AN Anglia Ruskin University professor helping Essex to become a MedTech hub has been rewarded by taking on the new post of national clinical director for innovation with NHS England.

Professor Tony Young has held the post of Director of Medical Innovation at the university since 2010 and will now work with other national clinical directors across NHS England in a complementary role, ensuring some of the excellent practice and ideas being developed by individual NHS Trusts are effectively shared across the whole country.

His role will also focus on generating economic growth through innovation.

He has been instrumental in bringing together the partnership that forms the Anglia Ruskin MedTech Campus, which will become one of the world’s largest health innovation spaces.

It is proposed the project will bring £500m of inward investment into Essex, creating 12,000 new jobs over three sites in Chelmsford, Harlow and Southend. The aim is to work with entrepreneurs and companies to help deliver new MedTech products to market quickly and efficiently.

Professor Young said: “It’s an honour to be appointed to this role. We’ve made great strides in transforming the medical innovation process during my time at Anglia Ruskin. I look forward to working with clinicians to help make innovation happen and bring the latest advances in technology and improvements in care pathways.

“The challenges we face as a national health system, particularly in the management of chronic disease, are piled high. By encouraging economic growth and becoming early adopters of the latest innovations, we can rise to the challenge and help transform patient care and experience.”

Professor Michael Thorne, Vice Chancellor of the university, said: “We are immensely proud that Professor Young has been chosen for this new and exciting national role. It is testament to the fine work he has done here, helping put together our vision for the MedTech Campus which will make Essex a centre for innovation in healthcare.

“Tony’s ambitious and visionary qualities will make him an asset to the NHS and shows how serious Anglia Ruskin is about leading the way in MedTech innovation.”