Written by Adrian Warner, TrusTECH Project Manager
We’re now over three months into the Greater Manchester pilot that is working to bring more medical devices and diagnostics (known more broadly as Medtech) research into Clinical Research Network activity.
So far we’ve been working with ten studies to help them be accepted onto the NIHR Portfolio and gain support from GM CLRN. Support for these studies has varied but we’re helping in a number of areas, including matching industry with potential clinical researchers, helping to design research protocols, assisting with costing the research and acting as the interface between Medtech companies and the NHS.
In order to benefit from Clinical Research Network support, the research project has to have a scientific protocol with endpoints that generate the clinical evidence of value to the NHS and for patients. Research projects, whether commercial or non-commercial must be fully funded. The highest priorities for provision of NIHR CRN support are those studies that are: funded by the NIHR, other areas of central government or an NIHR non-commercial partner; adopted commercial contract research (i.e. both funded and sponsored by industry).
Initially, our focus has been on the following GM CLRN priority group areas:
- Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT)
- Ophthalmology
- Endocrine/Diabetes
- Gastrointestinal (GI)
- Musculoskeletal
But we’re now open to all Medtech companies as well as researchers who have specific interests in devices. So if this applies to you or if you’re just interested in finding out more about the pilot and what we can offer, please contact me
The Greater Manchester Medtech pilot is being run by TrusTECH with support from GM CLRN and Adrian Warner is the Project Manager.
TrusTECH is the NHS innovation hub for the North West and is dedicated to improving healthcare through: maximising the potential of innovation for innovators; assisting Trusts to manage innovation; and helping industry access NHS innovation and expertise.
