Association of British Healthcare Industries

Press Release

03/04/03

The Academy of Medical Sciences Forum
Academia with Industry-innovation in patient care

ABHI were delighted to become a founding member of The Academy of Medical Sciences Forum launched on Monday 31st March last by Lord Sainsbury of Turville, the Parliamentary Under Secretary for Science and Innovation.

At the launch Lord Sainsbury said that he fully supported the ambition of the Forum to bring science and industry together and he emphasized the importance of contributing to the period assessment of the health of the UK science base, in its all dimensions.I am impressed by the way that the Forum is focusing on a few well-defined topics where it can make a real difference, and where it can bring added value to both its members and a wider audience." I very much hope the Forum will take the initiative to work closely with government in order to provide the best possible conditions in the UK for medical research and improvements in patient care".

The active network composed of scientists from industrial companies and academia, will become the new force in taking forward national discussions on scientific opportunities, technology trends and the associated strategic choices for healthcare and other life-science sectors.

By bringing together researchers, those that fund medical research and users, the Forum will be looking at ways to improve the existing relationship and interaction between these organizations and will focus on the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical engineering, Medical IT and health product sectors with representation from relevant trade associations.

Gordon Aylward, Director General at the ABHI said: "The Academy of Medical Sciences Forum represents a unique opportunity for the Association and its members to explore new ways of academia and industry working more effectively together with a view to raising the Competitiveness of the Medical technology sector for increased patient benefits. Crucially, the Forum is the perfect opportunity for representing our members views and bringing them up to date with the very latest opportunities in the R&D commercial environment."


Notes for editors:

* The Association of British Healthcare Industries (ABHI) is the lead trade association for the medical systems industry. This sector comprises not only manufacturers of medical devices, equipment and consumables, but also service companies, distributors, professional groups (such as regulatory consultants and lawyers), and other suppliers to the medical community.

* The ABHI represents approx. 200 member companies with a total domestic turnover of about £3 billion representing approx. 80% of the industry output. 

* The membership currently includes several Special Interest Sections and four sectoral trade associations, which in turn have a further 400 member companies.

* Member list: www.abhi.org.uk

* The role of the Association is to:
  - Advance and promote medical systems (devices, equipment, technologies and services) within the UK and globally.
  - Provide a forum for policy discussion with the industry's customers, legislators, public bodies and interested groups.
For further information contact:
Daniel Jones: 020 7960 4360
Email: daniel.jones@abhi.org.uk


?The Academy of medical Sciences is a unique independent Fellowship of 700 leading UK medical scientists

Further information on the Academy of Medical Sciences Forum is available from Ms Laurence Ehlers, Forum Programme Officer, The Academy of Medical Sciences, 10 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AH on +44 (0) 20 7969 5287 or e-mail: laurence.ehlers@acmedsci.ac.uk

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Last updated: 03/03/2005 15:11:15