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Southampton invention wins prestigious NHS innovations award

Published: 2 February 2010

A revolutionary computer software system, which is transforming the way clinical research trials are managed in UK hospitals, has won an NHS Innovation Award.

The EDGE™ 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 200 hospitals are now using EDGE™ across the UK and many more are looking into signing up.”

EDGE™ 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, adds: "Being able to access and share information between sites quickly and easily is key to managing early stage clinical trials. The EDGE™ technology will assist doctors and nurses in carrying out top quality research and support doctors and nurses in the vitally important care they offer to patients on clinical trials."

James Batchelor and David Miller will be 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 tomorrow (2 February 2010), at the Southampton Rose Bowl.

They win a luxury hamper and £500 for further development of the software.

 

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