Altnagelvin health tech centre reduces cost of treatments and devices

The Minister said that with increasing demand on health services it’s necessary to continue to invest in research and development,

He said C-TRIC reduces both the time and cost of developing innovative health technologies, medical devices and treatments.

“Not only does this benefit the patient as they can access better treatments more quickly, it also benefits the local economy. It is well recognised that economic and health benefits will arise through collaboration between the business, academic and clinical stakeholders, particularly in areas of research and development,” he stated.

The project was developed by the University of Ulster and the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT), in partnership with Derry City Council. It combines world class research expertise from the University of Ulster’s Biomedical Sciences Research Institute with the Trust’s research and clinical capability. During the Minister’s visit the University of Ulster’s Biomedical Sciences Research Institute and the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) took the opportunity to announce the establishment of five new Clinical Research Groups focusing on personalised medicine for diabetes, inflammatory disease and rheumatology, oncology, cardiovascular disease and stroke medicine.

Professor Maurice O’Kane, Chief Executive of C-TRIC and Director of Research at the Western Trust, commented: “Establishment of these Translational Research Groups signals C-TRIC’s desire to become a leading player with respect to Translational Medicine within the UK and Ireland.”

The Minister concluded: “I would like to congratulate C-TRIC on receiving a number of awards for their innovative economic development work and for helping companies who work with them to achieve the same. I and my Department will do everything possible to support R&D within the current financial position.”