19 May 2025
More than 1,500 people have taken part in 100 active research studies at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT) over the past year.
Participants have joined research projects across a wide breadth of services provided by The Royal Wolverhampton Trust including Oncology, Haematology, Rheumatology, Neurology, Cardiology/Cardiothoracic, Obstetrics, Surgery, Orthopaedics, Critical Care, Paediatrics, Gastroenterology, Respiratory, Diabetes, Ophthalmology, Renal, Stroke/Neurology and Primary Care.
The Trust was first in the West Midlands Research Delivery Network area for participation in National Institute for Health and Research adopted studies and second for commercial recruitment in 2024/25.
New studies continue to open throughout the year, with 88 starting during 2024/25.
The figures have been shared to mark International Clinical Trials Day, which is observed annually on 20 May.
This day commemorates the anniversary of James Lind’s first clinical trial, which took place on May 20, 1747. It is used to raise awareness about the importance of clinical trials and encourage patient and public involvement in research.
Last year, research participants gave the following feedback:
Sarah Glover, Research and Development Directorate Manager, said: “At RWT we are proud to celebrate International Clinical Trials Day, which is an opportunity to recognise and thank all that has been achieved as a result of clinical trials, the people behind them and the selfless volunteers who take part.
“Research is a core component of Trust activity – studies show that patients cared for in research active organisations have better clinical outcomes, even if they are not directly involved in a study themselves.
“Our experienced, dedicated research Nurses and support staff work alongside clinical colleagues across the Trust to deliver high quality research and strive to ensure patients have the opportunity to participate in suitable studies as part of their treatment and care.
“I would like to thank all those who support research in some way, and particularly those who generously give their time to volunteer as a participant.”