Keele Professor steps into senior health role for MI Health

Professor Pauline Walsh, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Health & Wellbeing) and Executive Dean for the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Keele University, has taken over the role of Convenor for Midlands Innovation Health (MI Health).

Professor Sudhesh Kumar OBE, Dean of the Warwick Medical School, previously acted in the role, which rotates between the university Deans of the medical and healthcare schools on behalf of the seven Midlands Innovation universities which aim to improve health and regional growth.

MI Health has recently launched a Midlands Health Inequalities Policy Commission which will focus upon tackling the indirect and long-term impacts of COVID-19, specifically where they are compounded by deprivation and ethnic health over the life course of the Midlands population.

Professor Walsh will play a critical role in the Policy Commission helping to engage with key stakeholders throughout the programme, which is expected to publish its findings in spring 2022.

Professor Walsh commented:

MI Health draws together a critical mass of innovative regional stakeholders to impact national and global health challenges using local training strengths, expertise, networks, best practice and facilities.

I’m proud to be stepping into the role of Convenor with my fellow health colleagues at a pivotal time for MI Health while we work towards tackling health inequalities, improve the culture of collaboration and increase inward investment into the region.

MI Health partners include universities of Aston, Birmingham, Keele, Leicester, Loughborough, Nottingham, Warwick.

MI Health also works closely with Medilink Midlands, Midlands Engine and Midlands Health Alliance.

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