Research at our hospitals
Research Office
0300 422 5467
Email:
ghn-tr.glos.rdsu@nhs.net
Multi Specialty Research Team
0300 422 6067
Cancer Research Team
0300 422 3445
ghn-tr.onchaemtrials@nhs.net
Research means turning promising ideas or interesting theories into real benefits for our patients.
Research
We are currently involved in over 100 clinical trials and other studies ranging from testing new surgical devices to trialling new drugs.
However, research projects cannot get started without the participation of our patients. We rely heavily on the thousands of patients we treat every year to volunteer and take part in research projects.
This arrangement is mutually beneficial because we get to see how new treatments work in practice and our patients benefit from ground-breaking treatments earlier than they would otherwise.
The Research Office is heavily involved in Clinical Research and actively involved with listed National Institute for Health and Research’s (NIHR) portfolio, a national information point of studies being run across the UK.
Research trials
At the heart of the Clinical Research Network’s activities is the NIHR Clinical Research Network (NIHR CRN) Portfolio of studies. This consists of high-quality clinical research studies that are eligible for consideration for support from the Clinical Research Network in England.
Research activity (recruitment) data from the NIHR CRN Portfolio is used to inform the allocation of NHS infrastructure for research (including NHS Service Support Costs) and supports the performance management of the Clinical Research Network.
UK Clinical Research Network Portfolio of Studies
The NIHR Clinical Research Network Portfolio is part of the UK Clinical Research Network Portfolio of studies, which comprises the network Portfolios for England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. These four Portfolios are held on a single information system: the Central Portfolio Management System (CPMS).
For information on available trials visit NIHR Be Part of Research website.
Taking part
If you are treated at one of our hospitals, you may be invited to take part in clinical research. It is entirely up to you whether or not you wish to be involved. If you decide not to participate, you will still be treated with the best care currently available.
The length of time each study takes and what you’ll need to do varies depending on what is being investigated and on the specific tests and measurements that are needed. Some trials may involve overnight stays, or making additional visits to hospital. The research staff will also explain this to you along with the eligibility and screening. Patients from hospitals outside our Trust can take part in our trials dependent on eligibility criteria but would need referral to a specialist team at our hospitals.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Chief and Principal Investigators, all other research personnel who have been delegated roles and responsibilities and the staff of the R&D Department who have the function of research governance for our hospitals must adhere to this set of procedures when undertaking research:.
- SOP 01 Preparation of SOPs
- SOP 02 Research Documentation and File Management
- SOP 03 Training
- SOP 04 Informed Consent in Research
- SOP 05 End of Trial Procedures
- SOP 06 Trial Archiving
- SOP 07 Managing Participant Expenses
- SOP 09 Medicines Management
- SOP 10 Hosting CTIMPs and other Clinical Studies
- SOP 11 Confirmation of Capacity and Capability
- SOP 15 Research Studies Involving Sue Ryder
- SOP 16 Managing MHRA Inspection
- SOP 17 Radiotherapy trial management at satellite sites
- SOP 18 Application Process for an Honorary Contract, Letter of Access or Research Passport
- SOP 19 Periodic Safety Reporting
- SOP 20 Adverse events and reaction safety reporting
- SOP 23 Urgent Safety Measures
- SOP 24 Scientific Peer Review
- SOP 25 Staff Surveys
- SOP 29 Writing a protocol
- SOP 30 Workplace Visitors
- SOP 31 PA Allocation Process
- SOP 32 Change of PI
Guidelines
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
More information on research at our hospitals is available here
Working in partnership
National Institute for Health Research
They are funded by the Department of Health to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research.
Read more about the National Institute for Health Research
University of Gloucestershire
Each of the eight academic schools contribute to their learning-led, research-informed environment. They embed research in all activities, ensuring students and staff benefit from and contribute to vibrant subject communities, engaged in fundamental and applied research.
Their research priority areas build on strengths and recognise the opportunities to contribute to contemporary challenges which include:
- Sport, exercise, health and well-being
- Environmental dynamics and governance
- Being Human: past, present and future
- Innovation, design and technology
- Applied business research
- Learning from professional contexts
Read more about the University of Gloucesteshire
West of England Clinical Research Network
As the NIHR Clinical Research Network, West of England, they help to increase the opportunities for patients to take part in clinical research, ensure that studies are carried out efficiently and support the Government’s Strategy for UK Life Sciences by improving the environment for commercial contract clinical research.
Read more about the West of England Clinical Research Network
Research Design Service (RDS)
Each RDS office is run by an experienced researcher, well-equipped to provide practical and user-friendly advice on the research process and on applying for funding.
For further information on who they are and how they can help, visit: www.rds-sw.nihr.ac.uk
Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
Everyone involved in the conduct of clinical research must have training in Good Clinical Practice to ensure they are best prepared to carry out their duties. This is laid down in the Research Governance Framework for Health and Social Care 2005, covering all research in the NHS in England, and in law for those people working on clinical trials.
The principles of GCP state that: Each individual involved in conducting a trial should be qualified by education, training and experience to perform his or her respective task(s), 2.8, E6 Guideline for Good Clinical Practice.
To download a copy of the NIHR Training Programme for GCP visit NIHR CRN Training Programme.
The team
Chantal Sunter | Head of Research and Development |
Pauline Brown | Lead Research Nurse [Multi Specialty Research Team] |
Chris Ford | Lead Research Nurse [Cancer] |
Research Office | Multi Specialty Research Team | Cancer Research Team |
---|---|---|
Leadon House Gloucestershire Royal Hospital Great Western Road Gloucester GL1 3NN Tel: 0300 422 5467 |
Research Office Orchard Centre Gloucestershire Royal Hospital Great Western Road Gloucester GL1 3NN Tel: 0300 422 6067 |
Focus Research Centre Cheltenham General Hospital Sandford Road Cheltenham GL53 7AN Tel: 0300 422 3445 |