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NIHR awards £30 million to NHS to buy cutting edge research equipment

  • 08 October 2024
  • 2 min read

The NIHR has awarded £30m to 36 NHS organisations in England to pay for new medical equipment and technology. 

The funding will support NHS trusts to deliver cutting edge research to improve the prevention, management and treatment of disease. It will also increase NHS capacity to deliver commercial clinical trials, which will bring innovative medicines to patients earlier. 

Included in the funding is investment in modular buildings to expand the research capacity and capability in hospitals, many of which are in rural and coastal areas. 

A boost across the country

The £30m is awarded to NHS trusts across the length and breadth of England. It will be used for a range of innovative equipment, including imaging devices, ultrasound and MRI scanners, and mobile research vehicles to improve inclusive participation in trials.

Further examples include: 

  • Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust - a mobile X-ray unit that will increase the trust’s capability to carry out trials that are normally only available in large research units
  • Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust - advanced MRI technology that will allow patients to participate in studies at their regular clinic, reducing travel and increasing research capacity. 
  • Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust and East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust - a standalone pharmacy space and a pharmacy dispensary, expanding their ability to run commercial trials into conditions such as dementia
  • The Royal Marsden - equipment to increase capability and capacity in advanced therapy areas in oncology across commercial and non-commercial portfolios
  • Hull - a mobile research unit to increase participation in trials in East Yorkshire
  • Bradford, Essex, Exeter and Derby - modular buildings to expand capacity for clinical research

How the funding worked

NHS organisations were able to apply for funding between £50,000 and £1.5 million. Applications were encouraged from smaller, rural and coastal trusts to build or enhance their research capability. 

This funding contributes to the growing need for investment in medical equipment and technology to support programmes of cutting edge research including the delivery of commercial clinical trials.

While the equipment or technology is primarily for research, it may be used for clinical use during periods of inactivity. This will maximise the benefit of this investment and could support NHS trusts to meet current demands.

Professor Lucy Chappell, Chief Executive of the NIHR, said: 

“This significant investment will provide NHS trusts in England with the high-quality equipment, technology and facilities they need to deliver cutting edge research that benefits the public. The NIHR is directing this funding so that it reaches the areas and people with the greatest need, giving more communities the chance to take part in life-changing clinical trials. 

“This will not only benefit patients directly, but also support the economic growth of the country, helping to position the UK as an attractive place for innovative companies to invest in research.”

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