Government announce £135M research boost for ‘biggest challenges’ facing healthcare

A £135 million boost to research in healthcare has been announced by the Government.

The funds will help researchers tackle the biggest challenges facing the sector including dementia, obesity and mental health, the Department of Health and Social Care said.

Experts from universities, local authorities, NHS organisations and social care services will come together to form 15 partnerships across England.

They will benefit from funds from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) for projects to address increasing demands on the NHS and to bring patients more independence and choice over their care.

Health Minister Nicola Blackwood (pictured) 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.”

Projects previously funded by the NIHR have led to the introduction of blood clotting treatment in ambulances for trauma patients, saving an estimated 400 lives a year.

And an online tool allowing patients to manage their long-term conditions from home reduced hospital stays and saved the NHS £175 per patient.

Professor Sir Jonathan Montgomery, chairman of the Health Research Authority, said: “When high-quality research generates robust evidence, everyone benefits.

“The UK has an outstanding track record in scientific research and this new investment in health and social care research will make the most of our world leading skills and experience and provide clinicians with the quality evidence they need to support decisions that affect us all.”

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