A clinical trial is a type of research study that tests whether a treatment, medicine, device or approach to care is safe and effective.

Clinical trials are carefully designed, reviewed and monitored to protect participants and collect reliable information.

You may be invited if your clinical team thinks a study may be suitable for you. This could be because of your condition, treatment history, test results or other study criteria.

Some studies may also recruit healthy volunteers.

No. Taking part in research is always voluntary.

Your care will not be affected if you decide not to take part, and you can withdraw from a study at any time.

A member of the research team will explain the study, what taking part involves, any possible risks or benefits, and what your choices are.

You will be given time to read the information, ask questions and decide whether the study is right for you.

Every study is different. Depending on the study, your visit may include:

•           A discussion with the research team
•           Health checks or observations
•           Blood tests or other samples
•           Questionnaires
•           Scans or clinical assessments
•           A study treatment or device
•           Follow-up appointments

The team will explain what will happen before anything takes place.

Some studies involve a treatment, medicine or device. Others may only involve monitoring, questionnaires, samples or data collection.

The study team will clearly explain whether treatment is involved.

Are clinical trials safe?

All studies are reviewed before they begin and must meet strict ethical, regulatory and governance standards.

Your safety and wellbeing are our priority. Our experienced research staff will monitor you according to the study requirements and answer any questions throughout your participation.

Taking part in research should not negatively affect your usual care. Your clinical and research teams will work together to make sure your care is coordinated.

If you choose not to take part, your usual care will continue.

Yes. You can withdraw from a study at any time without giving a reason.

Your usual care will not be affected.

Some studies may reimburse travel expenses or offer payment for time and inconvenience. This varies between studies.

The research team will explain any payments or reimbursements before you decide whether to take part.

Yes. Your information will be handled confidentially and in line with data protection requirements.

The study information sheet will explain what data is collected, how it is used and who may access it.

You can speak to your consultant, nurse or clinical team about research opportunities. Some studies may also be advertised through clinic leaflets, posters, the St George’s Research Hub or national research listings such as NIHR Be Part of Research.

Some studies need healthy volunteers. The study advert or research team will explain who can take part and what the eligibility criteria are.

You can help by reading study information with them, attending appointments where appropriate, helping them think through questions and supporting them with follow-up visits.

The final decision to take part must always be the participant’s choice.

Our portfolio includes gastroenterology and endoscopy, oncology, endocrine and diabetes, respiratory medicine, infectious diseases, ENT, vascular surgery, cardiac surgery, general surgery, dermatology and genetics.

Our portfolio continues to develop as new studies and collaborations open.

Yes. We work with commercial sponsors, academic institutions, NHS teams, charities and research networks.

Our team can support discussions around feasibility, set-up, study delivery, participant visits, sample handling and monitoring requirements.

Researchers and sponsors can contact the NIHR St George’s Clinical Research Facility team to discuss study requirements, feasibility and whether the facility is suitable for the proposed research.

Our facility includes purpose-built clinic rooms, on-site laboratories, office areas, secure study storage and space to support study monitors.

These facilities support participant visits, assessments, sample collection and processing, study coordination and research delivery.

Yes. Our on-site laboratory facilities support sample handling, processing, storage and dispatch, depending on the study requirements and feasibility.

Yes. We have dedicated space to support trial monitors and study-related documentation review, subject to availability and study arrangements.

Yes. We work with clinical teams, sponsors and the Research and Innovation Team to support study feasibility, approvals, logistics, delivery planning and participant pathways.

Yes. All studies must have the appropriate ethical, regulatory, governance and local approvals before opening to recruitment or delivery.

Researchers, sponsors and partners can contact the NIHR St George’s Clinical Research Facility team to discuss collaboration opportunities, study feasibility or use of facilities.

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0208 725 3176