Date Created: 27 June 2012
“Scotland is in an excellent position because of its skilled workforce and excellent patient record system to attract investment in research."
Scotland is set to take world lead in health technology innovation, according to Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon.
Close working relationships between NHSScotland and the life sciences industry will allow pioneering developments to dramatically improve healthcare for patients and potentially save lives worldwide.
This will also help to achieve the aim of doubling the economic contribution of life sciences to the Scottish economy to £6 billion by 2020.
Scottish scientists and businesses are already leading the way in medical innovation with recent developments including:
- A new class of cancer drugs
- Stem cell treatment which could potentially reverse corneal blindness
- A treatment for diabetics which reduces dependence on insulin
Speaking at a recent NHSScotland event, Delivering Quality Through Innovation, Ms Sturgeon outlined a new vision for Scotland to be at the forefront of innovation in health.
It aims to increase partnership working so that NHSScotland can develop its use of new innovative technology and improve the quality of care which patients receive.
Increased investment in technology will also enable more people to be care for at home rather than in hospital.
Ms Sturgeon said: “Many of the greatest advances in the history of medicine come from Scotland and we are already at the forefront in many areas of clinical and health research.
“Continued investment in this area has the potential to lead to groundbreaking medical breakthroughs which could benefit patients both in Scotland and across the globe.
“This statement is hugely significant for Scottish industry. It presents our innovative companies with a fantastic opportunity to work closely with the NHS to develop products and services that will benefit patients and the Scottish economy.
“I look forward to working with public and private sector partners to bring the ambitions of this statement to life for Scotland’s innovators, entrepreneurs and business owners.”
Stephen Whitehead, Chief Executive Officer of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry, said:
“Scotland is in an excellent position because of its skilled workforce and excellent patient record system to attract investment in research. We look forward to supporting the promised formation of the Strategic Engagement Group and Health Innovation Partnerships to deliver huge benefits for the economy and world-leading healthcare for patients.”
Explore Scotland's strengths in medical technology