Changes to the NIHR Clinical Research Network

The National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network (NIHR CRN) is planning changes to its organisational structure, with the

crncc.nihr.ac.uk/about_us/ccrn/celondon" target="_self">Central and East London region (in which UCLH is based) as the pilot region for these changes.

In a bid to simplify geographies and enhance the delivery of clinical research in the NHS, 15 local clinical research networks will be created to cover the whole of England.

These networks will be responsible for delivering clinical research studies in their patch, across a full breadth of specialties.

Currently UCLH has 8 Research Support Hubs in place to enable it to make the most of opportunities to expand the clinical research portfolio and to increase the number of patients being recruited to trials.

The UCLH hubs reflect key clinical and academic areas of expertise:

• cancer - led by Professor Jeremy Whelan
• cardiovascular - led by Dr Derek Hausenloy
• ear, nose and throat - led by Professor Anne Schilder
• infection and immunity - led by Dr Mahdad Noursadeghi
• neuroscience - led by Dr Jeremy Chataway
• oral health - led by Professor Nikos Donos
• respiratory, anaesthetics, critical care and exercise - led by Dr David Brealey
• women's health - led by Professor Neil Marlow

The hub leads work with the Central and East London region clinical divisional Leads to monitor performance and identify staff requirements; work with the Joint Research Office to ease the process of transition; liaise with UCLH/UCL Principal Investigators to develop understanding of the new funding models; and promote the delivery of NIHR Portfolio studies at UCLH to time and target.

2013/14 is the year of transition to the new NIHR CRN structure and it is anticipated that the role of the UCLH hubs will evolve in line with the new accountable structures.

It is also likely that some minor changes to the UCLH Hubs will be needed to ensure that they map to the final NIHR agreed national research delivery divisions. 

For queries about accessing support for your NIHR Portfolio studies you should contact the appropriate hub lead. If you are unsure which hub covers your activity you should contact Rajinder Sidhu (r.sidhu(@)nhs.net).

To read more about the national changes to the structure visit the NIHR Clinical Research Network webpage.

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