04.08.2004
A new boost for research in medical schools was announced today by Health Minister, Lord Warner. The new funding is part of the government's drive to strengthen research and innovation, and ensure that the NHS gets the benefit of the latest medical developments.
Brighton and Sussex Medical School is one of eight medical schools across the UK that will benefit from the additional funding. The NHS partners of each of the eight schools will receive an extra £1.5 million. The money will enable the schools to establish state-of-the-art research facilities, attract world-class researchers, and carry out research in crucial areas such as genetics, diabetes, and cancer for the benefit of NHS patients both locally and nationally.
Lord Warner said:
"This is great news for both the medical schools and for the communities and patients they serve. Investment in research saves lives and that is why it is vital that we make sure the NHS is a research rich environment so that patients reap the benefits. This extra funding will mean that the NHS' future doctors can play their part in developing new treatments for tomorrow's patients".
Professor Jon Cohen, Dean of Brighton and Sussex Medical School, said:
"This is extremely good news for us and, in particular, will help to form even stronger links between the Medical School and the NHS. BSMS is already committed to developing a strong, integrated research agenda and we are keen to expand our collaborations with colleagues in the NHS to build upon this good early start. The additional funding will not only enable us to compete successfully, but also provide a formidable research-active setting in which to study.”
Charles Turton, Medical Director at BSUH added
"This is very good news. The money will be used to support a series of projects carried out by the new Clinical Investigation and Research Unit, and therefore increase our research capacity."
2. The Brighton and Sussex Medical School is an equal partnership between the University of Brighton and the University of Sussex, working together with the NHS throughout the south-east region. It is the first undergraduate medical school in the south-east outside of London.
3. It is funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and the Department of Health.
4. The first intake of 135 students enrolled for the five-year programme in October 2003. Applications for entry in 2004 saw a rise of nearly 100% on the previous year.
5. BSMS works hard to create committed and compassionate practitioners with high quality interpersonal skills, as well as ethical standards for professional practice, grounded in multi-professional, team-focused work
Media contacts:
Brighton and Sussex Medical School and Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals
Trust – Emma Kearney, Nexus Communications, 0207 761 1899
Department of Health - Vicky Wyatt, Press Officer, 020 7210 5656
Contact: Marketing and Communications, University of Brighton, 01273 643022
