings together researchers from the University's internationally recognized research team in Biomedical Sciences with senior clinicians at the Hospital. Further joint ventures are under discussion and include the possibility of a project which would look at the vital interfaces between primary and tertiary cancer care.

Professor Peter Roebuck, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs) at the University said:

"We are very pleased with the formalizing of this relationship. We believe that there will be enhanced opportunities for education and career developments for Hospital staff as well as an enhanced quality of education for students at the University through relevant placement in Hospital clinical departments.

"Furthermore, we believe that this collaboration will have an impact on Northern Ireland and its people through research projects into cancer diagnosis and treatment." The Chief Executive of the Belfast City Hospital Trust, Mr Quentin Coey said:

"We have had a long association with the University of Ulster, facilitating the placement of students training in biomedical sciences, physiotherapy, occupational and speech therapy.

"Our agreement today marks the extension of our relationship into further fields of practice development and research. We are particularly excited about the potential for joint research in the field of cancer."

Notes for Editors

The courses provided by the University of Ulster are in Science, Social and Health Sciences and Education, and Biomedical Sciences.

The current numbers in placement in Belfast City Hospital are:

Physiotherapy	8
Radiography	3
Occupational Therapy	6
Speech Therapy	3
Biomedical Sciences	8

Students will be available for interview.

It is intended to extend placement provision into the area of nutrition and dietetics and to enhance the numbers of placements overall to meet local needs.

For further information, please contact:

Press Office Department of Communication and Development
Telephone: 028 9036 6178
Email: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk