Introduction

Clerkenwell Health, a leader in mental health clinical trials, has inaugurated a new NHS-embedded research site in Doncaster, focusing on brain and mental health conditions. This initiative is a collaboration with the Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust.

Key Features of the New Site

• Located within an existing NHS facility.
• Serves over 1.3 million people in South Yorkshire, a region with limited access to clinical trials.
• Provides NHS patients with earlier access to investigational treatments.
• Acts as a prototype for future mental health trial delivery.

Statements from Leadership

Toby Lewis, Chief Executive of RDaSH, emphasized the importance of innovation in healthcare, stating:

“Access to innovation and research excellence matters to providing great care for people in every community locally.”

Addressing Mental Health Needs

Recent statistics indicate a 24% increase in deaths related to drugs, alcohol, or suicide since the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, 13-15% of working-age adults are living with long-term mental health or behavioral conditions, highlighting the urgent need for effective treatment options.

Improving Clinical Trial Infrastructure

The UK has historically faced challenges with mental health trial infrastructure, with NHS clinical trials averaging 250 days to set up, compared to 150 days in the US. The new model from Clerkenwell Health aims to:

1. Reduce setup times significantly.
2. Position the UK as a leader in mental health innovation.

Future Plans

This Doncaster site is the first of several planned NHS-embedded centers by Clerkenwell Health, with more locations expected across the UK by 2026. Dr. Henry Fisher, Chief Scientific Officer at Clerkenwell Health, stated:

“This site is a vital first step in giving the NHS the capacity and expertise to make clinical trials more accessible for mental health patients.”

Government Support and Initiatives

The UK government’s NHS 10-Year Health Plan aims to:

• Reduce clinical trial setup times.
• Enhance transparency regarding trust performance in clinical trials.
• Introduce a national standardized contract to streamline processes.

Additionally, the National Institute for Health and Care Research has launched a recruitment drive to increase participation in clinical trials, focusing on underrepresented groups.