Northern Health and the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) have renewed their partnership in learning and research.
On Dec. 5 Northern Health and UNBC renewed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the fourth time. This renewal is in recognition of a shared commitment to furthering knowledge about advancement of health of northern British Columbians through the integration of practice, education and research.
“These partnerships are critical in developing employees for the future, providing the training our staff needs, and acting as the bridge between practice and research.” said Colleen Nyce, chair of the Northern Health Board.
“Northern Health benefits greatly from close, collaborative relationships with education partners like UNBC.”
In 2010, Northern Health established the MOU with UNBC to bring organizational commitment and support to the strong interpersonal education and research relationships that have existed for many years.
The MOU was renewed in 2016 and again in 2018 to reflect successes and update priority areas.
UNBC and NH have now identified four northern-focused shared priority areas as part of the 2022 MOU renewal.
These include collaborative recruitment and retentions strategies to address critical human resource needs, the co-development of research initiatives, developing collaboration supports to better connect Northern Health and UNBC teams, and enhancing cultural safety while reducing Indigenous specific racism.
“We have had a long-standing working relationship with Northern Health which has led to a wide variety of opportunities for our students and faculty, including immersed study placement, shared learning spaces and focused research relationships,” said UNBC President Dr. Geoff Payne.
“This MOU ensures we will continue to work well together to improve healthcare services across northern B.C.”
