A NEW academic science network for the North-East has been announced by NHS England.

The new Academic Health Science Network (AHSN) is made up of NHS hospital trusts, universities and the new GP-led clinical commissioning groups across the region.

It was developed with the aim of harnessing and encouraging innovation across the North-East.

The hope is that the AHSN will have a positive impact on the health and well-being of people living in the region as well as contributing to its economic prosperity.

Sir Len Fenwick, chief executive of the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and interim chair of the AHSN said the new network would be "the platform to promote, enhance and translate innovation and best practice across the healthcare spectrum. This should enable rapid benefit for patients, education, training and industry alike.

"It will provide the funding needed for the talented individuals who work within the NHS to turn their brilliant ideas into treatments that are used every day across the NHS"

A spokesman for NHS England said: "The ultimate aim of the AHSN will be to help develop better technology and make better use of the skills of NHS staff, providing it with the tools necessary to tackle the changing needs of the population and ensuring that patients get the care they deserve."