13.04.05
Business Opportunities in the HealthSector in Cornwall - "Building Bridges"

A ground-breaking conference is to be held at Cornwall's newly-established Knowledge Spa in May this year. It represents a real "first" for Cornwall; a drive to encourage the business community to work hand in hand with the health professions.

The conference, which will be hosted by Cornwall Medi-Park Ltd, is to take place on Wednesday May 11 2005, at the Knowledge Spa, based at the Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro. Cornwall medi-Park Ltd has been established jointly by the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust and the University of Plymouth to maximise the economic benefits to Cornwall from a close collaboration between health and business experts. The company will manage its business incubation units in the Knowledge Spa and lead the development of the new Medi-Park to be built adjacent to the existing site.

The Knowledge Spa offers modern, innovative and high quality facilities. It houses the Cornish component of the Peninsula Medical School and the faculty of Health and Social Work of the University of Plymouth. The conference will highlight the facilities and opportunities already available to the private business sector in this health service environment, and it will also flag up future opportunities which will open up when the Medi-Park itself is up and running.

Professor Colin Roberts, Chairman of Cornwall Medi-Park and non executive director of the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust, said: "The Knowledge Spa, which houses healthcare-related teaching, medical research and business incubation under a single roof, is unique. The creation of a Medi-Park is the logical development of this initiative and, by facilitating the building of partnerships between the NHS, the universities and industry, will put Cornwall at the forefront of healthcare in the UK."

The Knowledge Spa building and the conference have been supported by many agencies including Objective One, the South West Regional Development Agency, Duchy Health Charity and Cornwall Enterprise.

Attendance at this conference is essential for any business looking to expand into the medical healthcare field. Speakers from the medical and healthcare industry will help to highlight ways in which communication between the NHS and private sector companies can provide business opportunities for both parties.

Ros Stollard, conference organiser, said: "This conference is a first for Cornwall and one which I am sure will provide opportunities for a wide variety of businesses. As well as businesses already established within the medical and health-related industries, we would like businesses from other areas to attend. Skills from the IT, engineering and media sectors are all essential to the medical and healthcare industries and this conference will provide a forum for a two-way communication between providers and customers, resulting in increased business opportunities for all involved."

The conference will take place on the morning of Wednesday, May 11. A full programme of events will be released later in April. Anyone interested in attending should reserve their place soon by contacting Ros Stollard on 01872 255133, or by e mail: ros.stollard@rcht.cornwall.nhs.uk.

Editor's notes:

Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439

cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk

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