Joint Research Office Office Location: 1st Floor Maple House 149 Tottenham Court Road London W1T 7DN Postal Address: UCL, Gower Street London WC1E 6BT Tel No. 0845 1555 000 ext 9995 Fax No 020 7380 9937 Web-sites: www.uclh.nhs.uk; www.ucl.ac.uk National Institute for Health Research University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Research and Development Operational Capability Statement *Approved by: *Date approved: *Version: *Publication date: UCLH Board Oct 28th 2011 1.1 Oct 31st 2011 Review date: Author: Responsible Director and Responsible Committee: Target audience: Nov 1st 2012 Dr Susan Kerrison Prof Tony Mundy, Clinical Research Governance Committee All research staff, academic and commercial research collaborators. All Research, Management and Governance Standard Operating Procedures. 25 Related documents/policies: Number of pages and appendices: 1 Index of tables R&D Management Arrangements Organisational Details Key contacts Staffing of the R&D Office Reporting Structure Research Networks Current Collaborations and Partnerships for research activity page 3 Study Capabilities page 11 Types of studies that can be supported to the relevant regulatory standards Licences relevant to research Services to support Research Clinical Services Departments Management contacts for R&D governance activities page 12 Research and Development Interests Areas of research interest Local / National Specialty group membership page 18 Research and Development Planning and Investment Planned investment page 21 Research and Development Operational Procedures Register Standard Operating Procedures Processes for managing Research Passports Escalation Process page 23 Planned and Actual Studies Register page 24 Other Information page 24 2 Organisation R&D Management Arrangements Information on key contacts Organisation Details Name of Organisation R&D Lead / Director (with responsibility for reporting on R&D to the Organisation Board) Key Contact Details e.g. Research Governance Lead, NHS Permissions Signatory contact details Contact 1: Role: Managing Director of Research Support Centre Name: Dr N McNally Contact Number: PA Margaret Norton 020 7679 6639 Contact Email: n.mcnally@ucl.ac.uk Contact 2: Role: Deputy Director of Research Support Centre Name: Dr Rajinder Sidhu Contact Number: 020 3447 9995 Contact email: r.sidhu@nhs.net Contract 3: Role: Head of Risk and Regulation Name: Dr Susan Kerrison Contact Number: 020 3447 9995 Contract email s.kerrison@ucl.ac.uk Contact 4: Role: Head of Finance Name: Joe Mwanza Contact Number: 020 3447 9995 Contact Email: joe.mwanza@uclh.nhs.uk Contact 5: Research Management and Governance Network Manager Role: TBC Name: Contact Number: Contact Email: 3 UCLH NHS FOUNDATION TRUST Prof M Mythen Information on staffing of the R&D Office R&D Office Roles Network co-ordinators and network administrators Whole Time Equivalent 7 Comments Provide advice on study approval processes, set up and governance arrangements for investigators, research teams and Trusts in the consortium. Clinical Trials staff 12 Finance Officers 5 Clinical Trials Staff including regulatory affairs officers, pharmacists, monitors and quality assurance managers are employed by UCL. Assists in the development of costing and financial management of all types of studies. Contracts Managers/Legal Affairs 4 Administrators 4 Statisticians 5.5 Reviews, drafts and negotiates contracts and other agreements for all types of research studies including international studies. Provide administrative support for Joint Research Office, Research Support Centre and CBRC. Joint with UCL Statistical Science, Institute of Neurology, UCL Mental Health Sciences and PRIMENT CTU. 4 Reporting Structures Scope The Joint Research Office manages the clinical research portfolios of UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust and UCL. The JRO reports both to UCLH and UCL and through a Service Level Agreement to Royal Free. The JRO director is Director of R and D for UCLH. Research is governed by a Clinical Research Governance Committee which reports both to Quality and Safety Committee at UCLH, the RF Hampstead Risk and Regulation Committee and the UCL Research Governance Committee. 5 Research Networks Research Network (name/location) Central and East London Comprehensive Research Network North London Cancer Network Thames Stroke Network Dendron Role/relationship of the Research Network e.g. host Organisation Member Host for the Network. http://ncrndev.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=90&Itemid=180 Host for the Network http://thames.uksrn.ac.uk/ Co-ordinating Centre. http://www.dendron.org.uk/ Information on collaborations and partnerships for research activity (e.g. BRC, BRU, Other NHS Organisations, Higher Education Institutes, Industry) Current Collaborations / Partnerships Organisation Name Details of Collaboration / Partnership (e.g. University/Organisation Joint Office, external provider of pathology services to Organisation, etc, effective dates) Margaret Norton; Http://www.uclh.nhs.uk/research/cbrc m.norton@ucl.ac.uk 020 7679 6639 UCLH/UCL National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre Funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), the UCLH/UCL NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) is an outstanding partnership between University College London Hospitals (UCLH) and University College London (UCL). The Centre is a leader in translating fundamental biomedical research into clinical research that benefits patients. The BRC supports research projects by investing in staff posts, equipment, facilities and training. It stimulates success in competitive funding with grant income rising to £160m in 2009/10. Twenty-three of the Centre investigators are NIHR Senior Investigators. The Centre has particular strengths in cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurosciences, women’s health, medical imaging, and gene and cell therapy. Research Support Services for the BRC are managed by the Joint Research Office. UCL Partners- founding partners. UCL, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust and Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. UCL Partners is a collaboration between five of Britain’s world-renowned medical research centres and hospitals which aims to create Europe’s strongest academic health science partnership. Its focus is on cutting edge research driven by patients and their needs, and on how treatments are rolled out to give the greatest benefit to the greatest number, while making health services more efficient and affordable. The current list of UCLP themes includes cancer, neurosciences, cardiovascular, immunology and transplant, eye and vision, child health and women’s health. Barbara Cummins - For more information visit www.uclpartners.com Barbara Cummins@uclpartners.com 6 Contact Name/Email address UCL. UCLH , UCLP Yale Collaboration UCLH/UCL Clinical Research Facility Cancer Research UK and UCL Cancer Trials Centre UCL and Yale University have formed an alliance to improve global health through scientific research, clinical and educational collaboration. The agreement brings together the skills and expertise of UCL, UCL Partners, Yale University and Yale-New Haven Hospital. Both UCL and Yale University are world ranking centres of biomedical research. The new collaboration will immediately create new joint clinical programmes to treat cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease, sudden cardiac death and chronic total occlusion of the coronary arteries. In addition to exchanging expert physicians to treat individual cases at each site, the members of the collaboration will make use of telemedicine technology to share clinical information and expertise among themselves, and eventually with other institutions around the world. The system of comprehensive clinical care delivered by UCL’s NHS-affiliated hospitals in particular UCLH will enable joint longitudinal studies and clinical trials of new medicines which could greatly benefit patients. Funded by NIHR, Welcome Trust and Wolfson Foundation, the Clinical Research Facility provides a purpose built environment to accommodate experimental medicine including Phase 1 trials. With 20 beds, a new clinical laboratory, an endoscopy room, a physiology suite, a dispensary and a trial pharmacy, the CRF provides a safe and efficient setting in which the highest quality research can be conducted as rapidly and effectively as possible. The CRF hosts studies from a wide range of disciplines and specialties funded by public and private sector funders. The Cancer Trials Centre is a research department within the UCL Cancer Institute. Over the last 12 years, the CTC has grown to be one of the largest cancer trials centres in the UK and now is one of the 9 accredited clinical trials units of the National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI). With over 70 staff, based close to UCLH, the CTC manages all aspects of trial design, conduct and analysis including the specialist requirements of international and phase 1 trials. The latter are conducted through the Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre at UCL using the UCLH Clinical Research Facility. During the last five-year review period, 43 new trials opened, with a combined target accrual of 12,210 patients. The CTC is responsible for a significant proportion of the National Cancer Research Network (NCRN) academic trials portfolio. Studies arise through experience and national contacts with clinical academics, the Clinical Studies Groups of the NCRI, and local collaborations at UCL. Trials at the CTC cover a range of tumour areas, most of which are based on evaluating chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery. 7 http://www.yale-ucl.org http://www.uclh.org/Research/CRF/ Ground floor Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing 235 Euston Road London NW1 2BU General enquiries Telephone: 0845 155 5000 ext 76036 http://www.ctc.ucl.ac.uk PRIMENT Clinical Trials Unit UCL Biobank for studying Health and Disease (based at Pathology-Rockefeller building and the UCL-Cancer Institute PRIMENT is collaboration between the UCL Departments of Primary Care and Population health and Mental Health Science and MRC. It is a UKCRC Registered Clinical Trials Unit and conducts research clinical trials and other large studies on mental illness, common mental disorders and other common clinical conditions in primary care. It has particular strengths in research on primary care, mental health, health services research, cardiovascular medicine and child health. The Biobank will support research will storing relevant tissues and bodily fluids including snap-frozen or cryopreserved tissue, formalin-fixed tissue, paraffin-embedded tissues, and slides prepared for histological examination, whole blood, serum, plasma, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, milk, saliva and buccal smears and cytological specimens. It will also store fine needle aspirates obtained from tissues and bodily cavities (e.g. pleura and peritoneum) will also be collected. Where appropriate the Biobank will also store separated cells, protein, DNA and RNA. Some of the tissue and aspirated samples will be stored in the diagnostic archive. Holders of samples and data in other locations across UCLP (including frozen or fixed tissues, plasma, sera, DNA and RNA) will be invited to add information on their holdings to the BioBank Research database hosted by UCL. This will not only hold information about the sample, but also the diagnosis and other clinical information as available. The Research Database, which is being developed with Canadian company, Genologics, will be web-accessible, so that researchers across the Globe can identify sample holdings and thus initiate collaborative research. All data and samples will remain the property of the person who collected them. http://www.priment.mrc.ac.uk http://www.ucl.ac.uk/biobank/ The Research Design Service North London lead by Profs Michael King and Irwin Nazareth from PRIMENT. RDS is focused on supporting applications for funding from NHS researchers and those working in partnership with the NHS. Priority is given to those applying for NIHR Research for Patient Benefit (RfPB) funding. The Service provides help to those preparing research proposals for submission to peer-reviewed funding competitions for applied health or social care research. The advice is provided free of charge and is available through use of online resource and consultations with experts Research Design Service North London Bringing together, all of the large applied research and clinical institutions in London RDS provides from a network of specialist advisors based at the partner institutions with internationally recognised expertise in applied research methods in health and social care. RDS London can advise on all aspects of preparing grant applications, including: * Formulating research questions * Building an appropriate research team * Involving patients and the public * Designing a study * Appropriate methodologies 8 http://www.rdslondon.co.uk * Regulatory and ethical issues * Advice on writing lay summaries * Identifying the resources required for a successful project. Francis Crick Institute - formerly UK Centre for Medical Research and Innovation Sara Cannon Research UK UCL was selected, against strong competition, to host the new UK Centre for Medical Research and Innovation, a multi-million pound investment between Cancer Research UK, the Medical Research Council, Wellcome Trust and UCL to establish a world class medical research centre in central London. This builds on major investment in translational research infrastructure in the Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research and will bring almost 1,000 scientists onto the UCLH/UCL site, offering exciting new opportunities for research. Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI) and UCLH/UCL Cancer Clinical Trials Facility have formed a partnership to expand early phase clinical trials, share expertise and develop training opportunities. SCRI is a US based strategic research organisation focusing on accelerating drug development. SCRI runs one of the cancer clinical research programmes in the US, conducting community based trials in cancer, cardiology and gastroenterology. UCLH and RFH are both part of UCL School of Medical Life Sciences. Many active research collaborations exist across both sites. Research Support Services for RFH are managed by Joint Research Office. Royal Free Hampstead NHS Foundation Trust http://www.crick.ac.uk http://sarahcannonresearch.com JRO (R and D) Admin Corridor Room 9649 Medical School Building Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust Pond Street NW3 2QG 020 7794 0500 x38900 Whittington Hospital Whittington Hospital is part of a UCL Consortium for Research Management and Governance. The consortium collaborates over the promotion of clinical research and delivery of high quality, consistent and streamlined processes for clinical research management. Research Management and Governance Department Undergraduate Centre Whittington Health Magdala Avenue N19 5NF 0207 288 3405 9 North Middlesex Hospital Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital Stanmore (RNOH) Barnet and Chase Farm NHS Trust Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust The North Middlesex Hospital is part of a UCL Consortium for Research Management and Governance. The consortium collaborates over the promotion of clinical research and delivery of high quality, consistent and streamlined processes for clinical research management. RNOH is part of a UCL Consortium for Research Management and Governance. The consortium collaborates over the promotion of clinical research and delivery of high quality, consistent and streamlined processes for clinical research management. Barnet and Chase Farm NHS Trust is part a UCL Consortium for Research Management and Governance. The consortium collaborates over the promotion of clinical research and delivery of high quality, consistent and streamlined processes for clinical research management. There are extensive collaborations between the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at GOSH and the BRC at UCLH/UCL. An agreement also exists for the management of academic clinical trials between GOSH and the Joint Research Office. North Middlesex University Hospital Trust Sterling Way London Greater London N18 1QX (020) 8887 2000 Iva.hauptmannova@rnoh.nhs.uk Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital Brockley Hill, Stanmore, Middlesex, HA7 4LP. 020 8954 2300 Barnet Hospital Wellhouse Lane Barnet, Herts EN5 3DJ Chase Farm Hospital The Ridgeway Enfield, Middlesex EN2 8JL 0845 111 4000 R&D Office UCL Institute of Child Health & Great Ormond Street Hospital 30 Guilford Street London. WC1N 1EH Tel: 020 7905 2700 Fax: 020 7905 2201 Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust The UCLH/UCL Biomedical Research Centre works collaboratively with the NIHR BRC at Moorfields. Agreements are also in place for the management of research 10 http://www.ucl.ac.uk/ioo/ Institute of Ophthalmology 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL Organisation Study Capabilities Information on the types of studies that can be supported by the Organisation to the relevant regulatory standards Types of Studies Organisation has capabilities in (please tick applicable) Other Clinical Studies CTIMP’s (indicate Phases) Clinical Trial of a Medical Device Human Tissue: Tissue Samples Studies As Sponsoring Organisation All types of CTIMP’s are sponsored through collaboration with UCL All types of Medical Device trials are sponsored through collaboration with UCL yes - single site yes As Participating Organisation All phases All phases yes yes As Participant Identification Centre All phases All phases yes yes Which licences does the organisation hold which may be relevant to research? Organisation Licences Licence Name Example: Human Tissue Authority Licence HTA Post Mortem HTA Human Applications Contained Use Regulations FWA Licence Details License Number 12054 Wolfson Cellular and Gene Therapy Unit Number 11025 CU1 notification GM 3048 FWA00003017 11 Organisation Services Information on key clinical services contacts and facilities/equipment which may be used in studies for supporting R&D governance decisions across the organisation. Clinical Service Departments Service Department Pathology- Biochemistry Pathology- Histology/Cytology Specialist facilities that may be provided (e.g. number/type of scanners) Clinical Biochemistry provides a continuous 24 hour routine biochemistry service from the laboratory at 60 Whitfield Street. We process approximately 6000 blood tubes each day and analyse more than 6 million tests every year. A specialist service offers tests for the investigation of renal stone disease, endocrine disorders and protein abnormalities. The laboratory also offers a wide range of dynamic function tests including acid load, cloniden stimulation and TRH. The routine and specialist biochemistry services are both CPA accredited. Cellular Pathology is a consultant led diagnostic service which includes Histopathological and Neuropathological diagnosis using paraffin embedded tissue. It has full CPA accreditation and many of our consultant histopathologists are acknowledged authorities in their fields, some on an international level. Routine histopathological diagnoses is provided using both standard techniques and advanced diagnostics including immunocytochemistry, fluorescent in-situ hybridisation (FISH), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The Cytology service undertakes many highly specialist procedures such as Immunocytochemistry including FISH and Molecular pathology including PCR and methylation technology as well as diagnostic cytology on effusions, fluids, and washings/brushings from respiratory and digestive tracts, and urine, cervical cytology screening is undertaken using liquid-based cytology (LBC) and the service undertakes fine needle aspirates (FNAs) from a variety of body sites eg lumps in the breast and neck. 12 Contact Name within Service Department Dr. J. Land john.land@uclh.nhs.uk Dr. M. Falzon Mary.falzon@uclh.nhs.uk Pathology - Microbiology Pathology - Haematology Pathology- Virology The Department of Clinical Microbiology is a CPA accredited laboratory processing 300 000 specimens a year. Located within the Department is one of four London HPA (Health Protection Agency) Collaborating Centres. The department also has a joint academic function with UCL and partakes in research and undergraduate and postgraduate teaching. Services include Routine bacteriology culture and serology, Mycology, TB diagnostic service, Antibiotic assay, GU medicine culture and serology, Chlamydia culture, serology and PCR, Anaerobic microbiology, Infection control, Public Health investigations and consulting, Consultation on infectious disease management, Advice on decontamination, Clinical TB service and Bedless consult service (including critical care / ITU). Dr. Bruce Macrae Bruce.macrae@uclh.nhs.uk The Department of Haematology and Blood transfusion is a CPA accredited laboratory that provides routine and specialist diagnostic and monitoring services. The Blood Transfusion laboratory provides blood groups, antibody screening, antibody identification, and annual provision of over 60,000 units of blood products to the hospitals within UCLH NHS Foundation Trust. The department supports the special product requirements for the Neonatal Unit, Fetal Medicine Unit, Leukaemia Transplant Unit, TTP apheresis unit and the Haematology/Oncology day care suite. The Flow Cytometry laboratory provides diagnostic malignancy markers and cytochemical staining for chronic and acute leukaemia and lymphoma. The majority of the Flow Cytometry workload consists of lymphocyte subsets for HIV monitoring. Their test repertoire also includes CD19 levels, platelet surface markers and screening for paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria. The Haemoglobinopathy Genetics and Special Haematology laboratories provide extensive haemoglobinopathy investigations and pre-natal diagnosis service. The laboratories have close links with pre-natal and antenatal counsellors. The Haemostasis laboratory provides comprehensive thrombosis and bleeding disorder investigations and provides an extensive referral service for outside hospitals. Prof. Sam Machin Sam.machin@uclh.nhs.uk The Diagnostic Virology Service is CPA accredited and receives in excess of 100,000 requests per year. In addition to the routinely available tests used to diagnose and monitor viral infections, the translational unit of the department develops and provides novel molecular diagnostic assays. The Laboratory is an acknowledged reference laboratory for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and molecular diagnosis and has a special interest and expertise in: Eleni.nastouli@uclh.nhs.uk 1 HIV and other retroviral infections 2 Viral hepatitis, especially hepatitis B and C infections 3 Transfusion-related microbiology 4 Viral infections in the immune compromised patient 5 Viral infection of the foetus 13 Pathology - Parasitology Pathology - neuropathology and neuroimmunology Imaging – University College Hospital The Department offers a wide range of investigations including diagnosis and identification of parasites in clinical material, diagnosis of human parasitic disease by immunological methods, culture and genomic detection of Leishmania and culture of Acanthamoeba from clinical material. A twenty-four hour service for microscopic diagnosis of malaria is available. An advisory service on investigation of patients for parasitic disease, the appropriateness of tests, their timing and interpretation together with advice on treatment is also available. Individual tuition for technical, scientific and medical staff in faecal and blood parasitology can be provided by special arrangement. The Department of Clinical Parasitology processes over 25,000 requests per annum. The Department of Clinical Parasitology also houses and runs the NEQAS (Parasitology) laboratory and the UK NEQAS-associated teaching facility. David.manser@uclh.nhs.uk Peter.chiodini@uclh.nhs.uk Neuropathology provides specialist histopathology services for specimens from brain and spinal cord tumours and epilepsy lobectomies (ca.1000 p.a.). Diagnostic biopsies are peripheral nerves (ca. 100 p.a.) and muscle biopsies (ca 250 p.a.), CSF cytology (ca. 800 p.a.). Further, the department performs neuropathological post mortem examinations including prion disease (CJD, ca 40 per year). and provides research services for Research Departments at the Institute of Neurology (UCL). The Department also hosts the Dubowitz Neuromuscular centre with ca 200 paediatric muscle biopsies per year, including national referrals through the NCG referral scheme. Molecular pathology diagnostic tests are qPCR for Chromosomes 1p/19q in oligodendrogliomas and MGMT methylation PCR in malignant gliomas.We carry out routine molecular tests for PTEN loss, EGFR amplification and IDH-1 and IDH-2 mutations in low and high grade gliomas. The Neuroimmunology & CSF Laboratory (NICL) provides and develops the more specialist tests needed to support the diagnosis and treatment of neurological patients both within the UCLH Trust and nationally. Prof Sebastian Brandner sebastian.brandner@uclh.nhs.uk The team of radiologists, radiographers, nurses, admin and clerical staff and support staff provide both diagnostic imaging and interventional treatments to a wide range of patients. The state of the art equipment includes multi-slice CT, 1.5T MRI, digital plain film, ultrasound and digital angiography - all linked to the Trust-wide PACS system. Equipment includes 3 x CT scanners, 3 x 1.5T MRI scanners – routinely used for clinical work. 1 x 3T MRI (50% clinical / 50% research) 14 http://www.ucl.ac.uk/ion/divisions/neuropathology/ Michael.lunn@ucl.ac.uk http://www.ucl.ac.uk/ion/departments/neuroinflam mation/themes/neuroimmunology shonit.punwani@uclh.nhs.uk Imaging National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery Pharmacy 3 MRI scanners(2, 3T and 1,1.5T) AMRIS (Single plane Angio, 1.5T MRI, Theatre Suite) 128 slice CT scanner Bi-plane Angiography Suite Digital radiography room 2 ultrasound scanners 3 mobile C arm image intensifiers 2 mobile X-ray units The Pharmacy clinical trials team is a dedicated group of Pharmacists, Technicians and Support Officers who manage pharmacy's ongoing commitment, support and development of clinical trials within the Trust. The team is well renowned nationally and often presents at conferences, training days and its opinion and guidance is often sought by external trial units nationally. The clinical trials team has developed the award winning CTMS (clinical trial management system) / PICTON (pharmacy interactive clinical trial online network) alongside the pharmacy IT system development team and plan to release this nationally at the end of 2006. Dedicated facilities for the storage and handling of clinical trial material exist within UCLH. Manufacturing, clinical trial packaging and Qualified Person resources can also be arranged via the clinical trials team if required. Prior to study opening, it is important to include the pharmacy department as early as possible in the proposal process (preferably prior to R&D and ethics submissions).The pharmacy provides: Pharmacy GCP Clinical Trial Support, MHRA licensed Pharmacy manufacturing unit (Specials and IMP) and Qualified Person (QP). 15 Susan Wakeling susan.wakeling@uclh.nhs.uk Rita Gupta rita.gupta@uclh.nhs.uk; pharmacy.clinicaltrials@uclh.nhs.uk Nuclear Medicine Nuclear Medicine provides a comprehensive clinical service performing some 15,000 patient studies per year, incorporating a full range of nuclear medicine procedures conducted for both the Trust and hospitals throughout the UK. The Department uses the UK's first 16 and 64-slice PET/CT systems, three SPECT/CT systems including one operated with UCL Cancer Institute as a research-dedicated machine, two further SPECT gamma cameras including a novel solid-state, ultra-fast dedicated cardiac SPET system (the first of its kind in Europe), DXA bone densitometry and supporting instrumentation. We also perform a range of routine and experimental inpatient and outpatient radionuclide therapy procedures, and the INM has access to ten dedicated radionuclide therapy beds. In 2012 operation of a PET/MR service in the new Cancer Centre will be commenced; the first in the UK. The department has specific clinical research interests in the use of PET/CT, SPECT and multi-modality imaging as investigative tools in oncology, cardiology, neurology/psychiatry, nephrology, the study of osteoporosis and novel techniques for radionuclide therapy.2 x PET/CT scanners (64-slice and 16-slice CT); 1 x PET/MRI scanner (First in UK active in April 2012); 4 x gamma cameras, three with SPECT/CT capability. 1 x CZT dedicated cardiac SPECT camera 1 x DEXA BMD system On-site Radiopharmacy Outpatient and Inpatient Radionuclide Therapy facilities 16 Dr. J. Bomanji Institute of Nuclear Medicine jamshed.bomanji@uclh.nhs.uk Information on key management contacts for supporting R&D governance decisions across the organisation. Management Support e.g. Finance, Legal Services, Archiving Department Specialist services that may be provided Contact email Archiving The JRO has a dedicated archivist to provide advice and organise procedures for archiving of studies. www.ucl.ac.uk/jro Contracts Research Contracts are managed within the JRO by a dedicated team of four legally trained contracts managers who review, draft and negotiate contracts and other agreements for all types of research studies including international studies. The team provides advice on study approval processes, set up and governance arrangements for investigators, research teams and Trusts in the consortium. www.ucl.ac.uk/jro www.ucl.ac.uk/jro Information Technology The finance team consists of a Head of Finance plus a dedicated team of accounts administrators. The team assists in the development of costing and financial management of all types of studies. Information technology is supplied by UCLH through a contract with Logica Personnel Personnel and HR support is provided by UCLH www.uclh.nhs.uk Statistical support and training JRO Biostatistics group provides scientific and intellectual support to investigators throughout the research pathway. It aims to design analyse health care studies and conduct research on the statistical methodology required for the solution of biomedical problems. www.ucl.ac.uk/jro caroline.romain@uclh.nhs.uk. Research Management and Governance Finance 17 www.ucl.ac.uk/jro www.uclh.nhs.uk Organisation R&D Interests Information on the areas of research interest to the Organisation Organisation R&D Areas of Interest Area of Interest Cancer Details Contact Within cancer we have the interest and capabilities to run all types of studies ranging from generic phase I trials including first-in-man studies through to phase II and III. All relevant anti-cancer treatment modalities are studied within UCH including trials of IMPs, surgical techniques, radiotherapy and new/novel technologies. Links with UCL allow for a highly developed clinical trials programme and extended translational research programme. All tumour areas treated within the hospital undertake research activities with particular strengths being in haematology, lung, gynaecological, brain and urological cancers as well as sarcomas and tumours in teenagers and young adults. Cardiovascular disease Heart failure, heart surgery and congenital heart disease. Fibrosis/amlyloid, remote ischaemic conditioning and genetics of HCM. Cellular and Gene Therapy Gene therapy for monogenic disease, engineered T cells, mesenchymal stem cell therapy. Ear Nose and Throat Regenerative medicine for ENT disorders including bioengineered thorax. Cochlear implant development and drugs for tinnitus. Gastroenterology and Hepatology Imaging Infectious Diseases Relationships between inflammation, function and disease in the gut and liver. Risk stratification and interventions for of IBD, hepatitis and cirrhosis/liver failure. Photodynamic therapies for the treatment of pancreatic and biliary tract cancers. Albumin-augmented dialysis. Research using plain MRI and SPECT. PET, PET/CT, PET/MRI phenotyping. Guided therapy. 1 x 3T MRI (50% clinical / 50% research) . Life MRI during neuro surgery using AMRIS (Single plane Angio, 1.5T MRI, Theatre Suite). Development of molecular diagnostic tools for infectious diseases and of infection-resistant equipment for clinical environments (computer keyboards, beds and telephones), introduction of rapid MRSA screening, wound surveillance programme. HIV, hospital acquired infections, imported infections, SLE, complications of autoimmune arthritis. 18 www.uclh.nhs.uk/research/CBRC/Researchthemes and ncrndev.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view &id=90&Itemid=180. see http://www.uclh.nhs.uk/research/CBRC/Researchthemes see http://www.uclh.nhs.uk/research/CBRC/Researchthemes see http://www.uclh.nhs.uk/research/CBRC/Researchthemes see http://www.uclh.nhs.uk/research/CBRC/Researchthemes see http://www.uclh.nhs.uk/research/CBRC/Researchthemes see http://www.uclh.nhs.uk/research/CBRC/Researchthemes Active research programmes in epilepsy, MS and stroke. MRC Centre for research and treatment of neuromuscular disease, Dementia research centre and UK's first scanner which allows surgeons to image brain during surgery. Focuses on causes of orofacial disease and the prevention, repair and regeneration of resultant tissue abnormalities, and translation of such findings into clinical practice. Tissue engineering - understanding the fundamental phenotypic and functional responses to novel biomaterial compositions, control of infection including diseases caused by oral microorganisms, other members of the indigenous microbiota and bacteria associated with skeletal pathology and genetic susceptibility. see http://www.uclh.nhs.uk/research/CBRC/Researchthemes; www.dementia.ion.ucl.ac.uk; http://www.ucl.ac.uk/ion/departments Paediatrics Paediatric oncology, adolescent medicine, diabetes, paediatric urology especially reconstruction see http://www.uclh.nhs.uk/research/CBRC/Researchthemes Respiratory, anaesthetics and critical care Respiratory medicine – focusing on lung cancer, pulmonary infection and pulmonary fibrosis Perioperative optimisation, monitoring and outcome – improving surgical outcomes Infection, sepsis and organ dysfunction – understanding, preventing and treating infection and organ failure in the intensive care unit Obstetric anaesthesia Brain injury and neuro critical care – improving outcomes after brain injury. Surgery Head and Neck surgery, Trauma and Orthopaedics, Urology and Ophthalmology see http://www.uclh.nhs.uk/research/CBRC/Researchthemes Urology MRI for diagnosis of prostate cancer. Multi-focal therapy. see http://www.uclh.nhs.uk/research/CBRC/Researchthemes Neurology and neurosurgery Oral Health Women’s Health Gynaecological cancer, sexual and reproductive health, reproductive endocrinology, prenatal screening and diagnosis, perinatal brain injury and development, and the prediction and outcome of maternal disease. Nursing and midwifery research. Screening for ovarian cancer. 19 see http://www.uclh.nhs.uk/research/CBRC/Researchthemes; http://ucl.ac.uk/eastman/research/index.html see http://www.uclh.nhs.uk/research/CBRC/Researchthemes see http://www.uclh.nhs.uk/research/CBRC/Researchthemes Information on Local / National Specialty group membership within the Organisation which has been shared with the CLRN Specialty Group Membership (Local and National) UCLH hosts the following networks Cancer - North London Cancer Research Network Dementia and Neurodegenerative diseases – Dendron Stroke - Thames Stroke Network UCLH is actively involved in the following networks Anaesthetics Cardiovascular Clinical Genetics Critical Care ENT Gastrointestinal Hepatology Immunology and Inflammation Infectious diseases and Microbiology Injuries and Accidents Metabolic and Endocrine Musculoskeletal Nervous system disorders Non malignant Haematology Oral and Dental Health Paediatrics Public Health Research Renal Reproductive Health and Childbirth Respiratory Surgery Urogenital 20 Organisation R&D Planning and Investments Planned Investment Area of Investment (e.g. Facilities, Training, Recruitment, Equipment etc.) UCL Centre for Medical Image Computing UCLH/UCL NIHR Clinical Research Facility (CRF) UCL Clinical Trials Unit Description of Planned Investment In 2011 installation of the first whole-body PET/MRI in the UK and an interventional 3T MRI scanner (part Wolfson-funded) will commence in the new MacMillan Cancer Centre. Working together with the UCL Centre for Medical Image Computing and UCL Centre for Medical Image Computing, imaging will be incorporate into all research programmes. The UCLH/UCL NIHR Clinical Research Facility (CRF) unites the Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility, and a Cancer facility focused on early phase trials and incorporating the CRUK/NIHR Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre. Close interaction is maintained with other UCL CRFs at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) and Moorfields. Support for clinical trials is provided by the UCL Clinical Trials Unit, established in 2010, in collaboration with the MRC Clinical Trials Unit (co-located at UCL, with joint academic positions). We aim to expand this facility over the next 5 years including, for instance, a specialist support centre for neurointervention trials. In 2011, UCL and associated hospitals supported 119 Phase I/II Clinical Trials, of which 50% were commercially sponsored. This figure was an increase of 50% over the previous year, and places UCLH in the top 5% of all UK NHS Trusts in terms of the number of active clinical trials. Ten core funded academic, research posts and technical posts have been established. Infrastructure and information systems funding has been allocated to support the development of a NIHR registered academic CTU. The CTU has been established to facilitate the delivery of high quality regulatory compliant clinical trials of both investigational medicinal products (IMPs), non-IMP trials and other studies. Clinical and non-clinical academic trialists provide the experience and skills to input into various aspects of trial methodology from design through follow up to analysis and reporting, health economics and data services. CTU based trialist will work alongside clinical academics at UCL and UCL partner organisations building on existing collaborations with the MRC CTU and other UCL based CTUs (Priment and UCL CRUK Cancer Trials Unit). The UCL CTU is working with specialist trial centres including those focusing on neurology, surgery and musculo-skeletal disorders to develop process and infrastructure both for the central hub and linked trial centres. 21 National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Unit in Dementia Academic Careers Office for Biomedical Research Centre, UCL and UCL Partners Centre for Nurse and Midwife led Research http://cnmr.org.uk/ Proton Beam Therapy UCL Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health http://www.ucl.ac.uk/surgicalscience/departments_research/institute_smeh The Dementia BRU will focus on young onset dementias in order to achieve our aims of developing new methods of diagnosis and treatment. Our objectives are to discover new disease genes and develop rapid clinical testing. We will use genetic information to guide studies of the molecular processes of neurodegeneration by growing neurons (brain cells) from skin biopsies taken from patients known to carry dementia genes. From these studies we will develop new candidate treatments, evaluated using new measures and trial methodologies derived from the longitudinal study of genetically at risk cohorts; these approaches will also support industry studies. Discoveries will be rapidly extrapolated to older patient groups through links with other BRUs and our own UCLH/UCL collaborators. Development of the Academic Careers Office, to co-ordinate and link training across the BRC, UCL and UCL Partners to address training for research throughout whole career pathway both for clinicians and for a multidisciplinary workforce including nurses and non clinical support staff. Capacity will be built in education and biostatistics and a number of interdisciplinary post graduate courses will be developed. As well as traditional taught courses, web based learning, short courses, mentorship schemes and industrial placements will be developed. The ACO also co-ordinates the Grand Challenges Studentship scheme. The CNMR aims to build the capacity and capability of nurses and midwives to engage in and lead healthcare research. The CNMR facilitates nurses and midwives to gain support and education related to all aspects of healthcare research through one to one appointments, seminars, lectures, conferences, workshops, writing grants and outreach. The CNMR provides resource information and links to other research support services within UCLH to facilitate the development of research ideas. The CNMR also forges links with collaborators such as City University, the Burdett Trust and the Royal College of Nursing to ensure access to high quality nursing and midwifery research support. UCLH has been designated as one of the two primary sites for the delivery of Proton Beam Therapy in the UK. This advanced form of radiotherapy can target tumours far more precisely than conventional methods. It is particularly beneficial for many child cancers, brain, head and neck cancers and sarcomas. The new service will be situated close to the Trust new Cancer Centre. It will bring together some of the world’s leading specialists in complex cancers with the opportunity to drive forwards research into this new form of treatment. The institute will integrate all sports and exercise related research at UCLH and UCL. The Institute has a number of external partners including English Institute for Sport and British Olympic Association. As well research aimed at optimising athletes for London 2012, the Institute will also extend knowledge on the role of sport and exercise in common health problems such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. 22 Sainsbury Wellcome Centre The Centre is a partnership between Wellcome Trust and the Gatsby Charitable Foundation. Neuroscientists working at the Centre will use state of the art molecular and cellular biology and imaging, electrophysiology to investigate how brain circuits process information. 23 Organisation R&D Standard Operating Procedures Register Standard Operating Procedures SOP Ref Number SOP Title JRO RMG RSS SOP 1 JRO RMG RSS SOP 2 JRO RMG RSS SOP 3 JRO RMG RSS SOP 4 JRO RMG RSS SOP 5 JRO RMG RSS SOP 6 JRO RMG RSS SOP 7 JRO RMG RSS SOP 8 JRO RMG RSS SOP 9 JRO RMG RSS SOP 10 JRO RMG RSS SOP 11 JRO RMG RSS SOP 12 JRO RMG RSS SOP 13 JRO RMG RSS SOP 14 JRO RMG RSS SOP 15 SOP on the development RMG RSS SOPs Sponsorship of "simple" studies Sponsorship of "complex" studies Arrangements for assessing study feasibility - draft NHS permissions Set up and control of external agreements Honorary contracts and letters of access Procedure for study amendments, progress reports and end of study. Reporting and escalation of study events and incidents R and D systems events Audit and monitoring Study closure - notification and archiving Requirements for site file Partner and member level responsibilities Handling study events Information on the processes used for managing Research Passports Indicate what processes are used for managing Research Passports From 1st June 2011, all research passports, and letters of access for NHS staff will be handled by the R&D department. As each project is reviewed, by a research coordinator, the contractual requirements will be assessed. The investigator will be informed about the level of contract they require and the appropriate forms will be made available to them for completion by their employing organisation. When NHS permission is provided, the appropriate Honorary Research Contract or Letter of Access will be issued. For further information contact: Rajinder Sidhu at: r.sidhu@nhs.net 24 Information on the agreed Escalation Process to be used when R&D governance issues cannot be resolved through normal processes Escalation Process The escalation process mirrors Trust management policies in relation to Trust incidents. All concerns or complaints about research systems or incidents related to research systems are managed in line with JRO RMG RSS SOP 10. The procedure is to enter such incidents onto a database and report to the Director of Research Support. The Director initiates a root cause analysis into all concerns or incidents which are considered moderate or severe. Catastrophic incidents are reported to and investigated by the Director of Research and Development. All incidents which are investigated are discussed by the Senior Management Team. Where necessary, procedures reviewed and amended, information should be feedback to JRO staff, training needs identified, the outcome and any relevant action plan reported back to complainant. Reports of all investigations are presented to Research Support Centre Leadership Committee. Planned and Actual Studies Register ULCH research portfolio is maintained on the REDA database. The Trust approves around 190 studies every year of which 55 are CTIMPs. At any one time there will 1195 studies will be actively recruiting at UCLH including 292 CTIMPs. Further information about the UCLH portfolio can be obtained from s.kerrison@ucl.ac.uk. Other Information For example, where can information be found about the publications and other outcomes of research which key staff led or collaborated in? Other Information (relevant to the capability of the Organisation) UCLH is one of the major sites for clinical research in Europe. In 2011, UCLH and associated hospitals supported 119 Phase I/II Clinical Trials, of which 50% were commercially sponsored. This figure was an increase of 50% over the previous year, and places UCLH is in the top 5% of all UK NHS Trusts in number of active clinical trials. The numbers of patients recruited into trials during the period 2008-11 totalled 20,201. The UCLH/UCL NIHR Clinical Research Facility (CRF) unites the Welcome Trust Clinical Research Facility, and a Cancer facility focused on early phase trials and incorporating the CRUK/NIHR Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre. We aim to expand this facility over the next 5 years, including, for instance, a specialist support for neuro-intervention trials. Support for clinical trials is provided by the UCL Clinical Trials Unit, established in 2010, in collaboration with the MRC Clinical Trials Unit (co-located at UCL, with joint academic positions). UCLH also has specialist research imaging facilities including those required for brain research and is a collaborator in a number of bio banks. The website www.uclh.nhs.uk/research provides information about the research activities of UCLH. Information about UCL themes, departments and publications which are related to work undertaken at UCLH can be found at www.iris.ucl.ac.uk. 25