A new national research institute has been established to tackle chronic wounds, a health issue which “quietly costs” the NHS billions annually and has a "devastating impact" on thousands of patients' quality of life. The University of Hull 's £48 million Wound Innovation Institute will drive life-changing research into this overlooked problem. Chronic wounds affect around 2.2 million people across the UK, causing long-term pain and reduced mobility. The university revealed these conditions cost the NHS £8.3 billion annually, which is more than cancer and obesity. Institute director Professor Matthew Hardman said: "For too long, chronic wounds have quietly cost the NHS billions and had a devastating impact on quality of life. Chronic wounds affect around 2.2 million people across the UK (Alamy/PA) “The Wound Innovation Institute exists to change that.…