PATIENTS involved in clinical research trials can now attend their appointments in a purpose-built unit at Fairfield Hospital.

The high-tech research unit is being housed in the former ward 19.

Staff at the unit are now able to carry out research more effectively as the space allows a number of participants to be seen at any one time for screening, randomisation, study visits and procedures, as well as follow-up visits. Previously participants were quite often seen in more cramped, outpatient clinics.

Staff working on the unit include research nurses, doctors acting as principal investigators, a clinical trials administrator and an occupational therapist.

Linda Kent, senior research nurse at Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “Before we had access to this unit, it was very challenging trying to use clinic space for complex phase II and phase III randomised controlled trials.

“We can now carry out most research procedures in a comfortable and reassuring setting for our participants.

She added: “It is a bright, but quiet and comfortable place for our participants and they also have the benefit of a lounge area separate from the clinical space, which is great for them to use, as some of their research visits can last a full day.”

Dr Steve Woby, director of research and development at the trust, said: “The amount of research being supported by the trust has significantly increased over recent years with more than 2,500 participants being recruited into high quality studies in 2014-2015.

"This new research unit is a fantastic development and will help us attract more high quality research to the trust."

One of the patients taking part in the trials, Hannah McCarthy, said: "The ward is comfortable and airy, the perfect setting for this type of treatment.”