The Royal Devon has secured £1.4m for a new clinical research hub in North Devon, enhancing local healthcare innovation.
- This facility is the first of its kind in North Devon, focused on breakthrough medical research.
- Specialised studies on heart health, lower back pain, and osteoarthritis will be core areas of research.
- The hub aims to address regional health disparities and improve patient outcomes.
- The Trust seeks collaboration with stakeholders and patients to bring this ambitious project to fruition.
The Royal Devon has been awarded £1.4m to establish a pioneering clinical research hub at North Devon District Hospital in Barnstaple. This funding marks a significant development in local healthcare infrastructure. It will facilitate ground-breaking medical studies that will include vital heart research and trials focusing on issues like lower back pain, joint problems, and osteoarthritis.
This new facility is the first dedicated research centre in the region, providing an unprecedented opportunity for medical advancements in North Devon. Professor Helen Quinn, the Director of Research and Development at Royal Devon, expressed optimism about the project, stating that it will expand the number and scope of studies undertaken in the area.
The research hub is expected to play a crucial role in combating health inequalities specific to North Devon. Professor Quinn noted that research-active hospitals have been shown to deliver better health outcomes, benefiting all patients, whether involved in research or not. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to tackle multiple long-term conditions that disproportionately impact the local population.
The Royal Devon’s successful bid for funding is part of a larger initiative by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), in which 30 trusts were selected. Sam Higginson, the Chief Executive of the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, highlighted the strategic importance of the centre, reflecting on the Trust’s ambitious research culture. He emphasised that clinical research is essential for transformative healthcare and for attracting top-tier clinicians keen on research participation.
Going forward, the Trust plans to collaborate with patients and various stakeholders to initiate the planning phase promptly. The aim is to ensure that the facility is designed to meet the highest standards of research and patient care, ultimately benefitting the community it serves.
The Royal Devon’s new research hub promises to significantly elevate healthcare standards and patient outcomes in North Devon.
