Long-term investment of R&D funding and support from HSC Innovations has enabled a programme of research and service development work in Medicines Management in the Northern HSC Trust, which has underpinned the recent launch of the regional Medicines Optimisation Innovation Centre (MOIC).
Amongst the ongoing projects, several have resulted in products such as keyless patient lockers and software tools for medicines optimisation, antimicrobial stewardship, and procurement. Each of these products has been developed in partnership with commercial partners, some have already brought royalty payments to the Trust and others are covered by licensing agreements to ensure that the HSC is in a position to benefit from future sales. The team in MOIC has a broad and growing network of local, national and international partnerships, and has already built a strong reputation in UK, Europe and beyond. The support of HSC R&D Division and HSC Innovations has been key in ensuring that resources are available and advice is provided to maximise any commercial opportunities arising from this work.