The Network brings together local hospitals, doctors’ surgeries and other healthcare providers from across the region, to collaborate in conducting high quality clinical research studies that could lead to better treatments for NHS patients.
It was announced in September 2013 that the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (NNUH) had been appointed to run CRN: Eastern and was awarded a five year contract from the Department of Health through the NIHR, taking responsibility for distributing approximately £19 million of funding per year, to support clinical research across the whole area.
NIHR Clinical Research Network: Eastern will receive around £20 million of funding this year to invest in clinical research nurses to match patients with appropriate research opportunities, carry out the clinical duties required for the studies and cover research-related costs such as x-rays and scans.
Anna Dugdale, chief executive of CRN: Eastern Host Trust, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We were delighted to have been selected to host the NIHR Clinical Research Network across the region. This network is all about patients; when surveyed 82% of the public replied that they wanted the opportunity to be involved in research, the aim of the network is to respond to that by enabling clinical teams across the network to increase the number of patients who have access to clinical trials giving patients across the region access to cutting edge clinical care.
Dr Jesus Perez, lead clinical director of CRN: Eastern said: “It has been great to spend some time with so many of our new network teams today. The network covers the whole region, and there is a great deal of determination and drive from all of us to capitalise on the benefits this presents for patients.”
Image: Anna Dugdale Chief Executive of CRN: Eastern host Trust Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, with Jonathan Sheffield OBE, CEO of the NIHR Clinical Research Network, and members of CRN: Eastern at the launch event. (c) Eastern Daily Press
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