Hospice hails 'UK-first' intern partnership

A care provider has hailed an industry first.

St Oswald’s has become the first hospice in the UK to take part in Health Data Research UK’s Black Internship Programme.

Officials say the North East-based operator is “helping drive diversity and innovation in health data science”.

The Black Internship Programme supports aspiring black data scientists with training, mentoring and real-world experience, while helping organisations tackle health and care challenges.

Christiana Abolarin has secured a 12-week internship at St Oswald’s Hospice, sponsored by NorthFutures Digital Health Hub, and will work on a data project to improve insights, enhance services and strengthen research capacity.

She said: “My passion is turning data into actionable insights that tackle real-world issues like health inequality; I’m excited to support St Oswald’s in improving patient care.”

St Oswald’s Hospice, based in Gosforth, Newcastle, provides palliative and end-of-life care for adults, children and young people with life-limiting conditions.

Simon Gordon, St Oswald’s Hospice director of strategy and development, said: “Christiana’s placement will help bring data science and patient care together, strengthening our services and ability to advocate for resources.”

Afua Acheampong, head of Health Data Research UK’s Black Internship Programme, added: “We are always looking for more host organisations to get involved and St Oswald’s Hospice is unique in the programme. 

“Its involvement shows what’s possible and opens new opportunities for research and collaboration in health and social care.”

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