New medical research hub opens at Haslingden surgery

Hazelvalley Family Practice in Manchester Road, Haslingden, has introduced a fully-equipped Research Hub thanks to £15,000 of funding from the National Institute of Health Research.

It was opened by Patient Participation Group chair at Hazelvalley, Michael Cruise, and already the room has been used to help Oxford and Nottingham universities and Nuffield Health gain data for studies into flu, respiratory infections, blood pressure, bowel problems and asthma.

Dr Abdul Mannan, who is also a clinical director of Rossendale Primary Care Network, said: “We are now one of the top 20 places being used by recruiters for research projects and hundreds of our patients are involved – they are helping to shape the healthcare of the future.

Inside the new research hub (Image: Catherine Smyth) “This is the first of its kind in Rossendale, but we hope that other practices may also introduce their own research hubs.

"When not in use, the room can still be used for clinical practice.

“One machine detects the latest strains of viruses that people might be infected with.

"A room such as this was how a practice in Yorkshire detected a new strain of swine flu that had never been seen before.

"They were able to isolate it, treat it and stop anyone else being infected.

“It is important for public health and the UK Genome Project - a British initiative to sequence and study the role our genes play in health and disease.

Michael Cruise does the honours at the official opening (Image: Catherine Smyth)

“By understanding what strain of virus is affecting someone we are able to quickly contain it and zap it.”

The hub has a centrifuge which is used to separate different components in blood samples which are then used in some of the studies; before the room was opened any additional testing had to be sent away.

There are now multiple strains of several respiratory viruses and these can be detected much more easily because of the new equipment.

Dr Mannan added: “There are hubs in Accrington, Burnley and Pendle and they are all linking together.

"Our designated research facility is also available for other practices to use.

“This facility means Rossendale, as a locality, is now more on the map when organisations are carrying out research that reflects the local population's needs.

“This presents a real opportunity for us to become a research hub.”