Organisations involved in health and social care in the community met the University last week for a forum that seeks to bring academia and industry closer.

The meeting was attended by representatives of leading hospitals, social care agencies and entities active in the provision of health and social care,  including palliative care, care for people with disabilities and mental health issues. These organisations employ doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists, social workers, psychiatrists and a host of other health and social care professionals.

The two sides engaged in an open discussion on how to prepare the health and social care professionals of the future. Specifically, issues such as student placements, sponsorship of research degrees and access to data, were discussed.

How to make the health and social care professions more attractive to young people in light of alternative employment opportunities was also discussed. The Deans of the Faculty for Social Wellbeing - Dr Sandra Scicluna - and of the Faculty of Health Sciences - Dr Stephen Lungaro Mifsud - delivered presentations which sought to update the industry representatives on the education and research programmes they run.

This was the fourth meeting in a series of industry fora being held between the University and key economic sectors in Malta. Previous fora focused on Financial Services, Technology and Gaming, Manufacturing and Export.

The forum was hosted by UM Rector Prof. Alfred Vella and the Pro-Rector for Strategic Planning and Sustainability, Prof. Valerie Sollars. Dr Joe Schembri, a resident academic member of staff at the Faculty of Economics, Management & Accountancy (FEMA), is supporting the UM Strategic Committee in organizing and facilitating these meetings.