The Foundation gave a grant of £100,000 towards the creation of a dedicated Clinical Research Facility (CRF) at the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children (BRHC). 

 

The new CRF means that many more children who have complex diseases and needs can access trials offering cutting-edge treatments and drugs. Many of the studies carried out by BRHC are complex and require a prolonged periods of stay and the new facilities provide safe and effective care offering both research and clinical care with high nurse to patient ratios.

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The new facilities opened in November 2023 and has been described as a ‘game changer’.  There have already been 10 new trials since opening including: rheumatology (children with different types of arthritis); oncology patients to look at post-BMT complications; cystic fibrosis patients; and complex immunological disease – a first in person trial.

 

Staff have said they find working there positive, and families are responding well to coming back to the same place for on-going treatment – previously they would have been treated in multiple venues. The children too are enjoying the space, and especially the interactive walls! ​​​​​​