Clinical research van reaching rural communities

A specially-designed van is visiting rural parts of Cornwall to make it easier for people in "underserved and remote" areas to take part in clinical research.

The Mobile Research Unit (MRU) is part of a pilot project exploring how bespoke vehicles can improve clinical trial accessibility and efficiency.

The unit is part of a clinical trial called NOVA 301 investigating the safety and effectiveness of a vaccine for norovirus. The Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust (RCHT) is one of 39 trusts in the country taking part.

Bianca Mills, head of research and development at RCHT, said the MRU was a "transformative step in overcoming geographical barriers to clinical research in Cornwall".

She said it was "a vital step towards reducing health inequalities, improving patient outcomes and positioning Cornwall as a leader in accessible, community-driven research."

The trial has recruited about 3,000 participants nationally, with 30 of those from Cornwall.

The MRU is going to visit areas including Penzance and Hayle, where research participation has historically been low.

The van features a "high-quality clinical space" with an "ultra-low temperature freezer to store biological samples".

The project is a collaboration between the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), the UK Vaccine Innovation Pathway, pharmaceutical company Moderna and EMS Healthcare.

Professor Andrew Ustianowski, interim executive director at the NIHR Research Delivery Network, said: "The team at RCHT has a strong track record of delivering commercial research and ensuring that local populations have opportunities to participate.

"We look forward to seeing how this pilot, which includes mobile units in Cornwall and Blackpool, improves the participant experience and expands access to research."

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