Staff join forces to aid African health care

Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust has formed a partnership with the East London Foundation Trust and the University Hospital of South Manchester, to work with patients and health professionals in the African country.

Work carried out by the new partnership is being funded by the British Council.

The Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Councillor Alan Law, said: "It's great that as a city we're involved in such important projects. This link highlights how culturally rich Sheffield is."

Uganda has a population of more than 26 million, but spends only 0.7 per cent of its total health budget on mental health.

As a result, there are few mental health services available, resulting in low ratios of staff to patients and fewer options for treatment in the community.

In the whole of Uganda there are fewer than 30 psychiatrists, and most are in the capital, Kampala.

Sheffield Health and Social Care Foundation Trust previously had a partnership arrangement in Adjumani, which is also in Northern Uganda.

Trust manager Greg Harrison, said: "We're delighted to be working in partnership with East London Foundation Trust and University Hospital of South Manchester in this link with Uganda. The link will benefit service users and staff in both Sheffield and Uganda as we work on joint learning opportunities."

Sheffield Health and Social Care Foundation Trust is the main provider of mental health services for adults in the city. The Trust also works with people with learning disabilities and those suffering from drug and alcohol problems.