Sherwood Raises the Bar for Research Excellence with the Opening of a New Clinical Research Facility to Drive Breakthroughs in Patient Care

Sherwood Forest Hospitals has marked a major milestone for healthcare innovation with the opening of its new, purpose-built Clinical Research Facility (CRF) at King’s Mill Hospital. This dedicated space is designed to support rigorous clinical trials and research studies — enabling cutting-edge treatments to reach patients across Mid-Nottinghamshire.

The state-of-the-art facility provides a dedicated space for high-quality clinical trials and research studies – designed to bring cutting-edge treatments closer to patients across Mid-Nottinghamshire. It also strengthens opportunities for collaboration with academic and industry partners, positioning Sherwood as a leader in applied clinical research. The facility further strengthens Sherwood’s ability to deliver NIHR-funded studies, creating more opportunities for local patients to participate in high-impact national research programmes.

As a holder of IAOCR’s Global Clinical Site Certification (GCSA), Sherwood conducts its research in line with the only independently benchmarked standards in the sector. The GCSA recognises sites that demonstrate excellence in quality, patient safety, and operational integrity – reinforcing Sherwood’s position as a trusted partner in clinical innovation.

Professor Sir Jonathan Van-Tam, Associate Non-Executive Director for Research and Innovation at the Trust, said: “The launch of this new Clinical Research Facility marks a pivotal moment for Sherwood Forest Hospitals and the wider region. It brings world-class research opportunities closer to home for patients, while helping to embed research as a core part of everyday clinical care. This is how we turn innovation into better outcomes for patients.”

Alison Steel, Head of Research and Innovation at Sherwood Forest Hospitals, added: “We’re proud to officially open a dedicated space where research can thrive. The new facility reflects our long-term commitment to advancing healthcare through innovation and collaboration and ensures that local people have access to the very latest in clinical trials and treatments.”

This new facility represents not just an investment in infrastructure, but a step forward in ensuring that clinical research in the UK continues to be delivered to world-leading standards – for the benefit of patients, communities, and global partners alike.