Craigavon aims to be centre of excellence for cardiac research

During the conference they observed world-renowned Dr Ian Menown fit a patient with a new type of stent.

Organised by Craigavon Borough Council in partnership with the Southern Health and Social Care Trust and BioBusiness and sponsored by Invest Northern Ireland, the ‘Cardiology, Commerce and Collaboration’, the conference showed how ground-breaking work being carried out locally boosts not only the economy, but is delivering cutting edge care to patients.

The event attracted cardiologists and other health professionals from across the island of Ireland, key representatives from the life science sector as well as businesses currently supplying, or seeking to build capacity to supply the life sciences sector in Ireland and further afield.

Building on the success of a notable indigenous Life Sciences presence in the region, and the exciting pioneering work being carried out by Craigavon Area Hospital, Craigavon Borough Council intends to establish and promote the borough as a centre of excellence and a leading force in this area of growth.

Central to the programme was a live link to the Cardiology Cath Lab at Craigavon Area Hospital as Dr Ian Menown performed a procedure, demonstrating the advances in heart care.

Health Minister Edwin Poots and enterprise Minister Arlene Foster were guests at the conference.

Craigavon Borough Council’s initiative in organising the Conference was welcomed by the Southern Health and Social Care Trust’s Medical Director, Dr John Simpson who viewed the event “as an opportunity for the Trust to collaborate with the Council and local businesses and also promote Cardiology research at Craigavon Area Hospital which has been on-going in excess of 30 years”.

“This conference was a very exciting opportunity for businesses here in this borough to learn more about a very forward thinking sector,” said Councillor Darryn Causby, Chair person of the Development Committee.

“Craigavon is ideal to host a conference like this, bringing the medical world and businesses together. Craigavon Area Hospital, a number of major life sciences companies and other key businesses are located here and we believe there is huge potential for Craigavon to become a centre of excellence for this sector.”