john simpson professor
Professor John Simpson.

'Innovative' medical platform launches to help regional patients

A platform bringing together diagnostic resources and expertise to develop new and innovative technologies to improve patient health and wellbeing has been launched today (April 11).

Diagnostics North East will support researchers, clinicians and industry to position the region at the forefront of technology and innovation in medical diagnostics.

The platform aims to support both industry and academia and addresses the need for robust research, development, evaluation and adoption when it comes to the introduction of new patient diagnostic tests and devices.

Professor John Simpson, Dean of translational research and professor of respiratory medicine at Newcastle University, said: “The unique diagnostics infrastructure in the region allows us to address every requirement in bringing better diagnostic tests to patients more rapidly.

“Our joined up approach in a single region provides industry and academia with unrivalled access to diagnostics expertise tailored to their individual needs.

“Our strong collaboration, allied to first class clinical facilities and a strong culture of clinical research, is ideally placed to accelerate the pathway from innovation through to patient benefit.”

More than 200 industry representatives and healthcare professionals attended the platform’s launch to hear of the new initiative.

Professor Julia Newton, medical director at the Academic Health Science Network for the North East and North Cumbria, added: “Diagnostics North East represents the effective partnership between NHS, academia and the Academic Health Science Network for the North East and North Cumbria.

“I am delighted that our enthusiasm for this collaborative work was recognised at the launch of Diagnostics North East.”

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