Thames Valley University

The Richard Wells Research Centre at Thames Valley University

News:
New Annual Report
Our 2004/2005 Centre Report is now available. Click here to download it.
RWR to manage DH HCAI Research Network
The Chief Medical Officer’s Report, ‘Winning Ways,’ set out priorities for healthcare-associated infection (HCAI) research. One requirement highlighted in this report was the need to develop a national research network.

The Richard Wells Research Centre (RWR) has been commissioned by the Department of Health (DH) to develop and manage a national HCAI Research Network for England. The Network will:
  • Establish a focus for the strategic development of HCAI research;
  • Coordinate with other research funders to explore how best to bring relevant research into the managed network;
  • Provide a resource for the management of DH funded HCAI research;
  • Provide advice and assistance with the development of specific DH research topics; and
  • Develop research at Thames Valley University which supports the DH's action plan.

The new HCAI Research Network will be operational from December onwards. More details will be posted on our website at that time and the Network will have its own dedicated website early in 2006.
Are contaminated nurses’ uniforms responsible for HCAI?
In August 2005, the Richard Wells Research Centre was commissioned by the Department of Health (England) to conduct an evidence review of the microbiological and social significance of uniforms and uniform policy in the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infection (HCAI). Preliminary results are expected in December 2005 and a full report will be available early 2006. Once authorised, the report will be posted on our website.
New infection prevention education programme for the NHS
A new infection prevention education programme is now available for all NHS staff free of charge, as part of the NHS Core Learning Programmes. This exciting programme will enable staff to fulfil the pledge in the Saving Lives initiative that infection prevention is everybody’s business. The comprehensive programme is available in e-learning and face-to-face formats and there are different versions for clinical staff and non-clinical staff.

At the launch of the programme Chief Nurse Officer (England) Professor Christine Beasley said, "It is vital that everyone in the NHS and outside in other healthcare settings makes reducing infection and improving infection control their business. This innovative approach to training will mean hundreds and thousands of NHS staff can improve their knowledge of infection control and really help in driving down avoidable infections. I would like to see everyone, from Chief Executives and consultants right through to cleaners and healthcare assistants accessing this resource and improving their knowledge and skills."

The Richard Wells Research Centre, Thames Valley University in conjunction with Intuition Publishing Limited, developed the programme which uses advanced media including video, 3D and Flash; yet has been designed with accessibility and literacy in mind.

The three-part programme covers all key aspects of infection prevention and staff can access individual modules in their own time while tracking their progress. A comprehensive set of training notes is included in the face-to-face materials. The programme is available to NHS staff at: http://home.teknical.com/nhselearn
( Click here to read the official TVU Press Release)
MRSA Prevention Interventions - Do they work?
In 2004, on behalf of the Department of Health, the Richard Wells Research Centre conducted a systematic review of the evidence for interventions for the prevention and control of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This review will underpin new national guidelines for the prevention and control of MRSA in England. When published, the review will be posted on this website which will also contain a link to the new guidelines.