NHS England to fast track clinical trials and improve access for patients

New processes to simplify the NHS research set up procedure and cut delays will be implemented this year. In some cases, there can be a difference of up to nine months between each hospital taking part in a multi-site trial being confirmed, which delays the start of that trial which could be for cancer or dementia research. NHS England, working with the National Institute for Health Research, Health Research Authority and NHS Improvement, will introduce new arrangements to eliminate variation and delays in set up and reporting for commercial contract research and ensure the process for reimbursements for excess treatment