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The Southern Health and Social Care Trust has officially opened its new Commercial Research Delivery Centre (CRDC) at Craigavon Area Hospital. It is the Trust's first dedicated facility for commercial clinical research and will give more people the chance to take part in research and access innovative treatments.
Clinical trial participant Mairead McLogan from Hilltown spoke at the opening event. She said: "When I was diagnosed with a chronic lung condition, taking part in a research study became my lifeline.
"It gave me support, information and access to treatment that transformed my life. Research can make a real difference to people and I would encourage anyone interested to find out more."
More than 750 patients have taken part in clinical research studies with the Trust over the past two years, and around 100 studies are currently active in a wide range of specialties. The new centre is expected to increase the number of studies the Trust can deliver.
Facilities at the CRDC include four clinical consultation rooms, a multifunction room, laboratory facilities and a phlebotomy room. Research activity will initially focus on cardiology, diabetes, renal and respiratory services.
The centre was funded through the Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing, Access and Growth (VPAG), which the Trust described as a significant investment in research infrastructure and the future of healthcare in the Southern Trust area.
Patients and service users worked alongside staff from the outset to shape the facility. They helped develop artwork and contributed to the look and feel of the centre, ensuring the patient voice was at the heart of its design.
Speaking at the opening, Professor Patricia Campbell, Medical Director for Research, Development and Innovation, said: "Today marks an exciting new chapter for research in the Southern Trust.
"This dedicated facility will help more people take part in research and support our ambition to be a learning organisation, where research and innovation help shape the services we provide now and into the future.
"Research improves health and social care by helping us develop new treatments, medicines and technologies."
Dr Conor Hagan, Consultant Respiratory Physician, said: "Research is essential to improving patient care. It helps us evaluate new treatments while giving patients access to approaches that may not otherwise be available.
"This new centre will help us increase the number of studies we can deliver and ensure more people have the chance to take part."
The event was attended by representatives from Health and Social Care, research networks, industry, local government and patient groups, reflecting the partnerships that have helped make the new centre a reality.
Dr Rhonda Campbell, Assistant Director, Health and Social Care Research & Development Division with the Public Health Agency, added that the investment would "strengthen our ability to bring innovative studies and treatments to patients."
Eileen Mullan, Chair of the Southern Health and Social Care Trust concluded: "This is a proud day for the Southern Trust.
"I look forward to seeing the impact it will have for patients in the years ahead."
