Research and Development
Research Networks
The UK Clinical Research Network
The UK Clinical Research Network was established to support research and to facilitate the conduct of clinical trials and other well-designed studies across the UK. As part of the UK Clinical Research Collaboration, it works towards the development of a world class infrastructure to support clinical research in the UK.
Wirral University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has links with the following Research networks - Cancer, Dementias and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Diabetes, Medicines for Children, Primary Care, Stroke.
Employees of the above Research Networks regularly 'hot-desk' in the The Clinical Trials Unit (CTU).
The UK Clinical Research Network aims to develop and strengthen NHS infrastructure to support the delivery of clinical research in the UK. This is being achieved through the work of Clinical Research Networks.
Click on the links below for further information.
Cancer Research Network
Dementias and Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Network (DeNDRoN)
Diabetes Research Network (DRN)
Medicines for Children Research Network (MCRN)
Mental Health Research Network (MHRN)
Stroke Research Network (SRN)
Primary Care Research Network
The UKCRN Coordinating Centre is also overseeing the implementation of the NIHR Comprehensive Clinical Research Network
Clinical Research
As well as supporting the creation of additional research infrastructure, the UK Clinical Research Network is working with key partners to improve the clinical research environment as a whole.
This includes: developing a high quality research portfolio, offering a regulatory and governance advice service, supporting the work of Clinical Trials Units, and working closely with funders including the pharmaceutical and medical device industries.
UKCRN clinical studies portfolio
UKCRN is working to develop a high quality and balanced portfolio of trials and other well designed studies that covers the seven topic areas.
Studies that are included in the UKCRN portfolio can benefit from the support of UKCRN-funded staff working in Local Research Networks. This support might range from publicising the study to help with R&D approval applications, to the identification and recruitment of patients and will depend on the resources available at individual sites.
Eligibility
The Department of Health has set out eligibility criteria for those studies that can be included in the NIHR Clinical Research Network Portfolio. Full details are included in this document which can be downloaded.
Medicines for Children Research Network (MCRN)
The MCRN is funded by the Department of Health and works in partnership with the UK Clinical Research Network (UKCRN) to improve the UK’s clinical research environment and maximise the co-ordination, speed and quality of medicines for children. The Countess of Chester Hospital is incorporated within the Cheshire, Merseyside and North Wales Medicines for Children Local Research Network. The aim of the network is to establish a prestigious and credible local network to facilitate the conduct of high quality trials and other research to ensure safe, effective medicines and formulations for children and adolescents including those for prevention, diagnosis and treatment.