We are one of eleven Medtech and In vitro diagnostics Co-operatives (MICs) funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) to act as a centres of expertise that focus on clinical areas of high morbidity and unmet need for NHS patients.
The aims of the NIHR Surgical MedTech Co-operative are to:
- To develop new concepts, demonstrate proof of principle and devise research protocols for new medical technologies that are applicable across the NHS.
- Improve the quality of life and effectiveness of healthcare services for patients undergoing colorectal, hepatobiliary (HPB), vascular and neurosurgery.
- Work collaboratively with patients and patient groups, charities, industry, clinicians and academics.
Surgery plays a central role in the management of many medical conditions. It restores function following trauma and disability, palliates chronic disease, and is central to the treatment of many cancers. Around 4.7 million hospital admissions involve surgical care every year in the NHS, on average one every 7 seconds, and account for 11.2 million hospital bed-days. The number of surgical procedures performed each year has risen by 27% over the past decade; a trend that is set to continue as the population ages. General Surgery, including colorectal, vascular, and HPB, accounts for the highest level of activity (1.3 million procedures/year).
The Surgical MedTech Co-operative will build on existing strengths in these areas in order to foster a national and international profile for the NIHR Surgical MIC and our aim is to serve as the first port of call for individuals, innovators, researchers and organisations involved in colorectal, HPB, vascular disease and neurosurgery.
The NIHR MICs will build expertise and capacity in the NHS to develop new medical technologies and provide evidence on commercially supplied in vitro diagnostic (IVD) tests.
Download NIHR Surgery Brochure