BASINGSTTOKE — A £1.025 million research hub set to open at Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital will revolutionise clinical trials and cut the wait for new treatments across Hampshire.
Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust confirmed the facility, co-funded through a successful grant application to the National Institute for Health and Care Research, will accelerate access to experimental therapies for the trust’s 600,000-strong patient base. Construction begins this summer following detailed planning and patient consultation.
Key Points
- ✅ £1.025m NIHR grant funds Hampshire’s first dedicated clinical research hub
- ⚡ Facility to boost participation in complex trials and new treatments
- 💡 Modular design speeds construction, targets completion within 18 months
Dr. Ruth Williamson, the trust’s chief medical officer, said the hub would transform patient care by streamlining research workflows and improving study experiences. “Having dedicated space for clinical research makes it easier for patients to enrol and stay engaged,” she said. “It also allows our teams to focus entirely on delivering high-quality care while advancing treatments.”
The facility will be built using modern modular construction, cutting build times and disruption. Hampshire Hospitals will now enter a phase of detailed planning with patients, staff and research partners before groundbreaking begins.
📋 By The Numbers
- 600,000 — Population served by Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- 8,600 — Staff employed across Basingstoke, Winchester, and Andover hospitals
- 18 months — Targeted completion time for the research hub
Natasha Chigbo, associate director of research and development, said the hub would attract higher-tier clinical trials and support more innovative studies. “This is a strategic investment in our research capacity,” she said. “It ensures we can meet the evolving needs of patients and staff for years to come.”
💡 Pro Tip
Patients interested in participating in clinical trials should monitor the trust’s website and attend upcoming engagement events to learn about upcoming studies and eligibility.
The new hub aligns with Hampshire Hospitals’ broader strategy to embed research and innovation at the heart of patient care. It will serve as a regional centre for trials across multiple specialties, from oncology to neurology.
| Facility Feature | Current Capacity | Future Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Dedicated research clinic rooms | Limited shared space | 12 purpose-built rooms with 24/7 access |
| Staff allocation | Part-time research roles | Full-time dedicated clinical research team |
| Trial complexity | Basic studies only | Phase II–IV trials and experimental therapies |
This development follows Hampshire Hospitals’ commitment to expand clinical research infrastructure, with plans to increase trial participation by 40% over the next three years. The trust operates three major hospitals—Basingstoke, Winchester, and Andover—supporting a diverse rural and urban population.
- 📊 The hub is expected to increase trial recruitment by 40% within three years
- 🔍 Modular construction reduces build time by up to 30% compared to traditional methods
- ⚠️ Patient engagement events will begin next month to gather input on study design and facilities
For now, the trust is finalising site plans and scheduling community briefings. Once open, the hub will operate as a regional research node, connecting with academic and NHS partners across southern England.
- Summer 2024 — Groundbreaking begins after community consultation
- Winter 2024 — Modular units installed and fitted out
- Autumn 2025 — Facility opens to patients and research teams
- 2026 — First wave of advanced clinical trials launches
The £1.025 million investment marks Hampshire’s most ambitious research infrastructure project in a decade, positioning the region as a leader in clinical innovation within the NHS.
