02.07.19
Record numbers take part in Greater Manchester clinical research
New figures released today by the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network (CRN) shows that a record 83,470 patients took part in clinical research in Greater Manchester last year.
That figure surpassed the previous highest number of participants in the region by 21,000 and accounted for 9.5% of all recruitment to studies in England last year.
The NIHR statistics cover commercial research studies sponsored by the life sciences industry – such as pharmaceutical companies – and non-commercial studies founded by organisations such as medical charities, research councils, the government or the NIHR themselves.
Individual NHS organisations in Greater Manchester performed highly on an individual level as well.
Pennine Acute NHS Hospitals Trust recruited the highest number of clinical research participants in the whole of England in 2018/19, with a total of 37,122 people recruited.
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Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust also came in inside the top five, being named the fourth highest recruiting trust in the country.
Debbie Vinsun, chief operating officer, NIHR Clinical Research Network, Greater Manchester, said: “Research is making a difference to lives every single day and that’s thanks to the patients right here in Greater Manchester and all over England who are willing to volunteer for studies every year.
“We are delighted that a record number of patients have agreed to participate in our region during 2018/19.
“Their involvement is making sure the NHS continues to get stronger and more efficient with new and improved treatments in all disease areas for current and future generations.
VIEW THE FULL CLINICAL RESEARCH LEAGUE TABLE HERE
The most improved trust in terms of number of studies supported was also located in the region, with Bridgewater Community Healthcare Trust achieving a 250% improvement on the previous year.
A total of 1,105 studies were supported across Greater Manchester.
Nationally, the figures showed a growth across England too, with 50% of NHS trusts and 61% of Clinical Commissioning Group regions increasing their research activity.