Published on 12 December 2024
A new venture designed to boost clinical research in our region has been welcomed by the leader of the Cancer Alliance.
The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – which hosts Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance (CMCA) – has been named as a partner in a new venture that will bring more pioneering research into cancer and other health problems.
NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group (UHLG) has been named as host for an NIHR Commercial Research Delivery Centre (CRDC), alongside a number of 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.
Jon Hayes, Managing Director of CMCA, said: “This new initiative will be hugely beneficial to people in Cheshire and Merseyside, giving increased access to cutting-edge research into cancer.
“It also shows how important it is for healthcare organisations across our region to work together to promote research and facilitate clinical trials near to where people live.”
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, which has helped to co-ordinate the initiative, said: “This achievement reflects the strength of collaboration across the Cheshire and Merseyside healthcare research ecosystem.”