Southampton invention wins prestigious NHS innovations award

The EDGE ^TM trials management system allows medical and research professionals, for the first time, to access a detailed ‘live' database of ongoing clinical trials from any location. It also facilitates multi-centre trials and could be implemented across the entire NHS network, potentially bringing huge efficiency savings.

The project was the brainchild of James Batchelor and David Miller , from the University of Southampton, in collaboration with Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust, Cancer Research UK and Central South Coast Cancer Research Network.

James comments: "We would like to thank all those who helped us develop this project. More than two hundred hospitals are now using EDGE ^TM across the UK and many more are looking into signing up."

EDGE ^TM is one outcome of an on-going collaboration in which the University, Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust and Cancer Research UK, have combined their expertise in information solutions for health care research and delivery.

Professor Don Nutbeam, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southampton, says: "We are delighted the NHS is recognising EDGE, which is already having significant impact in delivering "Best Research for Best Health", the Government's strategy to make the UK a world-leader in clinical research."

The award, from NHS Innovations South East (NISE), recognises health innovations that are being developed through enterprise activities to deliver benefits in the healthcare sector.

Mark Hackett, Chief Executive of Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust, says: "We are extremely proud of the strong and successful relationship we have with the University of Southampton and the EDGE project is another example of how we are working together to ensure the city consolidates its position as a world leader in both academic and healthcare environments."

Professor Peter Johnson, Cancer Research UK's Chief Clinician and researcher at the University of Southampton's School of Medicine adds: "The EDGE ^TM system has been developed by a team who really understand the challenges we face in running top quality clinical research. It's a great example of collaboration between the NHS, the University and Cancer Research UK to solve problems that matter."

James Batchelor and David Miller were presented with their award by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Don Nutbeam, Mark Hackett, and Professor Peter Johnson at the Hampshire and Isle of Wight CLRN Annual conference on the 2 ^nd of February 2010, at the Southampton Rose Bowl. They win a luxury hamper and £500 for further development of the software.

Photographed above: Vice-Chancellor Don Nutbeam, award-winners David Miller and James Batchelor and Head of the School of Medicine Iain Cameron.