University News Last updated 02 June 2011
Swine 'flu in the US has provided the inspiration for an online tool to help improve the health of people in the West Midlands.
Tom Lawrence (26) from Ombersley, Worcestershire, is a researcher at Birmingham City University’s Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, has created a web-based map to draw together health and social information to be shared amongst the eight local authorities and health trusts that serve the Sandwell and west Birmingham area - an area that is undergoing various regeneration projects such as the Midland Metropolitan Hospital which is planned to open in Smethwick in 2016.
The online tool uses Google Maps and allows the region's eight statutory organisations to access information about regeneration projects which are outside of their individual area. Previously, despite a willingness to share information, there wasn't a channel to do this. This map, which went in January 2011, is available for the public to use and gives easy access to information such as health promotions.
Tom who is currently working on a knowledge transfer partnership with a project called Right Care Right Here, got the idea from a 'flu shot finder developed in the States which enabled people to find locations where swine and seasonal 'flu vaccinations were available. Tom was inspired to create an interactive map which plots where regeneration work is taking place, displays a picture of how an area will look when the work is completed, includes a brief description of what work is taking place and details of who is leading the project and links to further details. All of the information uploaded is publicly available so local organisations can include the map on their community websites.
Tom said: "People living in Sandwell and west Birmingham now have an online map that they can navigate to show them what is happening in their neighbourhood, and regionally. They can know find out about projects which are designed to benefit their health and wellbeing that they previously may have had difficulty finding out about.
"The mapping has already had more than 3,000 views, evidence that the work has been of interest not just to policymakers but to the community. We've also had interest from several regional organisations that have told us they would like to use the mapping on their websites."
Les Williams, Programme Director of the Right Care, Right Here Programme said: “The interactive mapping of regeneration schemes in Sandwell and the west of Birmingham has provided the opportunity for health, social care and regeneration professionals to find out about schemes happening in their areas of interest. This is part of encouraging people in these organisations to work together to deliver regeneration activity which is joined up, shared and therefore more effective.
“We found that several of the statutory partners were developing ideas and schemes which were very similar and could be brought together, such as improving employment opportunities for local people. Tom’s mapping is helping the Right Care Right Here Programme to ensure these connections are made for the benefit of the local community.”
Birmingham City University is currently running a major awareness campaign in the Midlands to demonstrate how it is upgrading the future of individuals and companies. You can find out more at www.bcu.ac.uk