University’s New Pro Vice Chancellor Calls for Urgent Attention to the Health and Care Workforce

The nation’s health and care workforce is in crisis and needs urgent attention, according to the University of Worcester’s new Pro Vice Chancellor Health and Science.

Professor Sally Moyle, a qualified nurse, experienced academic and educational leader, joins the University’s senior executive team and will work closely with health trusts and other partners in the region to ensure the University is meeting the changing demands. But she said the challenge was complex and required a longer-term national staffing plan, which considered, the changing shape of health and care, and the workforce required to support it.

“A long-term national staffing plan which considers skill mix, population demographics and the rapidly evolving emergence of digital and technology enhanced care is paramount for the sustainability of the health and care sector,” she said.

“Such a plan will need to consider how to retain staff and ensure that the workforce is agile enough to adapt to the changing environment. Higher Education Institutions can play a pivotal role in this, not only recruiting talent and a pipeline for the future workforce, but they also have expertise in workforce development, developing new roles and supporting new innovations of healthcare delivery, and developing practitioners fit for the future who can lead, support, and challenge the way in which health and care is delivered.”

Professor Moyle joins the University of Worcester from the University of the West of England in Bristol where she held a range of senior academic posts, including Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences.

As a Professor in Health and Care Education, she has over 20 years’ academic experience of developing and leading innovation and change within Higher Education.

Professor Moyle’s professional background is in nursing and her area of expertise is within the field of Emergency Care and Advanced Clinical Practice, with a focus on developing and supporting new roles within the health and care sector. She has extensive experience of working in partnership with external organisations, including the NHS and Avon and Somerset Police, to develop innovative programmes to support workforce need.

Professor Moyle is an Associate Non-Executive Director at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and was previously a Governor for four years at the University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust. She is also a member of the Council of Deans for Health, which represents UK university faculties engaged in education for the health workforce.

“I am looking forward to working with our regional partners and the Integrated Care Systems to develop a sustainable workforce for the future,” she said.

On joining the University of Worcester, Professor Moyle said: “One of the reasons I was attracted to the University of Worcester was because of its inclusive approach. From the moment I arrived I was struck by the friendly and supportive atmosphere, just walking around the campus you get a real sense of inclusivity and collegiality.”