Edinburgh Napier University

Dr Pam Ramsay, from the University’s School of Health and Social Care, has been named as one of the top 100 University-based individuals whose work ismaking a life-changing difference to health and wellbeing. Her nomination is part of the Universities UK’s #MadeAtUni Nation's Lifesavers campaign which brings the impact of universities on everyday life into focus.

Dr Ramsay, a former Intensive Care nurse and clinical-academic researcher, has led the development of criticalcarerecovery.com; an innovative, experience-based website that provides bespoke information, advice and support for patients and families recovering after intensive care. Pam developed the website, based on over 10 years of her interview-based research with Intensive Care (ICU) survivors in NHS Lothian, together with patients, family members, clinicians, researchers and expert web developers.

The website includes patient stories, a chat room and short videos from patients and clinicians on common issues. Importantly, the website also provides links to relevant support, both online and in patients’ local communities. Patients report feeling understood, reassured, better informed and better equipped to manage their own recoveries after discharge home. Pam has successfully scaled up the website to six Scottish Intensive Care Units, and it has been viewed by over 20,000 people since 2016.

The Nation’s Lifesavers are fighting diseases, helping new parents and children enjoy the best start in life, supporting older people and improving our mental health and wellbeing. The selection reveals the amazing use of technology, such as drones to fight malaria, a smart glove for communicating sign language and robots helping older people.

Universities from across the country were invited to nominate an individual or group who has made a significant contribution to the nation’s health and wellbeing. Over 100 universities from Plymouth to Dundee submitted a nomination.

Professor Dame Janet Beer, President Universities UK, said: “When people think of lifesavers they tend to focus on the dedication and skill of our doctors, nurses, carers, and paramedics – many of whom are trained at universities. Every day, up and down the country, universities are also working on innovations to transform and save lives. Research taking place in universities is finding solutions to so many of the health and wellbeing issues we care about and the causes that matter.

“By proudly working in partnership with charities, the NHS and healthcare organisations, universities are responsible for some of our biggest health breakthroughs and in revolutionising the delivery of care.

“This campaign is a chance to bring to life the wonderful and often unexpected work going on every day in our universities and to celebrate some of the people working to make a life-changing difference to the nation.”

Research shows the public are proud of UK universities but have little understanding of the benefits they bring, with most not being aware that UK academics are behind many of the discoveries that save lives and keep up healthy.