Manchester welcomed a landmark moment in healthcare innovation as the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) HealthTech Research Centre (HRC) in Emergency and Acute Care officially opened its doors
With a substantial investment totalling £3 million, the centre aims to change emergency and acute care through cutting-edge health technologies.
Health technologies
Hosted by Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), the launch event gathered over 100 attendees, including NHS clinicians, innovators, and commercial partners eager to witness the beginning of this transformative journey.
Lord James O’Shaughnessy, former Health Minister and keynote speaker, commended Manchester’s leadership in health research and its commitment to pioneering new technologies.
Collaborating within healthcare
At the heart of the NIHR HRC’s mission is collaboration. Over the next five years, the centre plans to co-develop new technology solutions in partnership with NHS clinicians, academics, and the HealthTech industry. This collaborative effort aims to enhance diagnostic capabilities, improve treatments, and elevate patient care standards across Greater Manchester and beyond.
Dr. Tim Felton, Director of NIHR HRC in Emergency and Acute Care, emphasised the centre’s role in speeding up the adoption of innovative healthcare solutions into clinical practice. He outlined plans for rigorous testing, evaluation, and commercialising new technologies, ensuring they meet regulatory standards and demonstrate tangible improvements in urgent and emergency care settings.
The future of NIHR HRC
Manchester’s rise in healthcare innovation has been emphasised by recent achievements in clinical trial participation, highlighted in Lord O’Shaughnessy’s national review. The city’s success in increasing trial involvement signals its growing influence as a hub for pioneering health technologies.
Mark Cubbon, Group Chief Executive of MFT, expressed optimism about the future collaborations and the potential impact of NIHR HRC. He stressed the centre’s commitment to navigating the complexities of the healthcare system, supporting innovators in generating robust evidence and facilitating swift regulatory approvals.
With nearly 70,000 daily visits to emergency departments across England, the urgency for transformative healthcare solutions is clear. The NIHR HRC in Emergency and Acute Care stands set to drive these advancements forward.
With continued support from stakeholders and a steadfast commitment to collaboration, the centre is set to lead the charge in shaping the future of emergency and acute care through innovative health technologies.
