National Dementia Czar appointed as first MAHSC Clinical Director

MAHSC as reinforced its commitment to bring the benefits of research to the bedside of patients with the appointment of Professor Alistair Burns as its first Clinical Director. Professor Burns, who was announced as the country’s Dementia Czar 12 months ago, is Professor of Old Age Psychiatry at The University of Manchester and has an international reputation as a champion of the vulnerable elderly, which spans more than three decades.

Announcing his appointment, MAHSC Director Professor Ian Jacobs explained that Professor Burns is an acknowledged clinical and academic leader with a clear understanding of the entire translational medicine spectrum, including the public health agenda. He said: “The primary and overarching goal of MAHSC is the development and application of innovative healthcare and research. MAHSC has made great progress since being set up in 2009 and we have ambitious plans to greatly improve the health and well-being of the population of Greater Manchester, which currently has some of the poorest health outcomes in the country. The new Clinical Director role has been created to help drive that effort and Alistair is ideally suited to the role.”

As Clinical Director, Professor Burns will work closely with the Medical Directors of MAHSC’s five NHS member organisations and with the MAHSC Section Leads. He says the appointment is both an honour and a challenge.

“In Greater Manchester, rates of infant mortality, cardiac disease, mental health disorders and cancer exceed the national average, and Manchester Local Authority has the lowest average male life expectancy in the UK. However, Manchester has a track record of cooperation rather than competition between partners, and I look forward to working with my NHS and University colleagues to help bring about measureable and sustainable improvements in patient outcomes.”

For more information please contact Susan Osborne, MAHSC communication lead on 0161 291 4972 or mobile 07836 229208.