Exciting pledges made during healthcare delegation in China

Last month, Chris Abbott, Chief Medical Officer, and Paul Dugmore, Associate Dean, went to China as part of a trade delegation selected by the Department of Health and Social Care.

Their visit, which took place between 23rd – 27th March, was part of a UK healthcare education mission in cities such as Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen. The primary objectives were to understand the latest landscape in Chinese healthcare and international collaboration priorities in healthcare education, training, and research – whilst also to maintain our ties with the region. 

Seeking to promote UK healthcare education, such as those offered at our trust, Chris and Paul met leading Chinese healthcare authorities, top medical universities, public hospital groups, private medical institutions, and other partners.

This opportunity was of great significance as we were the only NHS trust invited due to our unique provision of educational courses, clinical practice, and commitment to mental health research. The talk at the UK Shanghai Healthcare Innovation Symposium was deemed to be a highlight of their trip.

One outcome from their visit, was an agreement for the Tavistock and Portman to launch a blended long course which will take place both virtually and face-to-face – with our staff flying out to China to teach. This could mark a significant growth for our international training package.

This teaching collaboration is part of our trust’s investment in clinical staffing and will offer us the opportunity to learn from Chinese healthcare systems. Numerous logistics meetings are set to take place in the coming weeks and we are hoping to welcome a Chinese delegation to the Tavistock Centre in October.

Reflecting on the trip, Chris said “The trip was fantastic. It was fascinating to learn about a different healthcare system. We made many valuable contacts and are already setting up further meetings to discuss what opportunities for further collaboration may be possible.”