Marshalls Cross has earned its reputation as a leading site for research in the region, particularly noted for its exceptional recruitment performance in the PANORAMIC trials during the COVID-19 pandemic. The centre has been at the forefront of initiatives like the Deep End Cheshire and Mersey Project, which focuses on addressing health inequalities in the region through research. Additionally, it supports innovative commercial research, such as the BAX hypertension study.
Professor Greg Irving, who is a GP based at Marshalls Cross Medical Centre, is the Professor of Primary and Integrated Care as well as the NIHR National Clinical Lead for General Practice in the Research Delivery Network. He is also the Associate Medical Director for Research in NHS Cheshire & Merseyside ICB.
We are delighted to announce that NIHR Primary Care Research has selected Marshalls Cross Medical Centre to become a research hub. We have been chosen as one of two pioneering sites in St Helens to receive significant investment in assets and infrastructure aimed at advancing and delivering high-quality research while improving engagement in research activities.
The Primary Care Research Hubs, starting with Marshalls Cross, aim to:
- Enhance engagement in high-quality research across primary care and broader health and social care disciplines.
- Facilitate participation in research from underserved communities, offering a space for follow-up care and co-production of research with these communities.
- Serve as recruiting sites and Participant Identification Centres (PICs) and expand research delivery capacity.
The establishment of these hubs is supported by the Clinical Research Network Northwest Coast (CRN NWC) and the Applied Research Collaborative Northwest Coast (ARC NWC), which collectively aim to foster patient and public involvement in research, improve care, and address health inequalities. These hubs will also collaborate with regional Integrated Care Systems and a wide range of health and social care organisations, including local authorities and universities.
The launch of the Primary Care Research Hub at Marshalls Cross Medical Centre marks the beginning of a network of up to 20 hubs across the Northwest, each equipped with world-class facilities to support diverse research initiatives. These hubs will play a crucial role in enhancing research engagement and capacity, particularly in underserved and geographically challenging areas.
The Primary Care Research Hub, based in Marshalls Cross Medical Centre at St Helens Hospital, was officially opened on Friday 30 August 2024.
Professor Greg Irving said: “Thanks to the incredible commitment of all the staff here, Marshalls Cross has earned its reputation as a leading site for research in the region. The Hub is incredibly important as it allows us to increase not only the amount of research we can do, but the breadth of the studies we can undertake as well.’’
Ann Marr OBE, Chief Executive who cut the ribbon to officially open the Hub said: “I am really proud to open this fantastic new facility. As a Trust we are not just focused on treating people who come into hospital, we are interested in health promotion and how we can help prevent illnesses in the long term and this centre is perfectly placed to do that.”