11.07.19
Government announces £135m health research investment
The Government has announced a £135m investment in health research to help tackle some of the biggest challenges on the healthcare system in the next five years, including dementia, obesity and mental health.
Health minister Nicola Blackwood announced the partnership with some of the country’s best universities, leading innovators and local authorities to help equip the NHS for the future.
The funding is expected to help trusts and healthcare providers deliver commitments in the NHS Long Term Plan more easily.
READ MORE: NHS long-term funding: what's in store?
It is thought the research could transform and improve the lives of millions of people living with a range of conditions, including dementia, mental ill health and obesity.
Fifteen partnerships across England, comprising of NHS organisations, social care services, leading academics, innovators and local authorities, have been awarded funding through the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).
This funding is to be used for ground-breaking new projects that will address the increasing demands on NHS services and grant patients greater independence and choice in how they manage their healthcare.
READ MORE: Research Innovation Fund awards first projects
Ms Blackwood said: ““As the population grows and demand on the NHS increases, it is paramount we develop the next generation of technologies and improve the way we work to ensure the NHS continues to offer world-leading care.
“The UK has a proud history of cutting edge health research and by supporting the great minds in health and social care, this funding has the potential to unlock solutions to some of the biggest challenges facing healthcare and revolutionise the way patients access treatments in the future.”