New start for clinical research in south London

The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network: South London (CRN: South London) was officially launched on 1 April.

The Network – one of 15 across England – brings together local hospitals, GP practices and other healthcare providers to collaborate on clinical research studies that could lead to better treatments for NHS patients.

The CRN: South London will receive around £21.5 million this year to employ clinical research nurses who will match patients with appropriate research opportunities, carry out clinical duties required for the studies, and cover research-related costs such as X-rays and scans.

According to a survey carried out by Censuswide last year, 94% of people in south London said that NHS doctors and nurses should always tell patients about clinical trials that would be suitable for them.

Professor David Goldsmith, a consultant nephrologist at Guy’s and St Thomas’, is joint Clinical Director of CRN: South London.

He says: "We know that people want the NHS to carry out health research. The CRN: South London will help us to do this by providing more opportunities for local patients to become involved in studies and trials, wherever in south London they are seen and treated."

Commenting on the launch of the NIHR Clinical Research Network, Chief Executive Dr Jonathan Sheffield explains: “The Network will help make clinical research part of the ‘day job’ for the NHS – which is what it should be.”