Clinical research at Oxford University Hospitals increased last year making it one of the highest recruiting Trusts in England.
According to a new league table of research supported by National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network, OUH recruited 16,368 patients in 321 studies last year.
That is an increase from 11,550 patients in 283 studies in 2011-12, and makes OUH the second-highest recruiting Trust of patients to CRN-supported studies nationally.
Research is a vital part of the work of the NHS, pioneering new treatments and services for patients.
Overall, the total number of active studies at Oxford University Hospitals in 2012/13 was 1,224, up from 1042 in 2011/12. The total number of trials at the Trust has more than doubled in five years.
The Trust’s Research and Development director Professor Keith Channon said: “Research plays a vital role in pioneering new treatments and services, and improving our existing methods.
“Here in Oxford we have a significant, and growing, research portfolio that covers a wide range of conditions including stroke, heart disease and cancer. Our studies are also driving forward advances in areas such as genetics and imaging.
“Much of our research is in partnership with the University of Oxford, ensuring we combine academic excellence with clinical expertise for the benefit of our patients.”
Dr Jonathan Sheffield, chief executive of the National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network, said: “I would like to congratulate the Trust in Oxfordshire for increasing the number of studies they do locally, and helping to bring research opportunities to patients.”