Trust leading the way in research

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has once again seen a boost in the number of studies offered to patients. According to league tables published today the Trust came third in North West London for the number of research studies opened in 2015/16 and second after Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust when it came to the increase in the number of studies compared to the previous year and fifth in the country.

The 2015/16 NHS Research Activity League Table, published by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network (CRN), shows all NHS trusts in London and across the rest of England are delivering clinical research, providing thousands more patients with access to better treatments and care. 

At Chelsea and Westminster there were 125 studies undertaken last year covering 25 medical specialities.

Dr Essam Ramhamadany, Assistant Director of Research and Development at the Trust, said: “Participation in clinical research demonstrates the Trust’s commitment to improving the quality of care we offer and to making our contribution to wider health improvement. Our clinical staff stay abreast of the latest treatment possibilities and active participation in research leads to successful patient outcomes. Our engagement with clinical research also demonstrates the Trust’s commitment to testing and offering the latest medical treatments and techniques.”

Professor Derek Bell, Director of Research, said ““This increase in studies shows great commitment from our clinical staff leading on research studies as well as the essential, often unseen work carried out by our Research Associate Teams across both sites and of our Research and Development Team.”

Dr Zoë Penn, Medical Director, said: “Last year Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital merged with the aim of improving healthcare for the communities we serve. Both hospitals have a strong history of research and we are proud to be part of the world-class Imperial College Health Partners academic health science centre, a collaboration dedicated to finding new and innovative ways to improve patient care. I would like to thank all our staff for their determination to advance healthcare and to our patients for being willing to help us in this quest.”