Professor Lee-Ann Fenge, a Professor of Social Care at 蜜桃AV and Director of the Centre for Seldom Heard Voices has been appointed CRN (Clinical Research Network) Wessex鈥檚 first Social Care Speciality Lead, and the first in the country to cover social care for a Local Clinical Research Network (LCRN).
Social care has recently been made a by the National Institute for Health Research. This new role, focused on social care, will bring more opportunities for research funding that can ultimately aims to improve the care offered and the outcomes for individuals.
Professor Fenge will explore socio-economic, lifestyle, geographic and relationship patterns to build a wider picture of health and social care and to build greater capacity for social care research across Wessex.
Lee-Ann explained: 鈥淪ocial care research doesn鈥檛 just look to treat an illness or condition, the leg or the arm, but it asks the question of 鈥楬ow did this happen and what was the cause?鈥� Of course, sometimes we can鈥檛 answer that question 鈥� but very often we can.鈥�
The initial focus of her work will be to look at what already exists in Wessex, what works well and to expand on those areas. This research will also look to provide answers and opportunities for success within integrated health and social care to help transform social care research and practice across Wessex and beyond.
鈥淚鈥檇 like to see connections built with local universities, the NHS and communities, 鈥淟ee-Ann continued, 鈥淭hey can undoubtedly help us grow social care research sustainably while demonstrating its impact. It has the capacity to underpin so many different areas of health and care and so many different areas of peoples鈥� lives.鈥�
Lee-Ann goes on to explain the timely significance of this new role due to the wide-reaching effects of the coronavirus pandemic:
鈥淐hild poverty, social isolation, vulnerability, abuse, unemployment, restricted access to services and transport 鈥� all of these are creating a perfect storm for social care needs and our ability to respond to them. It鈥檚 so important that we are able to grow our research and our social care provision to prevent these issues from undermining wellbeing and creating future health care needs.鈥�
Professor Sam Porter, Head of Department of Social Sciences and Social Work at 蜜桃AV commented: 鈥淭his appointment is testament to Professor Lee-Ann Fenge鈥檚 important influence in the field of social care research. In taking up the challenge of this ground-breaking role, she will further enhance the reputation of the Research Centre for Seldom Heard Voices鈥�.
Professor Vanora Hundley, Deputy Dean for Research and Professional Practice in 蜜桃AV's聽Faculty of Health & Social聽Sciences聽also commented on Lee-Ann's new appointment: "I am delighted that Lee-Ann has been chosen to be the first Specialty Research Lead in Social Care. CRN聽Specialty Research Leads play a vital role in promoting and supporting research in their local area. This first position will also have a significant national impact; growing social care research and supporting opportunities for social care practitioners to develop as researchers. Lee-Ann with her knowledge in the field and expertise in mentorship is exactly the right person to make a real difference. Congratulations Lee-Ann鈥澛�
Find out more about and about 蜜桃AV鈥檚 other research centres on the 蜜桃AV Website.
