Patients urged to take part in medical research
Patients will be told about research relevant to them
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Tuesday, 24, Jun 2008 12:10
Patients are to be encouraged to take part in medical research to advance healthcare in the UK.
Health secretary Alan Johnson announced today that he wants all patients to be told about research that is relevant to them.
They can then take part in clinical trials if they meet the criteria.
This could mean a patient with Parkinson's disease, for example, would be told about any ongoing research into their particular condition and may be able to take part in trials that could lead to an improvement or even cure.
Mr Johnson's announcement was made at a summit hosted by the prime minister to commemorate 60 years of NHS research.
"The UK is a world leader in health research. We owe a great debt to the many thousands of people who have contributed over the years to the future health and well-being of us all," he said.
"I want every patient in the NHS to have the right to take part in approved medical research that is appropriate for them, if they choose to.
"And to underline the paramount importance of research, we will set out in the forthcoming NHS constitution the core role that it plays at the heart of the NHS."
Harpal Kumar, chief executive at Cancer Research UK, said today's announcement is "extremely welcome".
"It shows a commitment to provide more information about the health research taking place in this country, and to involve and recruit more patients in clinical trials. This is good news for patients, both now and in the future," he said.
Dr Mark Walport, director of the Wellcome Trust, added: "The Wellcome Trust and other medical research charities have played a key role in supporting research which has led to important advances in health.
"It is vital that patients continue to have the opportunity to participate in research programmes.
"The actions that the government is taking today will help to ensure that research becomes a normal part of the business of the NHS and that patients are provided every opportunity to become partners in research aimed at health improvement."