An agreement supporting the growth of medical research: the network of university centres expanded through the protocol signed at Palazzo Lombardia.

Key points of the agreement

The agreement makes it possible to join forces to ensure a greater medical presence in hospital wards: young residents, although still in training, will be able to provide essential support in the hospital wards across the regional network. The pact also facilitates the management of medical staff engaged in the dual role of clinician and lecturer. Thanks to clearer rules and shared coordination, human resources and training resources can be optimised.

Synergy in the appointment of directors of complex university units

The strengthening of management synergy will be achieved in particular through the appointment of directors of complex university units, which will be agreed not only with the Directors General of the individual healthcare organisations, but also with the Directorate General for Welfare of Regione Lombardia. This step ensures a unified strategic vision and greater alignment between university excellence and the objectives of the regional healthcare system.

Expansion of the regional training network

With this protocol, the regional training network is extended to all regional health service bodies (ATS, ASST, IRCCS, AREU) and the network of clinical and healthcare university centres is expanded, including new ASSTs: Lodi, Crema, Melegnano and Martesana; Rhodense, Franciacorta, Mantua; Bergamo Ovest and Bergamo Est; Valtellina and Alto Lario, Valle Olona. The document received final approval from the Health Commission of the Regional Council of Lombardy.

The signatories to the agreement

Together with Councillor Guido Bertolaso, the agreement was signed by: Marina Brambilla, Rector of the University of Milan; Francesco Castelli, Rector of the University of Brescia; Alessandro Reali, Rector of the University of Pavia; Maria Pierro, Rector of the University of Insubria; Marco Emilio Orlandi, Rector of the University of Milan-Bicocca; Enrico Gherlone, Rector of Vita-Salute San Raffaele University; and Luigi Maria Terracciano, Rector of Humanitas University.

Bertolaso: less bureaucracy, more results

“This protocol concretely strengthens collaboration between academia and the healthcare system network of Regione Lombardia,” explained Councillor Guido Bertolaso, “introducing shared planning of teaching, research, training and clinical care activities. One of the most important new developments is the expansion of the hospital network which, once accredited as teaching sites, will be able to host medical residents. This will make it possible to further enhance the presence of young, already qualified professionals in local facilities, helping to strengthen services in certain particularly sensitive specialties. This is teamwork built together with Lombardy’s universities, which will enable us to better coordinate training and research activities and, at the same time, to plan the needs of our healthcare system with greater effectiveness.”

Fermi: research as the engine of the system

“The direct involvement of universities,” added Councillor Alessandro Fermi, “is the key to keeping Lombardy at the top in Europe. Over these years, I can say that we have established an excellent dialogue with all Lombardy universities, and we must therefore continue along this path of strong collaboration. This agreement too stems from the desire to build models and to continue a positive relationship between the university system and the regional institution. For this reason, I am pleased with this moment and with the fact that this agreement has been reached, enabling us on the one hand to be a model for other regions and on the other to meet everyone’s needs.”