Newcastle health researchers gain £21m funding boost
Health researchers in Newcastle have been awarded £21m to develop and translate new scientific discoveries into medicines and treatments.
The cash is part of a five-year £800m investment by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).
It has been awarded to Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Newcastle University. They will also collaborate with industry and charity.
Part of the money will be used to fund a new dementia research unit.
The remainder will focus on advances in disease diagnosis, prevention and treatment to benefit patients with cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said: "This investment will see scientists in Newcastle contribute to the UK-wide development of exciting new science into tangible, effective treatments that can be used across the NHS.
"It means that patients will see real improvements in early diagnosis, survival rates and living a more independent and better quality of life."