News

The Future of WeLReN and the Clinical Trial Unit

In response to the Department of Health's new infrastructure to support clinical research WeLReN is developing a Primary Care Clinical Trials Coordinating Unit (PCTU). This will be the point of contact for all clinical trials and 'well designed studies' wishing to recruit practices and patients from primary care in North West London.  It will take on a facilitation role. The PCTU will also look to build links with the pharmaceutical industry.

Establishing workshops to discuss the aims of a study will be one approach in cooperating with general practices to make these trials more relevant. Opportunities will be created for primary care professionals to participate in research and enhance their research skills.

 The PCTU will aim to provide and build research capacity and collaboration in the region and beyond, bringing benefits to researchers, by using local knowledge and contacts within primary care as well as the rapidly developing R&D practices infrastructure.

The WeLReN PCTU will work closely with Imperial College Clinical Trial Unit and other local academic institutions. WeLReN is already working with the Diabetes Clinical Research Network (based at Imperial College ) and aims to work closely with the other disease-specific networks.

New Research Projects 2006/07 Deadline: 6 October 2006

WeLReN hopes to support two projects this year, preference will be given to projects in these areas: Diabetes, Medicines for children, Health informatics, Mental Health and Older People.

WeLReN funds projects lead by primary care professionals that work for primary care organisations or trusts in the NW London Strategic Health Authority area. All projects must have the support of the local PCT and the appropriate WeLReN Special Interest Group (SIG).  Submissions are invited for projects up to £15,000. Look out for details of the successful applicants in the New Year.