Clinical Trials

A clinical trial is a particular type of clinical research that compares one treatment with another. It may involve patients or healthy people, or both.

Pharmacy has a vital role in relation to clinical research, which is to safeguard patients, healthcare professionals and the Trust by ensuring Investigational Medicinal Products (IMPs) are appropriate for use and are procured, handled, stored and used safely and correctly.

We ensure that IMPs are managed and dispensed in accordance to the study protocol and that clinical trial procedures comply with relevant guidelines and regulations.

The Pharmacy Clinical Trial Team consists of a Pharmacist and team of Pharmacy Technicians who are solely designated to the day to day management of more than 50 clinical trials. Some of the daily duties include:

  • Reviewing study protocols for site feasibility
  • Writing and approving dispensing procedures
  • Staff training
  • Randomisation of products
  • The safe and secure ordering, receipt, storage, issue and destruction of Investigational Medicinal Products (IMP) used in clinical trials
  • Accurate record keeping
  • Audit and monitoring of clinical trial activity.

If you are considering taking part in research, we would encourage you to contact your Doctor, health professional or Research Nurse for further information.

Research and Development

In addition you can contact:
The Research and Development Team
Tel: 01253 955547
Email: bfwh.researchideas@nhs.net
or contact: Patient Relations on 01253 955588

There are also various websites you may like to visit:

  • healthtalkonline.org
    Here you can read, watch videos and listen to audio clips about the experiences of people who have already taken part in research.
  • nihr.ac.uk/awareness
    National Institute For Health Research – where you can find out more about research in the NHS.
  • nhs.uk/conditions/clinical-trials
    Here you can find much more information about research and clinical trials as well as links to useful resources.