During her visit, Prof Chappell met with members of the Centre for Lifestyle Medicine and Behaviour (CLiMB) and the Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport (PHC), before joining colleagues at the National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC).
Developing the next generation of health research leaders
Describing the research being undertaken in CLiMB as world-class, Prof Chappell explained: “The Centre for Lifestyle Medicine and Behaviour has a core focus on developing the next generation of health research leaders, who are ambassadors for innovative research.
“I'm delighted to see NIHR funded research professors developing centres such as CLiMB, that give opportunities for early and mid-career researchers to develop their skills, knowledge and expertise in lifestyle medicine and preventative health.
“Early-mid Career Researchers are performing vital work in understanding how we shape health policies and guidelines, and I particularly enjoyed my session with them to understand enablers and challenges in the system, as we seek to ensure a healthy talent pipeline.”
Combining research and clinical activity
Prof Chappell was also impressed by the research potential of the NRC. She said: “The Centre will help lead the way in applying a 24/7 holistic approach to therapy and will provide personalised treatment plans based on patient specific needs.
“Research can identify when and how better care can be provided whilst avoiding ineffective care, and evaluating which treatments are most cost-effective. This allows the health and care system to reach more patients and deliver faster, meaningful outcomes.
“A collaborative approach will transform how people benefit from rehabilitation by delivering treatments earlier on in people's recovery and allowing them to get back to life and work sooner.”
Research to improve health and wellbeing in the UK
Prof Chappell’s visit also included a tour of the PHC alongside Prof Vicky Tolfrey and Doctoral Researchers Adam Dickinson and Thomas Rietveld.
After seeing the state-of-the-art facilities available, Prof Chappell explained the potential for the Centre’s research to contribute to the improvement of health and wellbeing in the UK.
She explained: “I was so impressed by my visit to the Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport where I saw the vital work that research and innovation is already having on athletes with a disability.
“It is so clear that research continues to inform and improve both the physical and emotional impact of people living with disabilities. The Centre has led on an inclusive approach to its staff and its research.”