The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) has allocated £30 million to 36 NHS organizations for the procurement of cutting-edge medical technology and research equipment.
This funding will go towards acquiring imaging devices, ultrasound and MRI scanners, as well as mobile research vehicles to facilitate medical trials and enhance participation.
Moreover, the investment includes modular buildings to boost research capabilities in smaller NHS hospitals, particularly in rural and coastal regions.
Professor Lucy Chappell, CEO of NIHR, emphasized the importance of this investment in supporting high-quality research that benefits the public and promotes economic growth.
Among the NHS trusts receiving funding are Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust.
NIHR invited NHS organizations to apply for funding ranging from £50,000 to £1.5 million in January, with a focus on improving research access and reaching underserved communities.
In a separate initiative, the UK government and UK Research and Innovation announced £118 million in funding for five new health technology hubs, including projects for AI tools in cancer diagnosis.
