Barts opens new clinical research centre
Barts Health NHS Trust has opened a new Clinical Research Centre which will benefit thousands of patients across our hospitals.
The purpose-built £496,000 centre, funded by Barts Charity, replaces a disused gym and includes outpatient treatment facilities, a laboratory and much-improved investigation facilities.
More than 17,000 patients took part in clinical research studies last year at Barts and the new centre will enable even more people to benefit from research.
Angela Hancock, a former patient and chair of the diabetes lay research panel at The Royal London, said: “I came up here as a patient initially when I was involved with diabetes research and at the time the facility was quite small. Now we have people regularly coming to talk about research here – it’s truly amazing to have something as fabulous as this on our doorstep.
“I’m a Tower Hamlets resident and the opportunities for the community are amazing, it’s also inspiration for young people in the area to want to work here in the future.”
Pharmacist Rizvan Batha said: “It’s important that we take steps in the right direction as the largest research facility in the country. We have more than 400 active drugs trials that pharmacy are involved in. It’s great to see such a facility be available.”
Group Chief Executive Alwen Williams, said: “I am absolutely delighted to be here today at the opening of this important facility.
“We are a hugely ambitious organisation with a moral responsibility to end health inequality in our diverse East London community and this new research facility will help us to deliver this.
“Thank you to everyone who has made this possible for future generations for many years to come.”
CRN North Thames Chief Operating Officer Dr Paula Aubrey attended the opening.
