New figures published by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) have confirmed that the Clinical Research Network West Midlands is the highest recruiting Network in England.

The NIHR is the research arm of the NHS, and this research is delivered and supported by 15 local Networks. In the last ten years the Network has recruited 544,115 participants into high quality studies across the West Midlands - 64,278 of these in the last 12 months alone; the highest in the country.

Ultimately, clinical research means patients get access to new treatments, interventions and medicines, and investment in research means better, more cost-effective patient care. And with more than 3,000 different studies available in the West Midlands across 30 health specialties, Network Clinical Director Dr Jeremy Kirk explains how over the last decade the region has earned its reputation as the most active in the country.

Dr Kirk commented:

“It is a fantastic reflection of the hard work and enthusiasm of our dedicated staff and researchers within the Clinical Research Network West Midlands that we have recruited over 64,000 patients this year into portfolio studies, the largest number of any region in England. Moreover, that since the formation of the NIHR 10 years ago we have recruited more patients than anyone else not only confirms our regional credentials as a research powerhouse, but has also meant that over half a million patients regionally have been recruited into high quality studies.

The more patients that we can encourage to take part in vital clinical research, the quicker the NHS can introduce new and better treatments for the benefit of all patients, as well as using NHS resources more efficiently.”

Participants have been recruited from every NHS Trust in the West Midlands, from more than half of the region’s GP practices, and in hospices, nursing homes, pharmacies, schools and prisons.

David Loughton, Chief Executive of the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, which hosts the Network, adds:

“The success of the CRN in the West Midlands is testament to a lot of hard work, commitment and excellence and as a Trust we are delighted with this success story.”

For further information contact: Claire Hall, Communications Lead, NIHR Clinical Research Network West Midlands, Tel: 01902 447207, Email: claireanne.hall@nihr.ac.uk, Web: www.crn.nihr.ac.uk/westmidlands