Too early to budget

Your report "Health academics fear NHSU will grab slice of research pie" ( THES , June 13) on the National Health Service University's possible involvement in research was inaccurate in one key aspect.

If, as a result of discussions that have just begun, NHSU were to assume some responsibility for commissioning research, rules and protocols would be established to ensure that it would not be the direct beneficiary of any funding distributed through that process. The purpose of establishing a broad-based research board for NHSU would be to develop confidence, legitimacy and involvement in NHSU's research programme and other research activities.

Discussions between the NHSU and the Department of Health are continuing, and it is too early to speculate about any budget implications.

Bob Fryer
Chief executive
NHSU