A £48m “world-leading centre” for research into wounds is to open in Hull.
The University of Hull said the Wound Innovation Centre would research ways to improve life for people with chronic wounds.
The NHS spends about £8.3bn a year on wound care – more than obesity and cancer, according to the university.
Mat Hardman, professor of wound healing at Hull York Medical School and director of the new centre, said: “Current treatments for wounds are woefully inadequate and we now have an opportunity to change this.”
The University has been awarded £16m from the UK Research Partnership Investment Fund.
The centre will be match funded by industry partners including biotechnology company Polaroid Therapeutics and healthcare product manufacturer Reckitt.
The centre will be based at the University of Hull and upgrades are planned at Castle Hill Hospital to provide premium facilities for early-stage wound treatment research.
Malcom Burns, 66, from Withernsea, has an unhealed ulcer he got from a leg wound after tripping over a child’s go-kart four years ago.
Mr Burns said: “There have been times I’ve been walking around all day and my pain is at a nine or 10 and there’s nothing I can do to make it feel better. I can’t sleep and it is mentally very damaging.”
Mr Burns said current treatments do not work but he feels “more able to cope” and “more supported” after taking part in clinical trials with the University of Hull’s vascular team.
“It is so important that these trials and research into new developments in wound care continue,” he said.
Mr Burns added: “I believe this new centre will be a real asset to the region and will pioneer new wound care treatment that will bring relief to all those who are suffering.
“It will really change lives.”
The research hub is due to open at the end of the year, a spokesperson for the university said.
