On 2nd November, the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, in collaboration with CW+, the official charity of the Trust, hosted a special Life Sciences event.
The event, titled 'Ensuring a thriving clinical research sector in the UK’, aimed to reignite momentum in clinical research, addressing challenges posed by factors such as Brexit, recruitment barriers, and the global impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Life sciences, facing industry-wide challenges, have seen a slowdown globally, impacting the UK's world rankings. However, the event shed light on the potential for a resurgence, leveraging transformative technologies, process automation, and the Life Sciences Vision and funding.
Participants included researchers, life science partners, donors, and academics, who gathered to discuss the role of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in realising the government's ambitious Life Sciences Vision.
Distinguished speakers at the event included Lord James O’Shaughnessy, author of the HM Government Review of Commercial Clinical Trials, and Matthew Swindells, Chair of North West London Acute Provider Collaborative. Lord O’Shaughnessy delved into the landscape of commercial clinical trials in the UK, while Swindells emphasised the critical importance of clinical research.
The event featured a panel discussion on fostering a thriving UK life sciences industry. Panel members included Kasim Kutay, CEO of Novo Holdings; Dr. Daniel Mahony, Chair of the UK BioIndustry Association; and Dr. Marcela P Vizcaychipi, NIHR NWL CRN Lead for Anaesthesia, Perioperative Care, and Pain Medicine. Dr. Roger Chinn, Chief Medical Officer at the Trust, provided insights into the Trust's role in achieving the Life Sciences Vision.
Known for its expertise in clinical research, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust affirmed its commitment to creating a world-class clinical research facility for Human Infection Challenge (HIC). This facility will play a crucial role in evaluating vaccines and drugs, contributing to preparedness for future pandemics and the development of therapies to combat infectious diseases.
Roger Chinn, Chief Medical Officer at the Trust, emphasised the significance of the event, stating, "This event highlights our Trust’s commitment to being at the forefront of important clinical research and an opportunity to shape our common goals, and importantly look ahead to future innovation for the benefit of providing better patient care."
Chris Chaney, Chief Executive of CW+, opened and closed the event, expressing enthusiasm for the collaboration's outcomes. He stated, "This was a fantastic opportunity to bring together some of the key players involved in addressing the challenges our sector faces."
Chaney highlighted CW+'s dedication to realising the national life sciences vision and its role in creating world-class facilities, driving innovation and research, and enhancing patient and staff wellbeing.
