A NEW NHS clinical research centre has opened in Wrexham.

The new North Wales Clinical Research Centre (NWCRC), which is part of Betsi Cadwaladr Unviersity Health Board’s Research and Development department has been equipped with state of the art laboratories and cutting edge equipment.

This equipment can be used to earlier diagnose, screen and monitor patients with various conditions such as cancer, diabetes, chronic disease, cardiovascular disease and neurological disorders.

Leading oncology consultant, Dr Pasquale Innominato, said: “I will be using the NWCRC to be able to analyse the results of the biosensors. It’s fantastic because it’s well equipped, but also when I am there I can talk to other colleagues who are in similar areas of research, network with them. You can discuss your research with your peers and gain new insights.

“This project is really exciting because by joining this pilot study, we are helping in the development of new technologies that have the potential to really help cancer patients in the future.”

Professor Iqbal Shergill, consultant urological surgeon, based at Wrexham is undertaking several basic science and clinical trials at the NWCRC involving patients with kidney stones, bladder and prostate cancer.

Professor Shergill said: “The newly established NWCRC provides an exciting opportunity for undertaking clinical research in North Wales. We will be able to collaborate with local and national academics and work with pharmaceutical companies to provide better care and diagnostic services for our patients."

The NWCRC is aiming to become a centre of excellence for clinical research at a local, national and international level and is already working in collaboration with Glyndwr University.

Professor Stephen Hughes, academic and scientific director of the NWCRC said: “It’s amazing to finally have the centre open. With this facility we now have a clinical research centre with fantastic equipment that allows the opportunity for our staff to be able to conduct cutting edge clinical research.

“Crucially, undertaking clinical research will benefit the people of North Wales at a national level and beyond. The aim of the research centre is to primarily provide a world class facility for our patients and members of the public, ensuring that North Wales is actively involved in undertaking cutting-edge clinical research.

“By having a research active Health Board, in turn will attract the very best clinicians and allied health professionals to the area, and will hopefully provide an opportunity for expansion and create new jobs”

Members of the public have been invited to visit the new centre on November 14 between 2-4pm and 5-7pm to take a look at the facilities including the laboratories and clinical research suites, as well as speak to staff about the medical research which is being undertaken in Wrexham and across North Wales. Tours and talks by staff members will be provided during the open day.