Five new quantum research hubs are to be launched in the UK with an investment of £100 million from the UK government, tasked with developing quantum technology for industries including healthcare.
As well as delivering benefits for economic growth, it is hoped that the hubs will help to build a “more efficient” and “fit for the future” NHS, developing surgical interventions, treatments, and innovations such as quantum-enhanced blood tests.
Among the five hubs established with the funding are the UK Quantum Biomedical Sensing Research Hub, supported by University College London and the University of Cambridge, which will explore the use of quantum sensors for “ultra-sensitive disease diagnosis” such as rapid blood tests; and the UK Quantum Technology Hub in Sensing, Imaging and Timing with the University of Birmingham, which will focus on the development of quantum sensing for applications such as brain scanners for dementia and cancer diagnostics.
Peter Kyle, secretary of state for science, innovation and technology, said that the hubs aim to develop faster diagnoses for diseases and bridge the gap between ideas and practical solutions, creating “a culture of accelerated innovation that helps to grow our economy”.
Innovation in health on the national stage
Earlier this month, the King’s Speech for 2024 highlighted innovative plans for health and care, in areas including cyber security, smart data, and the “better use” of data for research.
Following the general election, think tank Policy Exchange released a report outlining five key areas of focus for the Labour Party in reforming the NHS, including sharing data on performance, making progress on primary care reform, and improving NHS working conditions.
We also reported on Innovate UK’s award of funding for an innovative research project exploring the use of post-market intelligence for the safe acceleration of medical device adoption.
Regional innovation
We recently covered NHS Humber Health Partnership’s Flow project, a transformation initiative aimed at reducing unnecessary hospital stays and admissions by streamlining the patient journey, using virtual wards and AI technology to support patients.
Elsewhere, Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB reported this month on its progress toward developing a “high-quality, community-centred health and care system by 2035”, using data and intelligence to place a focus on local needs and to inform care planning and delivery.
Earlier this month we also highlighted the annual innovation report from South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, including insights into a game designed to promote physical activity amongst older people, increased numbers of innovation champions and staff training around innovation.
