Healthwatch Cornwall welcomes major research investment at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust

Healthwatch Cornwall is delighted to congratulate Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) on being awarded £3.5 million from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) to establish a Commercial Research Delivery Centre (CRDC) in Cornwall. This significant investment will transform healthcare research in the region, bringing cutting-edge clinical trials and innovative treatments to our communities.
Medical research nurse filling out a form with a patient

The first investment of its kind for Cornwall, it is expected to at least double the number of opportunities for local people to participate in healthcare research studies. Previously, access to pioneering clinical trials has been limited to larger hospital trusts, but this initiative ensures that residents in Cornwall, including those from underserved communities who have historically had limited access to clinical trials, will now benefit from the latest advancements in medical research.

At Healthwatch Cornwall, we recognise the immense value of this investment for local people. Increased opportunities to participate in research mean that patients can access new treatments early, contributing to medical breakthroughs that will benefit future generations.

We look forward to seeing the positive impact this research centre will have on Cornwall’s health system and will continue to support efforts to involve residents in shaping the future of health and social care.

Read the full Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust story