City chosen for research project

Up to 100 patients will be involved in the research within NI

Belfast has been chosen as one of four sites in a UK research project that will have major implications for people with schizophrenia.

The announcement was made during a congress of clinical practitioners and international researchers being held at Belfast's Europa hotel.

More than £800,000 has been allocated to the project, to run for three years.

The NI research will be carried out between Queen's University and the South and East Belfast HSS Trust.

The funding has been agreed by the Department of Health via the Health Technology Assessment.

Up to 100 patients will be involved in the research within Northern Ireland.

Dr Caryl Sibbett of Queen's University said the inclusion of Belfast was recognition of the important work already being conducted in the city.