EASY AS ABC: Back row: Ms Louise Breslin (DCC), Mr Brian Moran (Western Trust), Mr Tim Brundle (University of Ulster) Front Row: Mr Matt Peachy (DCC), Professor Maurice O' Kane (Western Trust), Professor Hugh Mc Kenna (University of Ulster), Mr Alan Moore (Western Trust).

The University of Ulster is to be a key partner in a new £2 million research and development facility to be built at Altnagelvin Hospital.

The first of its kind in Northern Ireland, the facility will represent a major upgrade in the standard of healthcare provision as well as delivering substantial economic benefits.

University researchers, hospital clinicians and health and life sciences companies will have access to state of the art research facilities and clinical data when it opens in September 2008.

The ABC (Academic, Business and Clinical) facility is to be managed by the Western Health and Social Care Trust in conjunction with the University and Derry City Council.

Announcing the project, Economy Minister Nigel Dodds said: "By sharing knowledge, cutting edge products and treatments can be brought to market, ensuring local firms are at the forefront of research and development in the growing health and life sciences sector.

"Not only will this project deliver significant economic benefits, but it will profile the quality of the region's knowledge infrastructure and ability to compete in global medical technology markets.

"It will also ensure continued improvement in healthcare."

Professor Bernie Hannigan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the University of Ulster said "The ABC facility will be a shining example of what can be achieved when partners have a common goal and work together with mutual trust.

"Ultimately the beneficiaries will be the population of the Western Trust's area. Clinically-focused research provides solutions to healthcare needs, and innovative business practices deliver the solutions to people."

Western Trust chairman Gerard Guckian said clinical research is vital because it leads to the development of better treatment.

"For the first time the Western Trust will have dedicated space devoted to clinical research. This will allow us to build upon existing research capacity and expand the range and volume of research activity within the Trust," he said.

Invest NI is providing £1.3m of EU support on behalf of the Special EU Programmes Body and a further £464,000 through the Integrated Development Fund to support the project. The remaining £300,000 is made up by the Trust.

The ABC project was initiated and supported by the North West Science and Technology Partnership.

For further information, please contact:

David Young
Telephone: 028 90366074
Email: David Young