A new research strategy for the National Health Service was launched by the government yesterday. It includes a "radical shake-up of the way research is funded" and measures to "tackle the increasing red-tape that is stifling research".

Jane Kennedy, health minister, said the aim was for patients - and the economy - to derive more benefits from the £650m a year spent by the Department of Health on research. Annual expenditure is set to rise to £800m over the next two years.