Mr Pickles, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, successfully removed a blood clot from a 45-year-old “patient” named Ken – a sophisticated simulator usually used for training hospital medics – under the watchful eye of neuroscientist Professor Iris Grunwald.
During the visit to the Postgraduate Medical Institute and MedBic at Anglia Ruskin’s Chelmsford campus, the Brentwood and Ongar MP discussed the innovations that led to Anglia Ruskin being named Times Higher Education’s Entrepreneurial University of the Year for 2014.
The Rt Hon Eric Pickles said: “I was fascinated by the training procedure and very pleased I was able to ‘save’ a life by removing a blood clot, but feel any future surgery should be left up to the experts.
“I was very impressed by the facilities on offer at Anglia Ruskin University, which I know has excellent links with schools and students in my own constituency of Brentwood and Ongar. It is good to know a local university is providing such a wide range of hands-on training for students and experts alike.”
Professor Michael Thorne, Vice Chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University, said: “We are delighted that such a prominent Government figure took the time to visit our facilities and find out more about the initiatives and innovations that have made us the Entrepreneurial University of the Year.
“We are aiming to make a real difference to people’s lives with our research and partnerships, and we hope Mr Pickles enjoyed his time with us.”
Image: Eric Pickles and Professor Iris Grunwald
*******
For more press information please contact:
Jon Green on t: 0845 196 4717, e: jon.green@anglia.ac.uk
Jamie Forsyth on t: 0845 196 4716, e: jamie.forsyth@anglia.ac.uk
_________________________________________________