Patients and the public will be given an insight into the hundreds of ground-breaking clinical trials taking place at the Royal Free London (RFL) at a research and development open day on Wednesday 20 May.

Throughout the morning a host of world class clinicians and scientists from across the trust will be discussing their own research and how it is used to treat patients taking part in clinical trials. 

Visitors will be given the chance to meet our research teams and find out about current or upcoming clinical trials which they could be eligible to join. The event is also an opportunity for trust staff to learn about the exciting work happening inside the organisation.

By bringing together teams of world class investigators and academics the RFL is able to attract and host the latest national and international clinical trials, giving our patients access to cutting edge medical treatments and world class expertise on their doorstep.

The RFL has a proud tradition of being a world leader in clinical research working with commercial, academic, NHS, government and charity sponsors to deliver clinical studies in such areas as oncology, cardiology, renal medicine and child health.

Our main academic partner is University College London Medical School, whose main research and teaching sites are based at the Royal Free Hospital (RFH), and with whom we launched the research partnership UCLPartners.

Among UCLPartners’ many achievements has been the creation of the Institute of Immunity and Transplantation; a multi-million pound research centre which aims to give patients quicker access to the latest innovative therapies for a range of diseases.

Institute researchers Professor Hans Stauss, head of clinical immunology, and Dr Emma Morris, reader and consultant in haematology, will be among the speakers at the open day. Professor Stauss and Dr Morris will talk about the role the immune system plays in tumour development and how immunotherapy and gene therapy treatments being trialled at the institute could transform the way we treat tumours in future. 

Dr David Chao, medical oncologist, will talk about the RFH becoming the first hospital in the world to trial a new therapy that could potentially cure patients suffering end-stage skin cancer. 
Guests will also be able to hear from Alison Allen, the trust’s lead research nurse, who will share her many years of experience supporting patients through clinical trials.

In the afternoon visitors will be able to speak to research teams about other studies taking place at the RFL, such as a new technique for treating diabetic foot ulcers, phototherapy breast cancer treatments and 3D imaging techniques in vascular surgery.

Dr Adele Fielding, reader in haematology and director of research and development at the RFL, said: “We have a long-established and outstanding research reputation, with more than 300 research projects taking place across a wide range of diseases at any one time.

“Our world class clinicians and investigators are turning today’s research into tomorrow’s care, but without the invaluable help of people living with some of these conditions none of this is possible.”

The open day will begin with refreshments at 9.30am on Wednesday 20 May at The William Wells Atrium, the Royal Free Hospital. All are welcome to attend.

Download a full programme of the day’s events.

ENDS

Notes to editors

Media contacts: daniel.obrien1@nhs.net or call 020 7472 6665

About the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

The Royal Free began as a pioneering organisation and continues to play a leading role in the care of patients. Our mission is to provide world class expertise and local care. In the 21st century, the Royal Free London continues to lead improvements in healthcare.

The Royal Free London attracts patients from across the country and beyond to its specialist services in liver, kidney and bone marrow transplantation, haemophilia, renal, HIV, infectious diseases, plastic surgery, immunology, vascular surgery, cardiology, amyloidosis and scleroderma and we are a member of the academic health science partnership UCLPartners.

In July 2014 Barnet Hospital and Chase Farm Hospital became part of the Royal Free London. Read our news story: A bigger trust, a better future.