Overview
The Clinical Research Unit (CRU) is a dedicated area within the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre (BWoSCC) established look after patients taking part in early clinical trials. All phase I, most phase II and selected phase III trials at the BOC (depending on intensity) are run through the CRU.
The CRU aims to centralise the care of patients in early anti-cancer trials, to ensure that the intensive demands of these trials are efficiently met from both a patient care perspective and also with regard to trial organisation and data collection.
The CRU works closely with the Cancer Research UK Beatson Laboratories, in particular via the translational research programmes of the University of Glasgow's Centre for Oncology and Applied Pharmacology.
The CRU functions as an out-patient and day patient department, open from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. If an overnight stay is required a bed will be made available in one of the wards. All study appointments are in the CRU and patients will see the same doctor and nurse at most visits.
Staff
Nursing
There are eight research nurses based in the CRU, who are all experienced oncology nurses with a sound educational background and high level of clinical expertise. The Clinical Nurse Specialist is responsible for the direction and support of the research nurses and also has a clinical and teaching role.
CRU Office Administartor
This is a full time clerical and secretarial position bases in the CRU to ensure efficient collection and maintenance of patient case notes and a quick turn around for letters to GPs, referring clinicians etc after each episode of patient care.
Medical Staff
There are various consultant medical staff involved with the CRU, mainly from Medical Oncology but also from Clinical Oncology and from palliative care. Most of the clinical trials are run predominantly by a specific SpR with the consultant in a supportive role for advice and consultation when required.
Covid 19
In light of COVID, visits to CRU are currently restricted to patients and necessary NHS staff. The following video has been created in lieu of a tour. Any questions not covered by the video can be addressed to the trials teams in the usual manner.
