RBH Radiology Department awarded University status

The Radiology Department at Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust was presented with a University Department of Excellence Award at a ceremony held at Royal Berkshire Hospital this week.

At the presentation event on Thursday 13 May, members of the University of Reading and Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust's Joint Academic Board awarded colleagues from the Radiology department with a plaque in recognition of excellence in clinical outcomes, collaborative research and development, and staff professional development.

The Radiology Department is the latest of three departments within the Trust to be awarded university status alongside Cardiology and Emergency Department. The department is one of the largest within the Trust and has worked with the University of Reading in a multiple areas of research including pioneering new technologies such as using artificial intelligence to analyse CT scans, and augmented reality for improved analysis of MRI scans.   

The Joint Academic Board was established in March 2018 as a partnership committed to a three-year programme of collaborative research and education, funding innovation in both organisations.

Professor Adrian Williams, Research Dean for Agriculture, Food & Health at the University of Reading, said: "The University is immensely proud of its close links with the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, and this latest milestone is testament to our partnership.

"By working more closely together, we can reach outcomes that are better for current and future NHS staff, research scientists, and most importantly, for hospital patients from across the region."

Steve McManus, CEO of Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, said: "It is fantastic to see the Radiology Department receive this award which showcases the high-quality and innovative work carried out with colleagues from the University of Reading. We are really proud of this partnership which brings together research expertise and clinical practice to deliver better outcomes for our patients."