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Capital Investment to provide state-of-the-art equipment for NIHR Manchester Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit

16 February 2012

The National Institute for Health Research Manchester Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit (NIHR Manchester Musculoskeletal BRU) is celebrating another funding success with the Department of Health agreeing a capital investment of £1.27m. This investment, which is on top of just under £5m already awarded by NIHR to set up the unit, will go towards state-of-the-art equipment which will help the Unit deliver high-quality patient-focused musculoskeletal research.

The NIHR Manchester Musculoskeletal BRU combines the research forces of Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and The University of Manchester, and will become operational from 1st April 2012. The Unit will pioneer new innovative methods of assessing early response to treatment in adults and children with musculoskeletal disorders including all forms of arthritis, with the aim of ensuring that every patient receives timely, safe and effective treatment. The investment from the Department of Health will provide a contribution to a 3T MRI Scanner, ultrasound scanner with vascular capability, a range of genetics and other vital research equipment.

Professor Deborah Symmons who heads the Unit said: “We are delighted to receive this capital investment from the Department of Health. The investment will enable us to purchase vital equipment that will be a valuable resource for our investigating why some patients respond to certain treatments and others do not. Our work will ensure that patients get the right treatment for them from the earliest weeks of disease.”

Mike Deegan, Chief Executive of Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “Congratulations to the BRU team on another successful funding grant. This investment towards state-of-the-art equipment will further cement Manchester’s status as a leading centre for musculoskeletal research.”

Professor Ian Jacobs, Vice-President of The University of Manchester and Dean of the Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, added: “This capital support for imaging and laboratory equipment will enable the outstanding researchers in The University of Manchester and Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, who work together in the BRU, to deliver their full potential.”