NIHR Lancashire Clinical Research Facility

NIHR Lancashire Clinical Research Facility (LCRF) at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (LTHTr) is a partnership between LTHTr, Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust (LSCFT), Lancaster University (LU), University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and supported by NIHR. LCRF, based at Royal Preston Hospital (RPH), serves the local population of Preston and Chorley (circa 1.8 million).

The LCRF is the only dedicated facility in this large geographical area specialising in Experimental Medicine and early translational research (EM).

People living in Lancashire & South Cumbria (L&SC) have some of the lowest life expectancies in the UK, the highest incidence of cardiovascular and respiratory mortality, as well as the greatest burden of mental health conditions, so the ability to access early phase experimental research is vital in addressing these health inequalities.

The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these inequalities. LCRF was established in 2016.

Since then it has: Developed EM including a First in Human Study (Persica, Tripathi) and increased the Phase 1/2 portfolio by 238% Developed cohort of Chief Investigators leading in-house studies including novel paediatric and SARS-CoV-2 work (COVID-19), some with substantial grants (DeGoede, Munavvar, Rowbottom, Hadjiyiannakis), with strong translational opportunities Played a significant role in COVID-19 research, recognised in NIHR Feedback for 20/21 Annual Report Commenced a Class 1 Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) commercial trial (Martin-Hirsch, IRAS 266074) Promoted PPIE with representation on all governance meetings Built constructive relationships with neighbouring CRFs (Sheffield-Newman; Manchester-Pidd and Bruce; Liverpool- Fitzgerald and Alder Hey - Hawcutt) and UKCRF network (Pidd, Brown).

We are partners of the North West CRF Alliance (NWCRFA) with Manchester and Liverpool Enhanced working relationships with Trusts in the Integrated Care System (ICS), particularly with the National Patient Recruitment Centre, Blackpool (BPRC - Parker) Developing good working relationships with commercial organisations (Panthera, Synexus, MedPace, Covance, Exelixis) Actively promoted the appointment of Honorary and Substantive Clinical Academics (Emsley-LU; Birtle-UCLan, Tripathi-UCLan).

It is becoming the recognised centre for early phase trials and EM in Healthier Lancashire and South Cumbria (ICS), with its bespoke, accessible facilities and highly trained staff. The investment from the NIHR in 2017 (£750,000 2016-2021) has been crucial to achieve the above.

Financially the LCRF has been supplemented by investment from LTHTr, LSCFT, LU, UCLan and Rosemere Cancer Foundation Charity (RCFC), and commercial and grant income leveraged. Our proposal is based on a number of priority areas that address regional and national priorities.

We are seeking an increase of NIHR funding to £1,000,000, to further develop and expand the workforce, providing further training opportunities.

This will lead to driving innovation and translation in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of ill health, particularly in our priority areas. There will be further measurable and significant increase in EM trial activity.

Co-working with our PPIE group we will see the realisation of the above into benefits for patients, the public, the Health and Care system with broader economic gain.

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy will reflect the diversity of our community in our team, processes and trial participation.