UNIVERSITY Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust has launched its state-of-the-art Clinical Research Facility (CRF), set to revolutionise medical research and patient care in the region.
The research facility, at University Hospital Coventry, has dedicated expert support, and cutting-edge resources essential for conducting high-quality clinical studies.
The completion of the inpatient research unit, featuring two beds for overnight stays, represents the final phase of the development.
The unit welcomed its first patient who participated in a trial testing a novel drug for neuroendocrine cancer, following an official opening ceremony on Friday, March 8.
The opening was attended by research partners from Coventry City Council, Coventry and Warwick Universities, local NHS Trusts, and the Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board.
Professor Harpal Randeva, director of research and development, expressed enthusiasm for the enhanced research opportunities the facility will provide.
“We know that patients want to take part in research.
“Having dedicated inpatient research beds means that we can offer more research opportunities to patients across Coventry and Warwickshire.
“We have a great team who continue to enhance our reputation as a leading Trust for research and development, and I’m excited to see what new findings they will uncover in the coming months and years.”
The newly unveiled unit, equipped with modern amenities including en-suite facilities, a nurse station, and access to a kitchen, positions the Trust to expand its research portfolio and deliver cutting-edge treatments to patients.
Susan Coburn, senior research nurse, said: “These studies are about trying to improve quality of life for participants.
“We want to push the boundaries of medicine but everything is about patient safety. That is the top priority.”
In addition to the unit, the CRF features a research treatment centre tailored to outpatient and day patient care, having six treatment chairs, participant amenities, and a dedicated nurse station.
