We are a research active Trust. Research can provide life-changing treatments, diagnose diseases earlier or more accurately, and improve health and care for generations to come. We want to ensure that people living in Cumbria are given opportunities to participate in research. We have passionate research staff working on a wide range of studies in hospital settings, across primary care and in the community. We work hard to build positive relationships with clinical staff and patients as we continue to work towards our objective of making sure ethical, relevant and exciting research takes place in Cumbria.

Why Research?

Research is asking a new question that can help us increase our knowledge about human health and wellbeing; it is at the heart of advances in treatment and care.  

The goal of research is often to find out if a new treatment, test or approach works, is safe, and is acceptable to the people who are involved in it.  

Research also aims to improve the quality of life for people living with chronic or terminal illnesses, ensuring that people can live the best quality life for the longest amount of time possible.  

Taking part in high-quality research is one of the many ways that we are committed to providing the most beneficial and cost-effective care and treatment for our patients.

Without willing volunteers, research studies will not be able to take place, and these advances in care and treatment will become harder to discover.

Not all research studies involve testing new medicines or drugs, it may involve completing a questionnaire, having an imaging scan or a blood test, changing lifestyle habits, or using a new medical device.

Our aims

Our team’s core aim is to maintain and support a culture of best practice in the management and delivery of research activities within the Trust. With the support of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network (CRN), we offer patients the opportunity to participate in research opportunities and improve the future of health care. 

We have a range of different projects open across numerous specialities.

What Does Research Involve?

Participation in research varies depending on the study you choose to volunteer for. Some clinical trials involve drugs or treatments. Alternatively, they may look at the care you receive and could also involve:

  • interviews
  • questionnaires
  • researchers studying how your care team communicates with you
  • taking a blood or tissue sample
  • participating as a healthy volunteer

All research studies are reviewed and approved by professional bodies before they begin. This includes a review by an independent Research Ethics Committee. Read more about how research is approved. 

Why take part in a clinical trial?

Clinical trials help doctors understand how to treat a particular illness. It may benefit you, or others like you, in the future. If you take part in a clinical trial, you may be one of the first people to benefit from a new treatment.

Do clinical trials have side effects?

If you’re trying a new type of treatment you may experience unknown side effects. We use this information to write the leaflets you find in boxes of medication, if the treatment goes on sale.

How do I take part in a clinical trial?

We’re always looking for volunteers to participate in our research studies. If you’re interested in becoming involved you can:

You may have agreed to be contacted about taking part in research studies when registered as a patient. If you agreed to this, members of our research teams may look at your medical records to see if you are eligible to take part in new research studies. You can ask for this to be stopped at any time by emailing research@ncic.nhs.uk

Before you take part in a study you’ll be given all the information about what it means for you. You’ll have plenty of time to ask questions and think about whether or not you want to take part. You will not be forced to take part in a study. You can ask to stop being part of a study at any time and your care will not be affected if you do.

If you would like to find out more about any of our current and ongoing trials, email research@ncic.nhs.uk or call 1946 523410.

If none of the studies below are suitable, you can visit the Be Part of Research website. Here you can find information about clinical trials and research happening in the UK. 

NCIC Performance in Clinical Research

The Department of Health requires us to report on our performance in setting up and recruiting people to clinical trials. We do this every 4 months.

We are measured in 2 ways:

  • the time it takes for us to begin a trial
  • the number of volunteers we recruit by an agreed date

Our latest quarter’s data - the last 5 submissions for both PII and PID reports. These will automatically update as more reports are submitted.