Research rockets
Ground-breaking clinical research in our hospitals is taking off with more studies, participants and long-term benefits for patients than ever before .
Experts from Barts Health are authors in over 2,000 research publications every year, more than double the number a decade ago, and we continue to progress.
Last year saw the number of our patients taking part in clinical trials soar by over one-third to a record 31,718 people. This made us the fourth largest recruiter to publicly-funded studies in the country.
Meanwhile we also held our position as the top NHS recruiter to commercial drug trials, with 739 participants. Income from these 145 contracts rose from £10.6m to £15.4m.
St Bartholomew’s hospital leads the way with the bulk of the commercial research, with each of the other hospitals contributing to the growth in National Institute for Health and Care Research studies.
The number of patients from The Royal London involved in clinical trials doubled, for example, while participants trebled at both Newham and Whipps Cross.
Dr Jenny Rivers, director of research and development, said:
“Patients benefit enormously from research and innovation, both directly through early access to new treatments and technologies, with improved standards of care, and indirectly through the translation of research fundings within an innovative, evidence-based, quality culture.”
According to the annual research report for 2024/5 we opened more new studies than any other NHS organisation bar one, and reduced the average length of time it takes to set one up to just five weeks, the third fastest among our NHS peers .
Dr Rivers added:
“Research-active staff have increased job satisfaction, aiding recruitment and retention . W ithin the current climate it is also important to recognise the significant impact of commercial clinical trials on trust finances, allowing us to grow capacity and capability.”
Total income from all research activity rose 18% to over £46m. Within this, much of the 45% increase in commercial income was from more complex studies in partnership with industry .
The ability to undertake complex work is one of the drivers behind our plans for a state-of-the-art Clinical Research Facility on the 15th floor of The Royal London.
Unfortunately its opening is now delayed until next year, following the introduction of new national building safety regulations that require us to make some changes and achieve additional approvals.
Read more