Eight NHS partners have joined forces to make it easier and faster for people to take part in cutting-edge health research in the South West.

The first of its kind in the region, the South West Commercial Research Group (SWCRG) brings together expertise from across the NHS, including GP practices, mental health services, and acute and community care.

The Royal Devon is part of this innovative new network helping local communities take part in health research.

Professor Helen Quinn, Research and Development Director at the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said

“Patients treated in NHS organisations where research takes place are known to have better health outcomes, and commercial research increases opportunities to reinvest in local NHS services while accelerating new treatments and therapies into routine care."

Health research helps doctors find new and better ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat illness. Volunteers may test new medicines, devices, or ways of delivering care in a safe and patient focussed environment. Every study is carefully reviewed to ensure it is safe, ethical, and makes a real difference.

Working closely with regional partners, the life science sector, and the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR), the SWCRG is supported by funding provided by the South West Peninsula Regional Research Delivery Network.

Whether you are receiving care for a medical condition or are a healthy volunteer, you may be eligible to take part in a research study.

To discover how you can get involved, visit the SWCRG website and our Research website pages here.