6 September 2012

University and NHS in Fife and Tayside announce new agreement to develop clinical research

The University of Dundee, NHS Fife and NHS Tayside have signed a new agreement to jointly develop clinical research across the regions.

The new Memorandum of Understanding signed by the three bodies builds on existing relationships which have helped establish the east of Scotland as an internationally renowned centre for medical research.

"This is a significant step which will support the further development of medical research across Fife and Tayside, to the benefit of patients," said Professor Jim McGoldrick, Chairman of NHS Fife.

"Clinical studies are very much reliant on the support of the public, which we have been lucky enough to receive for many years now. Tayside and Fife together hold a population of around 750,000 people and we hope to work with the public to deliver more and better treatments."

Across Tayside and Fife there are world-leading researchers working on diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, skin diseases and addictions.

"The partnership between the NHS and an institution such as the University of Dundee is all about translating world-class medical research into new treatments and methods of care and prevention. We can achieve and deliver these things better by working in partnership," said Gerry Marr, Chief Executive of NHS Tayside.

The long-term hope is that the Memorandum of Understanding will lead to the development of an East of Scotland clinical research `node' bringing in further partner institutions.

"This is a case of bigger really is better, by offering increased capacity, with more opportunities for collaboration and greater sharing of best practice," said Professor John Connell, Vice-Principal of Research and Head of the College of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing at the University of Dundee. "We have a long and valued relationship with the NHS and this agreement with NHS Fife and NHS Tayside will only strengthen those bonds."

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