Why the Welsh Government is ploughing £21million into medical research

More than £21 million is set to be invested to help medical researchers in Wales develop the treatments of the future.

The money from the Welsh Government is aimed at helping Wales’s seven health boards develop their own research and offer patients have the chance to participate in clinical trials.

Health Secretary Vaughan Gething made the announcement during a visit to the Clinical Research and Innovation Centre at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board’s St Woolos Hospital in Newport .

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The centre is an example of investment by Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, which allows researchers and delivery staff to participate in ground-breaking research.

The centre has also ensured that Welsh patients can receive treatment closer to home.

The clinical trials unit at Swansea University has run nearly 40 trials valued at £20 million
Ministers want more people to come forward to take part in clinical research trials.
Announcing the funding, Mr Gething said: “We recognise the significant role research plays in improving health outcomes, which is why the Welsh Government has committed more than £21m as part of a package of support to strengthen the research environment in the Welsh NHS .

“Facilities such as the Clinical Research and Innovation Centre at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board play an important role in increasing research opportunities for patients to join national and international high quality research studies within their locality.