Our Partners

Other Local Research Networks in the North West

The North West of England has more local research networks than anywhere else in the country (we have two MCRN’s) and this includes three new Comprehensive Local Research Networks. GMLC works extremely closely with the other NW networks and shares best practice and resources where possible. The other North West Local Research Networks are:

The Manchester Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility

The Manchester Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility (WTCRF) is based on the Manchester Royal Infirmary site and provides a supportive, participant-focused environment to host quality research of scientific excellence. The Manchester WTCRF provides state-of-the-art facilities for investigators undertaking high-quality clinical research, with: Inpatient and outpatient areas; laboratories; imaging and technical support.

In November 2009, a new unit was opened within the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital (RMCH) to provide a suitable clinical research environment for children, particularly for early phase studies that require inpatient facilities. It is the first such paediatric unit in the North West and one of only four across England.

The Wellcome Trust Children’s Clinical Research Facility (WTCCRF) is an extension of the existing WTCRF and led by GMLC Deputy Director Dr Nick Webb. The new unit has six beds and access to RMCH’s cutting edge equipment and highly trained nursing staff, so that children can take part in in-patient studies of new medicines alongside their ongoing treatment. It will offer paediatric medicine experts and pharmaceutical companies developing new medicines a state of the art facility which complies with all current clinical trials and research legislation.

The unit was officially opened on Thursday 12th November by Professor Sir Mark Walport, Director of the Wellcome Trust and the first trials will begin in December 2009, and will include studies on metabolic and renal conditions.