Medicines watchdog to open 'digital hub' in city

The UK's drug safety watchdog is to open a new "digital hub" in West Yorkshire.

The site, to be located in Leeds city centre, would focus on digital delivery, software development and data science, according to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

The MHRA regulates new medicines, healthcare products and healthcare technologies for patients to use.

Lawrence Tallon, MHRA chief executive, said opening the new site in the city was aimed at "strengthening our ability to collaborate with partners across the north of England".

There had been a "huge growth" in healthcare technologies driven by changes in software and AI which were going to revolutionise the way the NHS worked, and the new Leeds hub would help regulate those technologies, Mr Tallon said.

Leeds was chosen for the new hub as it was home to over 44,000 tech professionals and about 11,000 students studying tech-related subjects, according to the MHRA.

The hub, in Wellington Place, would also serve as a base for the digital operations of NHS England, with increasing investment from major tech companies, an MHRA spokesperson said.

About 30 permanent, highly-skilled roles would initially be recruited to work at the new centre in the city, they added.

Wes Streeting, secretary of state for health and social care, said: "There is a global tech revolution in healthcare unfolding, and Yorkshire will help our country lead it.

"This isn't just about creating new jobs across the region, it's also about bolstering a city that's already leading the way in digital health."

Mr Tallon said that by establishing an MHRA digital hub in Leeds, "we're strengthening our ability to collaborate with partners across the north of England – bringing regulatory expertise closer to the people, organisations and innovations we serve".

Meanwhile, he said Leeds was "buzzing, thriving, an exciting place".

"We are really excited about create new jobs within our organisation right in the heart of Leeds," Mr Tallon added.

Fiona Venner, Leeds City Council's executive member for equality, health and wellbeing, said the MHRA's announcement of the plan for a digital hub was "welcome".

"Leeds is already a centre for digital health and innovation and this rapidly growing market contributes significantly to the economy," she said.

"The hub will support the creation of jobs and provide career opportunities for local graduates and professionals."

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