PLYMOUTH'S university and medical school are part of a new partnership promoting healthcare innovation in the South West.

The government-funded Health Innovation and Education Cluster South West' comprises universities, NHS organisations and industry.

The alliance of 16 South West organisations includes the University of Plymouth and the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry.

Its aim is to ensure effective and timely implementation of new developments in health, initially focussing on three key areas: maternity and newborn care, planned care and avoiding needless emergency admissions to hospital.

One of 17 clusters announced by Health Minister, Ann Keen, in December, HIEC SW will share £11million of funding in the first year.

Professor Peta Foxall, Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry director of graduate education programmes, said: "The success of our application to create a Health Innovation and Education Cluster means that we have the real potential to make a significant difference to the delivery of high quality healthcare in our region."

John Bewick, South West Strategic Health Authority director of strategic development, said: "We are looking forward to working with the universities and NHS organisations in the South West to accelerate the pace of service improvement for local people."