The Royal Free London has been awarded almost £700,000 from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) to upgrade and expand research facilities across the trust.

The money will be used to fund a clinical trials pharmacy at Chase Farm Hospital for oral and IV drug studies, for a new radiotherapy machine that will be used for research, the location of which is to be confirmed, and for a new type of imaging system known as electrical impedance tomography which will be located at the Royal Free Hospital.

The total amount from the NIHR is £686,546 and it will be spent between now and March 2027.Lucy Parker, interim director of research and development, said: “I’m delighted we have been awarded this money from the NIHR. It will be used to fund some incredibly exciting new projects which will allow us to expand our research capabilities.

Derralyn Hughes, clinical director for research and innovation, added: “I’m so pleased to have received this NIHR funding. This will make a crucial difference to our research portfolio allowing us to expand clinical trials in a number of areas.”

The NIHR has awarded £30m to a total of 36 NHS organisations in England to pay for new medical equipment and technology. 

Research is a key part of the Royal Free London’s new clinical strategy, which you can learn more about here.