Breckland Alliance, the local Primary Care Network (PCN) made up of Grove Surgery, School Lane Surgery, and Watton Medical Practice, has received prestigious funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research.
This funding confirms the Alliance as a Primary Care Commercial Research Delivery Centre, joining a select network of GP practices across the country involved in leading medical research.
“We’re proud to bring high quality research opportunities to our community and to help people live healthier, longer lives”, said Breckland Alliance Research Manager, Charlie Martin. “This funding allows us to expand and innovate, ensuring everyone has the chance to benefit from the latest medical research.”
Marc Rolph from School Lane Surgery explains how this development will expand access to clinical trials and bring more cutting-edge research directly into local GP practices:
Our Research Journey
Although School Lane, Grove and Watton participated in research before 2016, the Breckland Alliance began working as a collaborative research team in 2019. Since then, they have recruited over 6,400 patients for studies across Thetford, Watton, and surrounding areas.
The studies we’re running change all the time as research evolves and older projects are completed. Currently, we’re involved in studies related to:
• Menstrual migraines
• COPD and Asthma
• Cholesterol
• Diabetes
What Does This Mean for You?
In simple terms, it means access to cutting edge medical trials and treatments right here in our community, with no need to travel to distant hospitals. From testing new treatments for long term conditions to exploring innovative therapies, we now have opportunities to participate in research that could change lives. Previously the team have worked on trials with local patients taking part that have led to national vaccination programmes being rolled out. The work the team can have a direct impact on national healthcare policy.
Led by Dr Irvine and Research Manager Charlie Martin, the team is passionate about making sure everyone in our area can benefit from the latest medical advances, regardless of where they live or their background.
Research That Comes to You
Traditionally, clinical trials have been hospital based, making them difficult to access for many people. As a Research Delivery Centre, we’re changing that. We bring research into familiar, trusted community settings: your own GP surgery.
This approach is particularly important for people in rural areas, those with caring responsibilities, or anyone who finds hospital visits challenging.
Our dedicated research team works across all three practices in the Alliance. Supported by GPs who lead individual studies, we’re here to make research feel approachable and reassuring, not intimidating.
We partner with the Regional Research Delivery Network and National Institute for Health and Care Research to offer a wide range of studies covering different health conditions, all delivered locally.
If you’re interested in learning more about clinical trials or how you might get involved, please speak to your GP or contact our research team via their website:
www.brecklandallianceresearch.co.uk
Marc Rolph, School Lane Surgery
