UCL Partners becomes academic health science centre

The Partnership is one of just five bids which satisfied the
Department of Health's rigorous selection process, which included peer review of the
application by an international panel of experts. The successful outcome
demonstrates that the partnership possesses excellence in research, education and
patient care.

UCLP comprises five of London's biggest and best known hospitals and research
centres: UCL (University College London), Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children
NHS Trust (GOSH), Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, the Royal Free
Hampstead NHS Trust and University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation
Trust.

The Partnership will bring together the combined skill and expertise of its clinicians
and researchers to focus initially on seven areas: infectious diseases; neurological
disorders; eyes and vision; cardiovascular; child health; women's health; and
immunology and transplantation.

Commenting on the award of AHSC status, Sir Cyril Chantler, Chairman of UCL
Partners, said: "This is fantastic news, and a great tribute to the skill, expertise and team work of clinicians and researchers within UCL Partners. More than that, it is a tremendous boost for our plans to work together to improve the health of the patients that we serve, developing new techniques and treatments for patients in London, the UK and beyond. Our partners are already world leaders in many areas of medical research. With today's news, we can raise our sights higher still."