What is the Clinical Research Unit (CRU)?

The CRU is a dedicated Clinical Research Facility (CRF) located on the lower ground floor of the main hospital at Whipps Cross Hospital (WXH) in Leytonstone and forms part of the Barts Health Clinical Research Facility.

Designed to a high specification, the CRU is a large, airy and bright space, accommodating a wide range of clinical trials and other research projects involving patients, providing the highest levels of patient care and safety at all times.

The CRU benefits from a patient waiting room, patient treatment areas, sample preparation and processing area, and comes fully equipped with fridges, freezers, centrifuges, ECG machines, patient monitors – all the standard clinical equipment needed to conduct research.

The CRU is staffed by highly qualified and skilled Clinical Research Nurses and support staff. Our staff can provide all the assistance you need to make your approved study a success.

How we work

We work with hospital-based clinical researchers who want to conduct a funded clinical trial or other patient-based research. Our staff are experienced in conducting trials across a wide range of medical conditions and specialities including:

• Cardiology: hyperlipidaemia, acute coronary syndrome
• Dermatology: atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, rosacea, malignant melanoma, vitiligo
• Gastroenterology: Ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia, colorectal cancer, constipation.
• Rheumatology: Axial Spondylarthropy, Psoriatic Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis.

How can we help your research project?

The primary reason our consultants cite for not taking part in research is a lack of resources: funds, space, facilities, equipment or lack of knowledge and experience to conduct clinical trials. This is where the CRU can help! We work closely with each investigator to assess their needs, guide them through the study set-up process, ensure regulatory compliance standards are met, deliver their research to time and target and assist with the end of study procedures.

If you thought you couldn’t conduct clinical research at Whipps Cross University Hospital, then think again!

Where to find us

Junction 9
Lower Ground Floor
Whipps Cross Hospital
Whipps Cross Road
Leytonstone
E11 2NR

020 8539 5522 ext. 6730

Contact

Jo Morgan, Associate Director Research Development
Email: jo.morgan7@nhs.net
Tel: 020 8535 6953

Jennifer Higgins, CRU Lead Nurse
Email: jennifer.higgins3@nhs.net
Tel: 020 8539 5522 ext 4392