The Royal Free London (RFL) will once again be lifting the lid on the hundreds of ground-breaking clinical trials currently taking place throughout its hospitals at the second annual research and development open day.

On Thursday 2 June world class clinicians and researchers from across the trust will discuss how research involving our patients and happening at our hospitals could help transform healthcare across the globe.

The event, which follows the trust’s first clinical trials open day in May last year, is free to attend and open to everyone.

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.  

Dr Derralyn Hughes, RFL clinical director of haematology and oncology and senior lecturer at University College London, will present her research into the use of pharmacological chaperone therapy in the treatment (PCT) of lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs). PCT uses small molecules to stabilise the mutated enzymes that cause LSDs.

Dr Gautam Mehta, honorary consultant hepatologist and senior lecturer at UCL, will talk about the pilot of an app that aims to help patients cut down on alcohol. The AlcoChange app uses personal data to establish the most effective times to send patients messages reminding them not to drink. It also gathers information about the patients’ drinking habits, which is then fed back to clinical staff at the Royal Free Hospital.

Visitors can also hear from breast cancer patient Melody McLaren, who will reveal what it was like to take part in a clinical trial, and visit interactive stalls to find out about current and upcoming clinical trials.

Professor Adele Fielding, professor of haematology at UCL and director of research and development at the RFL, said: “Following the success of our first clinical trials open day last year, I’m delighted that we are once again opening our doors to give people a unique insight into the hundreds of ground-breaking research projects taking place throughout the trust.

“Our world class clinicians and investigators work tirelessly to turn the latest research into world class 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 2 June at The William Wells Atrium, the Royal Free Hospital. All are welcome to attend.

View the full programme of events here.

Ends

Image: Dr David Chao talks about skin cancer therapies at last year's open day

Notes to editors

Media contacts: daniel.obrien1@nhs.net or call 020 7317 7740

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 and kidney transplantation, haemophilia, renal care, HIV, infectious diseases, plastic surgery, immunology, Parkinson's disease, 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 'A bigger trust, a better future'.