The Bristol Heart Institute has taken a major step towards
further enhancing its reputation as a centre of excellence for
medical research.
The Institute's clinical trials unit (CTU), which is run jointly
with Bristol University, has passed a rigorous national standard
designed to improve the quality and quantity of expertise to carry
out medical trials nationwide.
CTUs are specialist units that bring together the experts needed
to carry out trials, including doctors, statisticians and trial
managers.
Running a trial is a complex process and registered CTUs have
the expertise to design, co-ordinate and analyse trials in
partnership with other units to ensure they are run in line with
appropriate standards and regulations.
To apply for UK Clinical Research Collaboration (UKCRC)
registration, the unit had to demonstrate it could run joint trials
and other studies and take overall responsibility for the design,
conduct, data management, publicity and analysis of research. The
unit's work was also reviewed by an international panel.
The Bristol unit was one of 14 across the country to win
provisional registration status from the UKCRC. Twenty-six units
gained full registration.
The unit was among those judged to be developing the expertise
for full registration but which did not yet meet all criteria for
infrastructure, resources and experience.
Dr Chris Rogers, who led the unit's successful bid for
provisional registration, said: "We are delighted that the high
standard of research being carried out at the Bristol Heart
Institute has been recognised by the UKCRC.
"The provisional registration is a hallmark of the quality of
our work. We are on course to achieve full registration when the
unit is next reviewed in 18 months' time."
For further information, please contact the University Hospitals
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust press office on 0117 342
3751.
