The ranking reflects the Trust’s performance against national targets introduced as part of the government’s drive to “turbocharge research”, including mandatory 150‑day timelines for research study set‑up across the NHS.
The achievement marks a significant shift in the way clinical research is delivered at The QEH and follows a three‑year programme of transformation involving clinical teams, pharmacy, research governance and corporate support services.
Since 2023, the Trust has moved from primarily supporting observational research to delivering interventional clinical trials – studies that actively test new medicines, treatments or approaches to care. This transition has required new specialist roles, redesigned processes and close collaboration across services to ensure studies are delivered safely, quickly and to national standards.
National and high‑impact studies
Teams at The QEH are now leading or contributing to a growing portfolio of high‑profile national studies, including:
- Hip fracture research – The QEH is leading recruitment for a national study focused on improving recovery, mobility and outcomes for older patients, recruiting more than 10% of all participants nationally despite over 60 NHS organisations taking part
- Cardiology trials testing new treatments to improve heart health and reduce long‑term complications
- Dermatology research evaluating innovative therapies for chronic skin conditions
- Renal studies examining new treatment combinations and their impact on kidney and cardiovascular health
The Trust has also successfully delivered its first ever Phase II clinical trial, acting as joint‑lead recruiter alongside Barts Health NHS Trust, and was selected as one of only four hospitals in the UK to take part.
Strong national performance
Based on national performance data, The QEH is ranked within the top 10 of more than 200 NHS organisations for clinical research set‑up and delivery. This reflects:
- Speed from regulatory approval to recruiting the first patient
- Consistently meeting national 60‑, 30‑ and 90‑day research targets
- Successful delivery of complex and commercially funded clinical trials
During 2025–26:
- 37% of research patients at The QEH took part in interventional trials
- 25% of studies delivered were commercially funded
- The Trust reduced overall study numbers to focus on higher‑impact, more complex research
Benefits for patients and staff
For patients in West Norfolk, this means earlier access to innovative treatments, closer monitoring and care informed by the latest clinical evidence – delivered locally rather than requiring travel to larger centres.
For staff, it reflects growing national confidence in The QEH as a research‑active organisation and creates increased opportunities for professional development, collaboration and involvement in nationally important studies.
Michelle Arrowsmith, Executive Managing Director at The QEH, said: “This recognition reflects the commitment and expertise of colleagues across the Trust. Over recent years, teams have worked together to strengthen our research capability so that patients in West Norfolk can benefit from high‑quality clinical research close to home.”
Tom Dymond, Lead for Research and Innovation, said: “Reaching a top‑10 national position demonstrates how far research at The QEH has progressed. Colleagues across clinical services, pharmacy and governance have played a vital role in enabling us to deliver complex studies safely, quickly and effectively.”
Ends. Notes to editors; For media enquiries only, please contact Communications Team, media.enquiries@qehkl.nhs.uk or 01553 613216. For all other enquiries, please contact QEH Switchboard on 01553 613613.
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