Greater Midlands Cancer Research Network
GEOGRAPHICAL COVERAGE AND POPULATION
The Greater Midlands Research Network covers a catchment population of 1.9 million. It covers hospital trusts within Stafford, Wolverhampton, Kidderminster, Dudley, Shrewsbury, Telford and Stoke areas. The Network covers both rural and urban populations.
STRUCTURE AND ACTIVITY
The Greater Midlands Cancer Research Network was established in April 2006 following the merger of the Black Country and North West Cancer Networks. The new Network was formed from centralised and devolved models. This resulted in a hybrid model of working which drew on the experiences and best practice from both models.
The GMCRN is co-ordinated by the Management Team based at Albrighton and supported by the Steering Group. Each Research Locality is set a target for recruitment into Randomised Controlled Trials which is related to the amount of funding received.
An extensive training programme has been developed by the GMCRN Network Training Link to cover all aspects of Research.
AIMS OF THE GMCRN
The GMCRN aims to offer patients access to high quality clinical trials. Cross referrals are encouraged, although it is expected that access to clinical trials for the large disease sites (Breast, Colorectal and Lung Cancer) will be available at all seven Research Localities. Priorities for the GMCRN are maintaining high standards and completing trials promptly. The GMCRN Manager works closely with the Greater Midland Cancer Network and the Cancer Reform Strategy Group to integrate clinical trials within standard care for cancer patients. Our target now is to have 7.5% of cancer incident cases to enter clinical studies