Leading the Field in Health Research

A major centre dedicated to finding new treatments for patients with conditions such as diabetes and arthritis opened recently.

Clinical research focused on a variety of healthcare problems will be conducted under one roof in the new pounds 4.5m Clinical Research Facility (CRF), based in Newcastle. It is a joint venture between Newcastle University and the Newcastle-upon-Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust, and is based at the Royal Victoria Infirmary’s (RVI) Leazes Wing.

Its opening brings the region to the forefront of medical research, bringing together some of the world’s leading researchers and clinicians and acting as a magnet to attract investment to the North East.

The CRF, which boasts the very latest in facilities and equipment, also has its own staff of highly-experienced research nurses, technicians and health care professionals, making it a ‘one- stop-shop’ for research teams seeking to test treatments for various health conditions, which range from diabetes, stroke, arthritis, haematology and neuromuscular diseases.

Facilities include 16 beds, all with sophisticated clinical signs monitoring equipment, seven consulting rooms, an exercise study room, procedure and specimen preparation rooms, and meeting and seminar rooms. An Immunotherapy Unit where new treatments for arthritis will be tested is also based there.

The facility is the first in the county to be supported primarily by the generous donations from individuals and organisations. These include: Wolfson Foundation, the late Dr. Irene Foster nee Blankley (MB BS, 1945), Newcastle Healthcare Charity, Science Research Investment Fund, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Garfield Weston Foundation, Sir Jules Thorn Charitable Trust, Barbour Trust, North East Brewers Association Fund, Duke of Northumberland, 1989 Willan Trust, WA Handley.

Professor Sally Davies, Director of Research & Development at the Department of Health performed the opening ceremony.

Sir Miles Irving, chairman of the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals Trust, said: “By providing a state-of the-art facility that is safe and well-regulated, we will provide the very best environment for patients to take part in clinical research and experience new treatments as they emerge.”

Professor Gary Ford, director of the new Clinical Research Facility said: “The CRF is particularly well placed to promote translational “bench to bed-side” research ( that is, taking the work and discoveries from the scientist’s bench to understand how diseases evolve and ultimately develop new clinical treatments. “

Professor Mark Walker, co-director of the CRF, who also carries out research into diabetes within Newcastle University’s School of Clinical Medical Sciences said: “The opening of the CRF brings the North East to the forefront of clinical research, and will attract more research funding into the region from Government and charity research organisations.

“It is attracting a lot of interest from the pharmaceutical industry, who know we can provide everything required to carry out full-scale clinical drug trials.”

Professor John Isaacs, director of the Immunotherapy Centre, said: “The Centre will provide access to the newest therapies for patients with diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. The use of sophisticated imaging techniques, such as ultrasound and arthroscopy, will help us to understand how these new treatments are working.

“We will also be developing completely novel treatments for immunological diseases. One of our particular interests is to develop treatments based on the use of patients’ own blood cells, as a ‘natural’ form of immunosuppression. Within the UK, Newcastle is uniquely placed to bring through such revolutionary treatments.”