A NEW £12.6m clinical trials centre, officially opened at the Ulster Hospital by Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, has been billed as a big bonus for medical research in Northern Ireland.
The facility features 23 rooms including consultation and examination spaces, an infusion suite, a drug dispensary, an observation unit for drug monitoring and a laboratory testing area linked to the hospital’s main laboratory.
It has been developed through a partnership between the South Eastern Health Trust and the Health and Social Care Research and Development Division as part of the ‘One NI’ regional research strategy.
The investment, delivered over the next five years through the Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing, Access and Growth (VPAG) programme, is aimed at expanding clinical research capacity and improving outcomes for patients by giving them early access to the most modern treatments.
Among the first patients involved with the new centre is Moya Gibson, from Groomsport, who is participating in the global VICTORION-1-PREVENT study, which tests a new cholesterol-lowering drug that could help prevent heart attacks and strokes.
“The Centre here at the Ulster Hospital is a great step forward,” said Moya. “Without clinical research, there would be no cures. I feel you have to take some personal responsibility for your health. By taking part in research, you are helping for the greater good.”
Mr Nesbitt said it was a privilege to officially open the centre.
“Research is at the heart of transforming our health and social care system, improving patient outcomes and supporting economic growth. I want to sincerely thank all the staff whose dedication makes this work possible, as well as our industry partners, for their commitment to advancing research and delivering better care.”
The clinical trials centre will support a growing network of Commercial Research Delivery Centres (CRDCs) across Northern Ireland. These will target conditions that most affect patients and encourage more studies providing faster access to life-changing treatments.
Trust chief executive Roisin Coulter described the centre as an ‘exciting milestone’ that will allow local healthcare services to operate at the forefront of global innovation.
