Cabinet Secretary launches Glasgow Heart and Lung Institute
Published: 9 June 2008
Nicola Sturgeon, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing, has officially launched the Glasgow Heart and Lung Institute.
The Institute - a research collaboration bringing together the University of Glasgow, the new heart and lung centre at the Golden Jubilee National Hospital, and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde - will create a world class academic medical centre.
It will provide the best of medical and surgical care, unparalleled teaching and training opportunities, seamless integration of basic, clinical and public health research and the rapid transfer of research discoveries into new diagnostics, prevention and treatments to achieve direct benefits for the Scottish population. 
Sir Muir Russell, Principal of the University of Glasgow, said: "With the two new developments of the West of Scotland Regional Heart and Lung Centre and the University of Glasgow British Heart Foundation Cardiovascular Research Centre, we believe that all those involved in Glasgow cardiovascular medicine have a once in a lifetime opportunity to create a world class academic medical institute.
"The close working relationship between researchers and clinicians will benefit patients across Scotland and will lead to important medical breakthroughs. The Institute will build on existing strengths and develop long-term international excellence in translational research.
“Working with both NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and the Golden Jubilee National Hospital will ensure the route from research to treatment is as effective and as rapid as anywhere in the world.
“Cardiovascular disease is a research priority for the University of Glasgow and we have put in place significant funding to increase our capabilities in this area. The Heart and Lung Institute is a key part of that strategy."
With the two new developments of the West of Scotland Regional Heart and Lung Centre and the British Heart Foundation Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, all those involved in Glasgow Cardiovascular Medicine have a unique chance to create a world class academic medical facility that will provide a number of opportunities.
• Broaden and strengthen collaborations between clinicians and scientists to enhance the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease.
• Research collaborations will span bench to bedside and extend to cardiovascular epidemiology, public health and health services research.
• Provide the best possible training and mentorship for clinicians, scientists and others at all stages of their careers, including opportunities to enter academic study including PhD and postdoctoral schemes.
• Create an ethos of excellence in clinical care and expertise, research and teaching which will facilitate the recruitment, retention and professional development of medical, surgical, nursing, research, technical and allied health professionals.
Dr Ken Ferguson, Medical Director of the Golden Jubilee National Hospital, adds: “The Golden Jubilee is now the largest provider of interventional cardiology and the only provider of cardiothoracic surgery for the West of Scotland, covering a population of 2.2 million.
“Having clinical staff and patient treatment based on one site in Clydebank gives us the perfect opportunity to build on existing links between the British Heart Foundation Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre to create a world class academic hub that will benefit the whole of Scotland. This proves that the research will span bench to bedside, providing real benefits for the treatment and health improvement of future generations.”
Jonathan Best, Director of Regional Services at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “Scotland has a reputation for having a high rate of heart attacks and cardiovascular disease.
However, we believe this unique partnership will provide us with the opportunity to harness our strengths and those of the Golden Jubilee National Hospital and the University of Glasgow to research new preventative methods and treatments for the benefit of patients across the country. This is an exciting time for staff from across these organisations to be involved in a range of research projects.”
For more information, contact Ray McHugh in the University of Glasgow Media Relations Office on 0141 330 3535 or email r.mchugh@admin.gla.ac.uk
First published: 9 June 2008
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