Hospital trust teams up with healthcare business to support innovation ecosystem

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and global healthcare company, Johnson & Johnson MedTech, have revealed a new strategic collaboration to drive forward health innovation plans in West Yorkshire.

It is intended to drive lasting improvements to health outcomes in Leeds and across the region and prioritise addressing health inequalities.

Both organisations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, which will see them collaborate on: 

• Driving forward innovation, R&D and new MedTech for the benefit of all patients, with a focus on improving health equality 
• Promoting skills, talent and jobs in innovation
• Delivering increased efficiency within the healthcare supply chain, including climate benefits

Professor Phil Wood, CEO of Leeds Teaching Hospitals said: “We’ll be collaborating on innovation and R&D, nurturing skills and talent for the  future – all while delivering climate and sustainability benefits.

“It’s significant news that will enable us to embrace innovation and move forward with our ambitions to provide our patients with the very best in modern, efficient healthcare, which is tailored to their needs.”

Johnson & Johnson MedTech managing director, UK, Hugo Breda, added: “We believe that through this collaboration we can drive an increase in innovation for unmet healthcare needs, and equality in access to health services for the people of West Yorkshire.

“Our global R&D and manufacturing facility in Leeds has a significant history in healthcare, being the home of the origins of hip replacement surgery.

“Today, we have employees working across the spectrum of medical technology development, from 3D printing and robotic surgery to custom medical implant creation and innovative patient education systems.

“We are excited about utilising this expertise to drive our shared goals with the Leeds Trust.”

The collaboration follows news that West Yorkshire is to be home to the country’s third Investment Zone, boosting the city’s ambition to deliver innovation that creates a healthier, greener and inclusive future. 

The investment in digital and healthtech will accelerate plans for the Leeds Innovation Arc, kickstarting the development of the Innovation Village on the Leeds General Infirmary site with the refurbishment of the Old Medical School to create a healthtech innovation hub. 

Development of the Innovation Village as part of the city’s Innovation Arc is expected to bring direct and wider economic benefits of up to £13bn in net present value terms to the city, along with around 4,000 jobs and 520 new homes.