Royal Berkshire becomes first NHS to receive full GCSA certification due to ‘world-class’ research

Research at Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust has been recognised as ‘world-class’ after becoming the first NHS trust to receive full GCSA certification.

GCSA (Global Clinical Site Accreditation) is the global quality standard for clinical research sites. Awarded by the International Accrediting Organisation for Clinical Research, the certification measures a variety of areas including patient engagement, governance, workforce, and strategy.

Accredited organisations are recognised as world-leading in terms of providing innovative new treatment opportunities for patients, carrying out research safely, and providing good opportunities for commercial clinical research.

Following an assessment of Royal Berkshire Hospital’s research department, the GCSA team in particular praised the trust’s positive work environment and focus on innovation and training of staff.

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust currently runs more than 200 research studies per year. Our commercial research partnerships help generate revenue for the trust, and lead to pioneering clinical innovations for the benefit of patients in the UK and worldwide.

Janet Lippett, Chief Medical Officer for the trust, said: “As an organisation, we have been involved in the development of the international GCSA scheme so it is fantastic for us to receive the first full certification of any NHS trust.”

“It is testament to the hard work, dedication and incredible creativity of our Research and Innovation department that we are able to punch above our weight as an organisation. Through our Health Innovation Partnership with the University of Reading and commercial partners, we are able to produce outstanding research that benefits not only our patients and staff, but people worldwide.”