News / healthcare
£1.3m funding boost to extend heart and cancer research
Three Bristol health facilities will be able to significantly expand their research into heart health and cancer due to a £1.3m funding boost from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
The money will fund the first NHS beds exclusively for research in Bristol; a 70 per cent increase in Bristol Heart Institute’s (BHI) research capacity; and a doubling of the capacity for innovative molecular radiotherapy at Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre (BHOC).
At the NHIR Clinical Research Facility on St Michael’s Hill, the existing sleep studies area will become an overnight ward with up to five beds and facilities to allow staff to observe participants.
Professor David Wynick, facility director, said: “These beds represent a turning point. It’s one of the facilities that is most often requested by research teams. This is the first such NHS facility in Bristol and will transform the city’s research capabilities.”
The BHI will see two new spaces dedicated to patient-facing research activities. They will allow more studies to be offered to patients and significantly increase the amount of cardiology research that can be done.
There will also be more scope for and expertise in cardiac surgery.
The money will expand the city’s medical research capabilities
The work to create these spaces should be completed by the end of March 2028.
At BHOC, researchers will be able to double capacity for molecular radiotherapy treatment, in which radioactive drugs are able to directly target cancer cells by being given to patients in pill or drip form.
Manager Eleanor Cradock said: “Molecular radiotherapy (is) one of the most exciting and rapidly developing areas of cancer treatment.
“By increasing our capacity, we can offer more patients the opportunity to take part in cutting-edge studies while continuing to refine and improve these therapies.
“It places Bristol at the forefront of innovation in this field.”
Professor Fergus Caskey, Bristol NHS Group director of research, said: “Together, these investments represent a step-change in Bristol’s ability to deliver world-class research.
“We’re creating the conditions for more ambitious, inclusive and impactful studies that will benefit patients locally and far beyond the city.”
Patient advisor Tina said: “It is transformative to have dedicated rooms to discuss research possibilities with people.
“It is great news that this funding has been awarded as it will certainly increase the number and diversity of patients and carers who will feel able to participate.”
Main photo: Molly Pipe
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