Ulster University in the UK has opened a cross-border centre of research excellence in collaboration with partners in Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, and Scotland, to improve cardiovascular medicine.
The €8.2m Eastern Corridor Medical Engineering Centre (ECME) will develop new cardiac care models, smart medical-grade wearable technologies, and enhanced remote monitoring systems.
Academia and industry researchers will work together with health and social care system partners for creating these devices and improving current sensor technologies to boost clinical outcomes and patient experience.
Development of such advanced medical technologies is expected to aid in improving diagnostics, free up hospital beds and allow independent life for patients.
Ulster University NIBEC director professor Jim McLaughlin said: “An integral part of our Health Technology Hub, this partnership will create better models for cardiac care through research and the development of generic solutions within the growing patient monitoring market.
“Wearable technologies and remote monitoring systems have the potential to transform cardiac care.
“Smart technologies are helping to move care out of hospital and into the home, reducing pressure on the healthcare system.”
In addition to significant health and social care impact, the ECME collaboration is expected to yield economic benefits.
The university’s cross-border partners for ECME include Southern Health and Social Care Trust Cardiac Research Unit, Dublin City University, Dundalk Institute of Technology, University College Dublin, and the University of Highlands and Islands.
