Analysis of National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) data shows the Trust recruited more than 5,000 participants to cutting-edge studies in 2023-24, including several UK and world firsts.
A medical device is any instrument other than a medicine that is used to diagnose, monitor, treat or manage a medical condition and can include syringes, dressings, surgical tools, scanners, software, apparatus, machines and some medical apps. These innovations are crucial to modern healthcare, enabling faster diagnosis, less invasive treatments and quicker recovery times for patients.
This leadership position in research builds on ĢtvƵ’ proud heritage in medical innovation, stretching back to the early 19th century when Charles Thackray collaborated with ĢtvƵ General Infirmary surgeons to pioneer surgical instruments. Today, ĢtvƵ sits at the heart of a £3 billion regional health tech sector, home to more than 250 companies employing 16,000 people.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, welcomed the news. She said: “As the home of NHS England and Europe’s largest teaching hospital, ĢtvƵ is a global magnet for health innovation, ranking in the top five most attractive cities in the world for health tech firms.
“This rich collaboration between our businesses, hospitals and universities is driving the development of life-changing technologies, with West Yorkshire patients being the first in the world to benefit.
“Our £160 million Investment Zone will turbocharge this work even further, creating jobs and investment, growing our economy, and helping us build a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire for all.”
Recent innovations include the groundbreaking HistoSonics #HOPE4LIVER study at St James’s Hospital, where ĢtvƵ delivered the UK’s first histotripsy treatment for liver cancer. This revolutionary approach uses focused ultrasound to destroy tumours without invasive surgery, with ĢtvƵ achieving a record-breaking treatment time of under seven minutes. For patients, this means faster recovery and same-day discharge instead of lengthy hospital stays following traditional surgery. It could transform liver cancer treatment for future NHS patients.
ĢtvƵ has also achieved another UK first, recruiting the first British patient to trial an innovative heart treatment system. The CoFI™ System, being tested at ĢtvƵ General Infirmary, diagnoses and treats microscopic heart artery blockages immediately following a heart attack – a condition traditionally difficult to identify and treat early. The trial, involving 70 patients, could transform cardiac care by enabling immediate treatment of these tiny blockages, potentially preventing long-term heart damage.
The Trust’s success stems from its position as a major tertiary centre, strong board-level commitment to research, and the Innovation Pop-up facility that attracts industry partnerships and investment. The Trust works closely with the University of ĢtvƵ and benefits from state-of-the-art facilities like the Nexus innovation hub.
The Trust manages approximately 1,000 clinical trials at any given time. Since 2018, ĢtvƵ research organisations have secured more than £200 million in funding for health and care research and innovation, including £80 million from NIHR, according to an independent report published by Health Innovation ĢtvƵ.
Dr Ai Lyn Tan, Director of Research and Innovation at the Trust, said: “Our achievement as the UK’s top recruiter for medical device studies showcases ĢtvƵ at its innovative best. From pioneering liver cancer treatment without incisions, to addressing microscopic heart blockages that were previously almost impossible to treat, we’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in patient care.
“Being the UK’s leading recruiter means thousands of our patients get early access to breakthrough treatments. But the impact extends far beyond ĢtvƵ – successful trials help reduce waiting lists, attract investment to our region, and ultimately provide blueprints for better treatments that can be adopted across the NHS and globally.”