THE University of Worcester has created the country's first professorial post for tissue viability.

Biomedical scientist Dr Richard White joins the university as professor to expand its teaching and research capabilities in the rapidly evolving research and practice of tissue viability.

University of Worcester vice-chancellor Professor David Green said: "It is a great pleasure for us to welcome Professor White to the University of Worcester.

"His appointment will strengthen the university's expertise in an important area of medical research and enable us to broaden our scope both educationally and clinically."

Professor White's inaugural lecture, held at the university last week, focused on the future of tissue viability within the National Health Service. This area of study covers all aspects of wound care management, including pressure sores, leg ulcers, trauma injuries, superficial burns and abdominal wounds.

Increasingly, nurses are specialising in tissue viability to provide patients with expert services in this particular field.

Professor White gained his PhD in dermatological studies from the University of Liverpool and has held a variety of research, education and clinical practice roles. He is a part-time senior research fellow in tissue viability at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, with responsibility for clinical research in wound management.

Prior to this he held a number of posts within the health industry, all involving links with universities.

Professor White's publications have focused on detailed scientific perspectives on wound care through to the processes behind a care-focused qualitative approach towards patients.

In addition, Professor White is an editorial board member for the British Journal of Nursing, Journal of Lymphoedema, and MIMS Dermatology.