A ‘connected health’ sector could create up to 400 new jobs for Northern Ireland, following a link-up between the Northern Ireland Executive’s enterprise and health departments, reports the Belfast Telegraph.

Edwin Poots, the health minister, and enterprise minister Arlene Foster have signed a memorandum of understanding between the department of health, social services and public safety and business development agency Invest NI.

The Telegraph suggests that deal means technology enabling patients to manage their conditions without going to hospital, potentially cutting hospital admissions, 0would provide boosts for pharmaceutical firms such as Randox and Almac already present in Northern Ireland.

Foster told the Telegraph: “Initially we are looking at the creation of 400 jobs in the short term but that does not include jobs in the supply chain, software development, research & development, and other support services.”