A number of new partnerships are set to be trialled in the UK which will see the NHS and the UK’s research and development base working alongside the private sector, with UK Research and Innovation announcing £118 million in funding to create five new hubs to help develop new health technologies.
The hubs will aim to test new technologies and approaches to tackle cancer and other diseases, and it is hoped that they will enable the release of new medical tech products onto the global market.
The funding from UK Research and Innovation is to be split between government funding and partner support, which the government says invites businesses “to help the mission to kickstart the economy and build an NHS fit for the future”.
Areas of focus for new medical tech and treatments include developing cheaper, more “easily usable” scanners to help surgeons detect signs of cancer and remove tumours; training artificial intelligence models to help accurately diagnose cancer through a new cross-NHS data network; and exploring micro-dosing, a method which sees a “tiny amount of a drug” delivered to a small part of the body.
Cancer care: the wider trend
Yesterday HTN reported on a new trial which will see women with concerning lumps directly referred to a breast diagnostic clinic via 111 online on the NHS App, with the aim of supporting faster diagnosis, reducing stress and freeing up GP appointments.
Last week we explored how artificial intelligence is being utilised and examined across the NHS, including a study in Bolton which sought to test how AI could be of assistance in detecting cancerous tumours, and a pilot in Suffolk and North Essex utilising AI to analyse skin lesions and moles to identify potential skin cancer.
In September we also highlighted how HSE’s National Cancer Control Programme launched a community cancer nursing e-learning programme, designed to help cancer patients receive care in the community rather than in hospital.
Also from the government
In the summer HTN noted the government’s plans to launch five new quantum hubs in the UK with an investment of £100 million, with the aim of developing quantum technology for industries including healthcare.
And you can find our coverage of Lord Darzi’s report into the state of the NHS in England here, focusing on the digital elements within the investigation, as well as our exploration of industry response here.
