Government provides new cash injection for NHS research

The government has announced that up to 775 million pounds will be made available over the next five years for research that will deliver benefits to NHS patients.

Health secretary Andrew Lansley announced the funding for translational research this week and said it should help to secure the UK's position as a world leader in life sciences.

NHS/university partnerships are invited to apply for funding and are encouraged to focus on research aimed at improving health outcomes for patients with high-priority conditions such as dementia, cancer and heart disease.

Mr Lansley said the government wants NHS patients to receive "the best possible treatment".

"This investment is vital to achieving our goal of making the NHS a world-leading healthcare system," he said.

Prime minister David Cameron pointed out that the UK has "an enviable track record" in making new discoveries and developing new treatments, adding that the new funding will safeguard the UK's position as a "centre of scientific excellence".