HSMA 3

HSMA 3 Programme

Following on from two hugely successful rounds of the Health Service Modelling Associate Programme (HSMA), HSMA 3 will launch on October 1st, this time with an extended level of one-to-one support as the programme moves online.

The HSMA Programme, run by PenCHORD, PenARC's operational research team, is a scheme in which NHS staff are released one day a week for a year to undertake a computer modelling, simulation or data science project that addresses issues of importance for their organisation.

Since its inception in 2016, HSMA projects have led to multi-million pound investments in new mental health facilities in Devon, support for business cases to increase stroke bed capacity in Cornwall and brand new emergency department resources across the region.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the implications for those working in the health and social care sectors, HSMA 3 will be run as an entirely online course with a combination of live lectures, pre-recorded lectures on YouTube and online resources and Zoom-based group discussions.

HSMA 3 Virtual Open Day

September 1st 2020 - 10:00 to 12:00 on Zoom

We would encourage all applicants and their managers to attend the Virtual Open Day event on Tuesday 1st September 10:00 -12:00, hosted on Zoom. There will be the opportunity to talk to members of the PenCHORD team and meet programme alumni to find out how their involvement in the programme has resulted in real impact for their organisations.

Anybody considering applying for the HSMA Programme is encouraged to join the dedicated HSMA Slack Workspace so they can chat with other applicants and speak directly to PenCHORD Mentors and HSMA Alumni and ask questions about their application.

To join the Slack Workspace, simply email Dr Daniel Chalk and ask to be added to the HSMA Slack Channel. You will then be sent an invite for the workspace. It is recommended that the Slack app is downloaded if possible from https://slack.com/intl/en-gb/downloads/ to enable easier access and in preparation for the HSMA Programme itself, where Slack will be the main means of communication.

Open Day registration closes on Wednesday 26th August 2020 at 13:00.

HSMA 3 Virtual Open Day Itinerary PDF

Register to attend the Open Day here

HSMA 3 Applications

Deadline Tuesday 8th September 2020

In order to be considered for the HSMA programme, applicants should work in and around the NHS or other areas of the local health and social care system, such as Social Care teams, local authorities and Public Health in the geographic patch of the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration for the South West Peninsula which covers all of Cornwall and Devon, and much of Somerset.

The course is primarily aimed at staff working in analytical roles. However, applications are also welcome from other NHS staff who have strong computer skills and have an interest in developing skills in computer programming, simulation modelling and Artificial Intelligence.

Regardless of role, it is vital that all applicants to the programme have full organisational backing, not least because of the significant release of time required, and we ask that a manager responsible for the applicant’s workload completes part of the application form to confirm their support for the applicant engaging with the HSMA programme.

All applications must be received by 23:59 on Tuesday 8th September

HSMA 3 Module Descriptors PDF