Opening of Clinical Research Facility

Research is at the heart of our Organisational Strategy and the official opening of the Coventry and Warwickshire Clinical Research Facility (CRF) at University Hospital was a proud day for the Trust.

The final part of the third floor development, an Inpatient Research Unit, was recently completed and will enable the Trust to increase and widen its range of studies.

An official opening took place with research partners from Coventry City Council, Coventry and Warwick Universities, local NHS Trusts and Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) all taking a look round.

Professor Harpal Randeva, Director of Research and Development, said: “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.

“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.”

Facilities in the Inpatient Research Unit include an en-suite bathroom, nurse station and access to kitchen facilities, allowing trial participants to remain overnight.

The first patient to use the unit was involved in testing a drug for neuroendocrine cancer and other projects are being planned, including one in ophthalmology.

The CRF also has a Research Treatment Centre, an area for outpatients or day patients comprising six treatment chairs, a participant toilet and nurse station.