Clinical Research
We are currently involved in over 100 clinical trials and other studies ranging from testing new surgical devices to trialling new drugs.
On this page
However, research projects cannot get started without the participation of our patients. We rely heavily on the thousands of patients we treat every year to volunteer and take part in research projects.
This arrangement is mutually beneficial because we get to see how new treatments work in practice and our patients benefit from ground-breaking treatments earlier than they would otherwise.
The Research Office is heavily involved in Clinical Research and actively involved with listed National Institute for Health and Research’s (NIHR) portfolio, a national information point of studies being run across the UK.
Research Trials
At the heart of the Clinical Research Network’s activities is the NIHR Clinical Research Network (NIHR CRN) Portfolio of studies. This consists of high-quality clinical research studies that are eligible for consideration for support from the Clinical Research Network in England.
Research activity (recruitment) data from the NIHR CRN Portfolio is used to inform the allocation of NHS infrastructure for research (including NHS Service Support Costs) and supports the performance management of the Clinical Research Network.
UK Clinical Research Network Portfolio of Studies
The NIHR Clinical Research Network Portfolio is part of the UK Clinical Research Network Portfolio of studies, which comprises the network Portfolios for England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. These four Portfolios are held on a single information system: the Central Portfolio Management System (CPMS).
For information on available trials visit NIHR Be Part of Research website.
Taking part
If you are treated at one of our hospitals, you may be invited to take part in clinical research. It is entirely up to you whether or not you wish to be involved. If you decide not to participate, you will still be treated with the best care currently available.
The length of time each study takes and what you’ll need to do varies depending on what is being investigated and on the specific tests and measurements that are needed. Some trials may involve overnight stays, or making additional hospital visits. The research staff will also explain this to you along with the eligibility and screening. Patients from hospitals outside our Trust can take part in our trials depending on eligibility criteria but would need a referral to a specialist team at our hospitals.