A new NHS innovation space is set to benefit millions of patients across the world, according to West Yorkshire mayor Tracy Brabin.
Brabin opened the space at Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust as part of a collaboration with the University of Huddersfield.
The partnership will:
- provide a creative environment for innovation and research;
- bring together local businesses and entrepreneurs with clinical teams; and
- foster idea generation and improve business potential.
Regional excellence
The space will be hosted at Mid Yorkshire’s clinical research and innovation building, helping to strengthen ties with local NHS, government and academic organisations through the Huddersfield Health Innovation Partnership.
The combination – which also includes private and third sector organisations – will offer business support initiatives like product development grants, one-to-one mentoring, and proofs of concept.
The innovation space will particularly look to collaborate with the National Health Innovation Campus in Huddersfield, which is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the investment zone programme – led locally by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Proud history
“West Yorkshire has a proud history of innovation, and devolution is giving us the chance to go even further,” said Tracy Brabin.
She added: “This new innovation space in Wakefield will be vital for our plans for a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire, and it will help to transform healthcare for millions of patients around the world.”
Professor Tim Thornton, deputy vice-chancellor at the University of Huddersfield, hailed the pivotal role the new innovation space at Pinderfields Hospital will play in furthering the region’s ambitions.
CEO at Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust, Len Richards, explained: “As a Trust, every innovation and clinical trial we undertake has the ultimate aim of improving patient outcomes and transforming lives.
“This dedicated innovation space will support us in our ambition to work with partners to create new treatments, therapies and ways of working that will improve the healthcare landscape for our communities.”
Image credit: University of Huddersfield