Launch of research network tackling health inequalities

East Staffordshire Primary Care Network are playing a key role in a new regional research network designed to bring more clinical trials, innovative treatments and research opportunities to local communities across the Midlands.

The Central and North West Midlands Commercial Research Delivery Centre (CRDC) officially launched on Friday 15 May and consists of partners and stakeholders from across the region.

The online event showcased the CRDC’s vision, achievements and future ambitions, highlighting how the network will help to make research more accessible for the diverse communities across Birmingham, the Black Country, Solihull, Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin.

East Staffordshire Primary Care Network is one of the CRDC’s delivery partners, working alongside organisations to support research opportunities and ensure patients from a wide range of backgrounds can access innovative treatments and studies closer to home.

The network can also help bring new treatments and technologies to patients faster, while creating more opportunities for local communities to take part in cutting-edge research.

The region is home to 4.2 million people and is one of the most diverse areas in the country, but many communities continue to experience significant health inequalities and poorer health outcomes. The CRDC aims to address this by promoting the Midlands to commercial sponsors as an ideal location to run research studies and clinical trials.

By attracting more pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device companies to the area, the network hopes to give local people greater access to innovative treatments and medications they may not otherwise be able to receive.

The network is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and hosted by Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust.