£21m to help NHS research treatments

MORE than £21m will be invested by the Welsh Government in highquality research in the Welsh NHS over the next year.

It is hoped the money will help researchers develop the treatments of tomorrow.

Last year, more than 17,000 patients participated in almost 480 clinical research studies across a broad range of disease areas, including dementia, stroke, cancer, diabetes and mental health.

The Welsh Government says the studies have all helped to maximise the “international competitiveness” of Wales as a destination for research.

Now the additional funding aims to ensure every health board and trust in Wales is well placed to support a robust environment for research.

It also gives patients in Wales the opportunity to participate in clinical trials and global drug discovery programmes.

Chief Medical Officer for Wales Dr Frank Atherton said: “When researchers look at whether a treatment works, they observe many more patients than a single doctor will ever treat.

“Last year more than 17,000 people in Wales chose to take part in clinical research.

“This funding is the crucial first step towards the evidence we need in order to answer the questions we have about a wide range of medical conditions.

“We also know that patients benefit from clinical research, which is why involvement in a research study is often welcome as it can offer them a new, sometimes breakthrough, treatment option.”

Health Secretary Vaughan Gething made the announcement during a visit to the Clinical Research and Innovation Centre at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board.

He said: “We recognise the significant role research plays in improving health outcomes, which is why the Welsh Government has committed more than £21m as part of a package of support to strengthen the research environment in the Welsh NHS.

“Facilities such as the Clinical Research and Innovation Centre at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board play an important role in increasing research opportunities for patients to join national and international high quality research studies within their locality.

“There is a growing body of evidence that research environments lead to improved outcomes for patients.

“We need to support and encourage patients, carers and staff to fully embrace research and make it a core activity within the NHS.

“We want to make Wales one of the most attractive places in the world for academic and clinical research.”