The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre has been named as a partner in a new venture that will bring more cutting-edge research to communities across Cheshire and Merseyside.
NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group (UHLG) has been named as host for an NIHR Commercial Research Delivery Centre (CRDC), alongside a number of other healthcare organisations, including Clatterbridge (CCC).
As part of the NHS 10-year health plan, the Department of Health and Social Care has announced plans to establish 20 CRDCs across the country. The Liverpool CRDC, funded as part of a £100m government private investment initiative, will support the rapid set-up of commercial research studies, meaning patients can begin accessing treatments – including cancer – as part of clinical trials as early as possible.
The CRDC will bring together Cheshire and Merseyside organisations including primary and social care; voluntary organisations and 10 secondary care organisations, including CCC.
Establishing the CRDC will mean even more studies and treatments will be available in areas including cancer, respiratory illness, obesity, and infectious diseases. With the introduction of the CRDCs, the government’s aim is to shift from treatment to prevention and this investment will support research into preventative vaccines and medicines, ultimately helping people live healthier lives for longer.
Prof Terry Jones, Director of Research at UHLG and Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care System, who will lead the Liverpool CRDC, said: “We are delighted to be bringing a Commercial Research Delivery Centre to Cheshire and Merseyside, making research accessible to the communities served by our organisations.
“The CRDC will make Cheshire and Merseyside the preferred provider for commercial companies carrying out research, giving patients and participants more opportunities than ever before to take part in research.
“Strengthening and enhancing our current research portfolio, the CRDC will allow us to take research to new heights across the region, building on our already successful research infrastructure.”
Dr Gillian Heap, Director of Research and Innovation Operations at Clatterbridge, said: “We are delighted to be part of the new CRDC, which will deliver a step change in the level of commercial research studies being undertaken across Cheshire and Merseyside.
“This exciting venture will enhance how Trusts across the region work together to offer our patients the best novel therapies and pioneering treatments as well as driving forward important clinical research.”
Studies show that research-active hospitals and organisations achieve better health outcomes for patients, due to better understanding of the effects of treatments, ongoing care and monitoring as part of a research study.
The CRDC collaborative will allow health and research programmes across the region to continue to build on ground-breaking research, supported by specialist services.
Jenny Crooks, Deputy Managing Director of Liverpool Health Partners (LHP), said: “This achievement reflects the strength of collaboration across the Cheshire and Merseyside healthcare research ecosystem.
“LHP are a partnership between the research-intensive universities and NHS trusts across Liverpool. We are proud to have played a key role in aligning partners and securing this opportunity to increase funding and increase the access to vital research and innovative treatment for the patients and public across Cheshire and Merseyside.”
